[pct-l] Foot problems

[johnvonhof@attbi.com (John Vonhof)]

This is a multi-part message in MIME format.
--
[ Picked text/plain from multipart/alternative ]
Linda asked,

>> I have a problem in both feet with numbness, tingling and pain (like bru=
ised), that is not going away. I have a more serious problem in my left foo=
t. The last 3 toes on my left foot have lost their ability to move laterall=
y. I am unable to make them separate from each other. I can move them up an=
d down. I went to a podiatrist who isn't used to through-hikers.....  And, =
I will go to a neurologist....

Sorry I missed your email. I do monitor the emails sent to the list. I read=
 your post and all those responding to your questions. My feet hurt after r=
eading your post. I suspect there were several things going on, all which b=
uilt on each other to make the problems worse.
1)  I would guess that your shoes/boots may have been too tight and restric=
tive in the forefoot which resulted in pinched metatarsal heads along with =
the nerves that run between them. Often this is accompanied with tingling a=
nd numbness in the toes--most common in the third and fourth toes.
2)  The insole may not have been as supportive as your feet required, resul=
ting in a plantar fasciitis problem.
3)  Your gait was changed by placing the weight on the lateral foot which r=
esulted in hip imbalances.
4)  The long days on your feet without any proper fitting shoes/boots made =
the condition worse--to the point it seem permanent.

In time these should clear up. In the mean time, if you can find a sports m=
ed podiatrist, go there. A sports massage that focuses on the feet may help=
 too. Get those joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments opened up. The neuro=
logist could be helpful in giving a very educated opinion, but again, one t=
hat knows sports med is best. I don't know what you are wearing now, but su=
ggest a pair of good fitting shoes that provide the support your feet need.=
 That means getting a quality fit from someone that knows how--not the teen=
ager working at your local Big 5 sporting goods store. Go to a quality hiki=
ng or running store. Maybe a good walking shoe. If you are required to wear=
 a non-walking type shoe for a job, shop around for the best type that supp=
orts and is comfortable. I covered the topic of fit in my e-zine a few mont=
hs ago. If you missed it, let me know.
Here is some text from my book about Transient Parasthesia: Transient paras=
thesia is a temporary nerve-compression that can be caused by a gradual bui=
ldup of fluids in your feet during extended on-your-feet activity. As the f=
eet swell and blood flow decreases, nerves become compressed. During the co=
mpression, the nerves do not receive the oxygen-rich blood they need, resul=
ting in numbness and/or tingling. Tight shoes and/or tightly laced shoes co=
ntribute to the problem. Shoes with poor cushioning, coupled with a heavy, =
pounding gait can also may be a factor. If the problem continues after your=
 activity has stopped, consider changing to more cushioned shoes, and chang=
ing insoles and arch supports. There may be some lymph system breakdown in =
the foot caused by micro-trauma. If the problem persist, consult a sports s=
pecialist.

John Vonhof
johnvonhof@attbi.com
Fixing Your Feet: Prevention and Treatments for Athletes; Second Edition
www.footworkpub.com
Free Monthly "Fixing Your Feet Ezine" at
FixingYourFeetEzine-subscribe@yahoogroups.com