Orthotics, Take Two

Six weeks ago I got custom orthotics to help with my foot issues, particularly hallux rigidus. Here's the rundown on how that initial break-in period went.

Diamonds on the Soles of Her Orthotics

I now have custom orthotics and I have high hopes for them. They were not cheap. For the price, you might expect a little platinum plating or gemstone sparkle, but they are just polypropylene and graphite. But they will be worth their weight in gold if they keep my hallux ridigus from progressing!

Hallux Rigidus: Some Answers

I had my two week post-hallux rigidus diagnosis follow-up appointment today. I got answers to some of the questions I posed on Tuesday and a secondary diagnosis.

I'm using Tuesday's post as the framework for today's post, inserting answers and updates into the original text with red italics.

Hallux Rigidus: So Many Questions

It has been two weeks since I was diagnosed with hallux rigidus in my right big toe. At the time, my focus was on whether I could still run. I now realize my focus should be much broader than that.

I have a follow-up appointment with my podiatrist in two days and I have so many questions about what this diagnosis means on a broader scale.

What is Hallux Rigidus & What Can I Do?

X-ray of my right foot, top view

• What is hallux rigidus? 

• What can I do about it? 

• How will it impact my life? 

• Let me tell you everything I've learned so far...

Conquering Neuromas

Three weeks ago I was diagnosed with neuromas in my feet. It manifests as numbness in both feet after I've run a couple of miles. I've been working my way through my doctor's recommendations with mixed results. Today I finally begin to see the light at the end of tunnel. What have I tried?

KT Tape for Neuromas
Yes, there's an app(lication) for that. KT Tape has helped me through a couple of injuries, so I thought I would try it out for my neuromas. It didn't really make a difference - it didn't make it worse, it didn't make it better. But it was fun to try!

Metatarsal Pads & Superfeet
The metatarsal pads were similar to the KT Tape - didn't make it worse, didn't make it better. I may still experiment with them a couple more times to be sure, but they just didn't seem to make a difference.

The Superfeet have been great. I don't know how much of a difference they are making for my neuromas, but I can tell that they are impacting my running form in a positive way and giving me good support overall. I've starting wearing them in my regular shoes, too. My new motto is, "don't leave home without them!"

L to R: Superfeet for dress flats, Berry Superfeet.
Berry Superfeet with Metatarsal Pad

LockLaces & Alternate Lacing
Using LockLaces has been very helpful for creating more space for my toes, and they are quickly adjusted on the run if I find they are too tight.

I tried a couple of different lacing patterns to add some more space to my shoes. It helped a bit, but not enough. It signaled that adding some space was a step in the right direction, though...

extra space from skipping one eyelet helped
a little bit...

extra space from skipping multiple eyelets
helped even more
(Rhett loves those lock laces!)

Wider Shoes
This was the first suggestion my doctor had. And something Coach Shannon has been gently suggesting to me for a while. I don't know why I've been so resistant to buying wider shoes. But I finally did it. I stayed with the Saucony Guides that have been working well for my pronation. I bought a size 6 wide. My regular (non-running) shoes are a size 5. I've had to work my way up to this - first a size 5-1/2 (back in March), then a size 6 (July), and finally the 6 wide. The good news is that I have run twice with my new wider shoes, and so far have had no numbness. Let's hope this is the solution!

Size 6 Wide