After reading Born to Run I picked up Ken Bob's Barefoot Running step and started my journey in Barefooting. This began last August, and since then I've been slowly increasing my distance as I find it comfortable to do so, and back off if encounter and pain or soreness. I never run more than 3 times a week, and have a pair of xero shoe huaraches for going into stores that require, or if it gets too cold in Los Angeles. For years I've been able to hear cracking sounds come from my feet at if walk barefoot; barefoot running does not seem to have made this worse. For about two weeks I've been experiencing some aching in MTP joints of my great toes, so i decided to see a podiatrist. After wiggling my toes about, he diagnosed me with Hallux Limitus and believes the cause is my low arches. His prescription is a set of orthotics. I'm hesitant to go down this path because I don't want to further weaken my feet after a lifetime of shoes. He said that physical therapy wouldn't help, and that surgery was not yet required. My feet were more flat before I started barefooting, but I don't want damage my toe joints any further. I'm in the market for a second opinion, but I have yet to call my GP. I'd rather not end my barefoot journey after just getting my toes wet. My questions are:
1: Is is possible to slow/stop the progression from Hallux Limitus to Hallux Rigidus and still maintain a barefoot lifestyle?
2: Is there a specific type of therapy I could look into or ask my doctor about that might help with question 1?
3: Anybody know a barefoot friendly doctor, podiatrist, or physical therapist in Los Angeles, CA?
Thanks Docs,
happy barefooting
1: Is is possible to slow/stop the progression from Hallux Limitus to Hallux Rigidus and still maintain a barefoot lifestyle?
2: Is there a specific type of therapy I could look into or ask my doctor about that might help with question 1?
3: Anybody know a barefoot friendly doctor, podiatrist, or physical therapist in Los Angeles, CA?
Thanks Docs,
happy barefooting