That title sounds like a 3rd grade essay, LOL. :)
I felt a bit foolish going in, since it hurt a lot yesterday but has been much better today. But, he found some really interesting stuff that is completely consistent with things I've noticed or been told before.
First, my second toe's metatarsal is significantly longer than what's considered normal, which leads to odd pressure points. I've had this very bizarre callous that looks like a wart, right there on the bottom of my foot for years, and this is the culprit.
Second, my foot is freakishly flexible. I've had a massage therapist tell me this before, too. What this means is that every time I step down, my foot flattens completely like I had no arch. Then, my big toe sort of rolls up and puts even more pressure on that 2nd toe.
A side effect of the flexible foot is a less flexible Achilles tendon, which means the muscle in front of my shin has to work harder, leaving me prone to shin splints (which I don't get much, but could get worse).
He made me a temporary pseudo-orthotic out of a pad and some bandages, which already feels great. They took impressions for regular orthotics which I should be able to get next week. They're going to give me the stability that my flexible foot lacks and keep my arch intact. He mentioned papers with stretches, but we forgot that, but I'm sure I can figure that out.
It was a great visit, really educational and interesting. He was using a whiteboard to explain everything, and it was just really neat. Also, everything he said is in-line with things I've noticed or been told before, so it just seems like all the chips are falling into place.
He told me to cut back running to 50% or less until things get under control, I get used to the orthotics, etc. Sigh. But, at least it's not a full cut-back, and I can still bike and do other stuff.
One more Gold Star on my chart of Things That Make Me Feel Like a Real Runner: I've had to see a doctor for a running-related condition and be told to lay off. :-D
