So I have been having problems with metatarsalgia etc. (outlined in this forum post: http://barefootrunners.org/forum-topic/self-diagnosed-metatarsalgia-pain-mortons-toe )
I went to a barefoot-friendly podiatrist and I have been prescribed some orthotics. I picked them up today and the assistant helped check the fit. I asked "any idea how long I'll have to wear these?" and she gave me a funny look and said "Long term- like for years maybe" and I thought I was going to cry.
The doctor did give me the impression that it will take a "few years" to be barefoot-running ready again, but I don't know if I can stand wearing these. Orthotics go against everything i believe in - from the complete lack of ground feel to the obnoxious effect on shoe fit- but I DO have bad posture, a bad gait and weak ankles, even after 8+ years of wearing minimalist shoes and 2 years of barefoot running. And now I have severe pain, so I agreed to trying these orthotics.
I'm thinking I will wear them until the metatarsalgia subsides (hopefully) then go back to my regular every day footwear, using the orthotics only to run... I also have a bfr friendly physical therapy appointment coming up and a follow up appointment with the bfr friendly podiatrist.
I guess my question here is: has ANYONE used orthotics to treat an issue and then gone back to regular minimal/bf walking and running? These things are a crutch and I don't want to be on crutches for the rest of my life.
Right about now I am wallowing in self-pity a bit. I hate my skeleton! lol.
I went to a barefoot-friendly podiatrist and I have been prescribed some orthotics. I picked them up today and the assistant helped check the fit. I asked "any idea how long I'll have to wear these?" and she gave me a funny look and said "Long term- like for years maybe" and I thought I was going to cry.
The doctor did give me the impression that it will take a "few years" to be barefoot-running ready again, but I don't know if I can stand wearing these. Orthotics go against everything i believe in - from the complete lack of ground feel to the obnoxious effect on shoe fit- but I DO have bad posture, a bad gait and weak ankles, even after 8+ years of wearing minimalist shoes and 2 years of barefoot running. And now I have severe pain, so I agreed to trying these orthotics.
I'm thinking I will wear them until the metatarsalgia subsides (hopefully) then go back to my regular every day footwear, using the orthotics only to run... I also have a bfr friendly physical therapy appointment coming up and a follow up appointment with the bfr friendly podiatrist.
I guess my question here is: has ANYONE used orthotics to treat an issue and then gone back to regular minimal/bf walking and running? These things are a crutch and I don't want to be on crutches for the rest of my life.
Right about now I am wallowing in self-pity a bit. I hate my skeleton! lol.