[pct-l] Re: "Delicate Princess Foot Syndrome"

[dianalindsay at hotmail.com (Diana Lindsay)]

I strongly disagree about insoles/orthotics for shoes if you have flat feet.
I've tried them twice with dire consequences. The last time was my most
recent hike for 10-days along the AT. The outfitter insisted I needed custom
super feet for support. The same outfitter conferring with other employees
insisted I needed a shoe size 1/2 smaller than I requested (I normally run
in a shoe 2 sizes larger than my regular shoe size because I have big toes
and my feet swell when I run). I paid dearly for not insisting that I knew
better. In the first couple of days I really thought I would have to give up
the trip -- I had blisters along the arches where the orthotics were forcing
an arch that I don't have and the smaller shoes size had turned my small toe
nail black. Solution -- threw out the orthodics and the inner sole which got
rid of the pressure on the arch and gave me a little more room to make up
for the 1/2 size that wasn't there. And my feet slowly healed enough and I
could continue the trip. Am now dealing with the black toe and still don't
have some feeling in a few other toes. Moral -- don't let "experts" talk you
into something when you know your own feet! -- Swifty

-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces@mailman.backcountry.net
[mailto:pct-l-bounces@mailman.backcountry.net] On Behalf Of John Vonhof
Sent: Friday, September 23, 2005 9:11 PM
To: PCT list
Subject: [pct-l] Re: "Delicate Princess Foot Syndrome"

Some of you may recall a thread of several weeks ago that dealt with
Maggie's problem with her "Delicate Princess Foot Syndrome." I cut and
pasted all the emails into a document so I could read them on a recent trip.
There were a lot of very good and thoughtful comments and suggestions. Here
are my observations:

> Maggie wrote: I have been backpacking for 6 years now. The longest I have
been
on the trail is all of 4 days. I have yet to make it thru a trip without
mangling my feet. 

1.  Nowhere was any mention made of socks. The thickness of socks, whether
they are too  thick for the shoes/boots, or too thin plays a role in how out
footwear fits.
2.  Custom insoles/orthotics are a great suggestion and one I endorse.
3.  I'd also suggest a gait analysis and foot evaluation by a sports
podiatrist.
4.  A good suggestion was made to try different lacing techniques.
5.  If there are problems with blisters on the heels, try different insoles,
being careful to watch for how they might change the fit. Some insole
coverings are better than others.
6.  Ergo patches (http://www.goengo.com) can be tried to reduce friction on
heels and the sides of the foot. These patches go on the shoe or insole, not
on your skin.
7.  If using a lubricant, try changing to powders. Some people's skin get to
soft and sensitive. Zeasorb is a great powder.
8.  As someone suggested, toe socks (http://www.injinji.com) are great for
folks prone to toe blisters or with overlapping toes.
9.  Custom made shoes may also be worth having made. Someone suggested
http://www.randymerrell.com. Another source that has been around for years
is the Hersey Custom Shoe Company, http://www.herseycustomshoe.com/. They
even have hiking shoes.

Lots on input was given and there should be enough content to find a few
ideas that will help. So, good luck Maggie!

John Vonhof
Fixing Your Feet Ezine at: http://www.vonhof.typepad.com/fixingyourfeet
Happy Feet blog: http://www.vonhof.typepad.com/happy_feet/
http://www.footworkpub.com
Fixing Your Feet: Prevention and Treatments for Athletes, 3rd edition






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