Doomed to orthotics? - Foot Problems Message Board

katef · 02-12-2003, 06:44 PM

I've been having pain in the ball of my foot for a year. I've been going to a podiatrist for almost that long. He's called my problem: arthritis in the big toe, capsulitis, neuroma. I've had several cortisone shots, generic orthotics and finally custom orthotics. I'm supposed to wear them all the time and not wear sandals, open back shoes or heels higher than an inch. I'm 54 and quite active, walking at least 10 miles a week.
I've decided that the next time my problem flares up, it's time for a new podiatrist.
Is there anyone who's had the same problem and what was your outcome?

usetobepopular · 02-14-2003, 01:17 AM

it just doesn't make sense i'm under 16 and i'm having foot problems that 50 year old people get

. life sucks, i don't see the point of living if i can't do the sports i use to do 4 hours + each day. my problem is also near the ball of my foot. i have an ankle inflammation problem that never goes away, its been 8 months now and i still can't play the sports i love. my whole life was practically sports and now i can't do ****. anyways, ankle inflammation is my problem :/ i hate it

Fuchsia_Lay · 02-14-2003, 11:52 AM

I have basically been told the good lord blessed me with a bad pair of feet. Have had a joint replacement and neuroma surgery. Am experimenting with different
padding to see what works & doesn't before custom orthotics are made. Looks like a lifetime of shoe inserts for me also. Will always be living with some pain.

Merrida · 02-16-2003, 12:07 PM

I really don't understand why anyone would feel so "doomed" to living with orthotics. Sheesh, what's the big deal? They're inserts in your shoes, and you replace them every 1-2 years.

You have feet that you can walk on, you have a form of relief. You go to the dentist every 6 months, you take a shower every day, you get your hair cut. These are all "maintenance" rituals we do to take care of ourselves.

Imagine not having the luxury of orthotics being the only thing you have to gripe about. Imagine repeat surgeries? How about spinal surgery, or paralysis, or not being able to walk or stand, never mind run and play sports.

I think sometimes we lose perspective about the "woes" life has given us, and what you need to do to take care of yourself. How would you like a life of invasive procedures, repeat injections, surgeries, appliances, etc.? When you really think about it, having to wear orthotics is a minimal compromise to be mobile.

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Life isn't what happens to you -- it's how you react to it!

Thoughts don't make us who we are -- Actions do.

02-16-2003, 01:27 PM

I have Morton's neuroma in my left foot. At first I wore my orthotics all the time except in bed. It was that or really suffer. Now I can get away without them if I am not walking too far. They really make a difference in my back too. I have a job where I have to dress up and mine only fit my sneakers and not dress shoes but hey!!!! it is my foot and I don't care what people think. If your feet hurt you hurt all over and are miserable.