[at-l] Foot problems

[daveh at psknet.com (Dave Hicks)]

I, also, think that the best I ever did for my feet, ankles, knees, hips,
and lower back was get a pair of custom-made orthotics prescribed by a
Sports Medicine / Orthopedic Surgeon and made by a very good local orthotics
technician -- who also does some work with college athletes.

Earlier, I had a very bad experience with another set of  custom-made
orthotics.  They were the newer style molded harder plastic type with a foam
lining.  They killed my feet.

According to what I think I understand, the newer style molded harder
plastic type don't flex enough for "active" folk.  Also, my "good" orthotics
have a [I think the term is "sheer reduction"] lining which lets the sock
slide some, rather than hold tight to the orthotics.  If you sock grips the
insole/orthotic and your foot grips the sock [when hiking], all the stress
is put on the skin next to the sock -- resulting in blisters.  That is the
reason behind slick liner socks and talc -- most of the movement occurs
between the two socks and your skin slips along the liner -- reducing the
stress between the layers of skin, or skin and flesh.

So, I'll repeat advice I have given before, related to injuries.  Go to a
true Sports Medicine / Orthopedic Surgeon; not someone who deals with
primarily older / sedate folk.  What one needs to "just get around" is not
what you need to get down the trail.

Chainsaw

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Kelly Whitman" <kellyswhitman@hotmail.com>
To: <at-l@backcountry.net>
Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2003 1:04 AM
Subject: Re: [at-l] Foot problems


Best thing I ever did for my feet, hips, and lower back was get a pair of
custom-made orthotics via a physical therapist. Podiatric surgeons make
quality ones as well.  When I started teaching aerobics I thought I wouldn't
be able to because of shin splints and hip and low back pain.  That was all
"cured" by orthotics.  I won't (can't!) hike without them.

The balls of my feet hurt like that when I wear heels (which I don't do
often, 'cause I know better than to do that to my body, and 'cause I'm six
feet tall in my bare feet, anyway).  I know you're not wearing strappy
sandals on the trail ;) but how much of a heel is on what you're wearing?
Even athletic shoes have varying amounts of "heel," you might need something
just a tad lower that what you have.

Kelly Whitman
INTP
-----------
"There ARE no other women like me."  -- 7 of 9

>very rocky. Really did some damage to my feet. Problem is mainly on the
>balls of my feet. No matter what I do I seem to get blisters and extreme
>soreness there. Any suggestions out there?

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