Hi everyone! I'm Linda, I am 19, and I have flat feet :( My mom has always noticed their flatness and I went to a podiatrist almost a year ago and got orthodic inserts. My left foot is worse, and I have bunions going on on both of my big toes. Also, my pinky toes curl under and it looks freaky (you can't see my pinky toe nail when I am barefoot....). Lately, my right big toe has been hurting (uh oh). The biggest problem I have is the fact that NO ONE except other people with foot problems understand how painful it is! I wish I could just go running but it hurts so badly. I seriously think my foot problems are the reason I can't lose weight and have remained the same size for the last three years. What are some things you guys do to ease the pain, and what are some good exercises (besides bike riding and the elliptical, the elliptical machine is my hero!) that I can do? I used to go on really long speed walks (4 miles +) but I haven't done that in awhile and I am so afraid my feet will start hurting again. Right now I can only go for about 10 minutes on the treadmill and then the pain sets in.

Also, my mom doesn't have flat feet but she has the same pinky toe problems that I do as well as bunions. She is having foot surgery this June on her left foot, and is getting her pinky toe bone taken out and her bunion shaved off. She thinks I'll need foot surgery soon. Do you have any tips for my mom? Advice?

My best advice is read these boards.....they are full of great information. I have rowing machine that gives me a great workout without any impact on my feet...I have different problems than you but if you have access to one check it out. I surely hope you will be there for your mom, she will need all the help she can get. Make sure she stays off her foot as much as possible and keeps it elevated. The DR's never tell you how bad it can really be...that doesnt mean she will have a hard recovery...I dont mean to scare you...they are just kinda of casual about it and rest is very important. Read the boards...I am sure you will get some great advice and tips.

Swimming is a great exercise! I love lap swimming but sometimes the flow of water would press against my poor sore toes -- I figured out if I tape it to the next toe it gives it a little more support and it doesn't bother me as much. If you can't swim, look into water aerobics. I've done that in the past and it's fun - 'water walking' too! :bouncing:

Actually, I haven't been swimming in a while... I need to do that! I can't do much else right now! (Big toe fusion: 7 weeks post-op)

Take care! And dlh is right -- read the boards and post away! There are LOTS of people here who know what you're going through.

~Heather

Even with the orthotic insert, buying high quality shoes is important.

Swimming, cycling are real good. rowing may be a problem if includes your lower legs. Another activity is weight lifting. I'm not a big fan of body building, but lifting light weights and high repetitions can build and tone muscle. Muslce burns calories in your sleep.

Best wishes to you and your mom.

I will definately be there for my mom :) She's already depending on me, lol.

I can't swim, but I will definately try a rowing machine, I haven't been able to figure them out in the past (I think the one I was using was broken).

I should mention too that I have very high quality shoes that were purchased at a place that watches you run in tons of shoes and finds the best fit, mine are Brooks, and I had my orthodics with me at the fitting.

...rowing machine, I haven't been able to figure them out in the past LOL I haven't been able to figure out the eliptical machines. Just goes to show us that we each need to find our own niche.

Brooks Beasts for me. :)

have you tried an elliptical machine. I can't do a lot of high impact running because of past foot surgery. I have found elliptical trainers quite challenging and definitely gets my heart pumping.. just a suggestion.