Considering starting the trail this year or next

[Dholmblad]

I have been considering and preparing to re-attempt a thru-hike ever since 2007. In 2007 I attempted and got just outside of front royal. I had to stop because I was doing too many miles in too short of a time and my already 'bad' knees didn't want to do anymore. I was 19 at the time, and now I am 27. Well ever since I got off the trail, like many others I've always had this desire to return. Finish what I'd started, get a chance to live that life again. I don't have any kids, wife, mortgage. Just finished paying off my student loans. So now is as good a time as any. But the problem is I have been dealing with a nagging foot issue. I haven't seen a doctor about it yet, stopped wearing some exercise shoes that I thought might be the culprit.

Anyways, I don't have a real question besides has anyone else dealt with foot/knee problems on the trail? I feel as if starting it with pain, will only cause the issue to get exacerbated. This probably isn't the year for me to start the trail, as I should wait until my body is ready. Logistically from a future planning perspective it might be better than next year.

[Dholmblad]

The only thing stopping me from starting this month is my foot. I have all my financials in check. Have no problem quitting my job. etc

[Spirit Walker]

Could be the shoes, but it could be something more long term like plantar fasciitis or a neuroma. You didn't give any symptoms besides pain. What exactly hurts? Have you worked to strengthen your knees?

[Dholmblad]

Yeah Im not really looking for diagnosis over the internet. I just scheduled an appointment with a doctor.

Thats the other hurdle. I have had 4 knee surgeries on my right knee. Been working very hard over the last 2 years to get the strength up, as it was very atrophied after the last. But I can certainly tell my feet are not used to the beating they might get on the trail. As I don't run at all. But I do a lot of squatting & lateral stengthing.

Anyways, not sure what Im looking for here. Just thought I'd share my 'struggle' with decisions.

[evyck da fleet]

Yes, I had a foot/leg issue from doing too many miles too early. Fortunately, I was within shuttle distance of Damascus for Trail Days and had a doctor look at it. In my case it started at the bottom of my foot and worked its way to my shin and caused a limp. It turned out to be nothing more than a knot behind my shin that required rest. The doctor also showed me show exercises I could do to keep it loose if it began to act up. I imagine if I had kept hiking it would have continued to get worse and not better. So I would suggest going to the doctor. It might be something simple that can be easily treated to get you on the trail this year.

[MuddyWaters]

I feel as if starting it with pain, will only cause the issue to get exacerbated. This probably isn't the year for me to start the trail, as I should wait until my body is ready. Logistically from a future planning perspective it might be better than next year.

pretty sound thinking, good luck.

[Dholmblad]

Found out I have sesamoiditis which is an irritation of some bone in the foot. Hopefully custom orthotics will remedy this.

[Wülfgang]

You can have the sesamoidectomy for definitive treatment. I would. I'm a medical provider. But give orthotics a try.

I agree you should not start the trail---or any trail---with a nagging pain issue.

[Dholmblad]

Yeah I went to an orthopedic doctor today and was diagnosed with that. He suggested orthotics and stretching of calf as the one on that leg is really tight.

[glenlawson]

Would you be disappointed with section hiking? Could you pick sections that aren't especially rocky and spend a couple of weeks hiking there?

I know it isn't as glamorous to take a couple of weeks off for hiking then come back to work, but it sounds like your feet may not stand up to months on the trail.

What about a change of scenery? Have you thought about the Florida Trail?

[Dholmblad]

Would you be disappointed with section hiking? Could you pick sections that aren't especially rocky and spend a couple of weeks hiking there?

I know it isn't as glamorous to take a couple of weeks off for hiking then come back to work, but it sounds like your feet may not stand up to months on the trail.

What about a change of scenery? Have you thought about the Florida Trail?

I would like to attempt a thru hike. If I do a much slower pace than I had done in 07 it should be possible.

If its just something by body cant handle anymore. Section hiking is how I will finish it off!

[spearmint6989]

I am having some of the same issues with my feet...plus i injured my ankle a few months ago and never got it taken care of....i am going to see a dr and work hard to get them ready for the trail next year though!!!

[spearmint6989]

I am having some of the same issues with my feet...plus i injured my ankle a few months ago and never got it taken care of....i am going to see a dr and work hard to get them ready for the trail next year though!!!

My dad and I both have flat feet and he doesn't think my feet can physically take it and that i'd have to section hike it.....I really want to thru hike....i think i need all of that time away....i just don't want my feet to destroy my dream!!!

[Dholmblad]

Get some orthotics, my mother who has flat feel says they help a lot.