Arch supports in cycling shoes?

[KnottedYet]

Doctors tend to focus on the sexy medical interventions. That's just the way their minds work, and they are great for that.

PT's tend to focus on the cheap in $$/dear in hard work/do it yourself kind of interventions.

It's good to get a variety of approaches. At least with the x-rays and stuff, you now know you don't have a defect that needs big-time help (like a stress fracture or a profound bone spur) so you are now able to put your effort and interest into finding the perfect OTC insole. And if it turns out to be the Walmart insole, buy some spares for the future!

You might find that some brands or models work better for your feet on the bike, while a different one feels better running, etc. Or that as your feet get stronger you start feeling like you'd prefer a little more suport at another spot, or a little more or less cushion, or a deeper heel cup, whatever.

There are a ton of variations! Have fun with it!

(and if you want some foot exercises, let us know. We'd be happy to share!)

[teigyr]

We broke down and got OTC orthotics!

Re the foot exercises, please share! Please?

[KnottedYet]

DON'T DO ANY OF THESE IF THEY HURT OR FEEL "WRONG"!!!!

1. Fist and Splay Toes
Make a "fist" with your toes as tight as you can and hold it for 5 seconds.
Splay your toes out wide as you can and hold that for 5 seconds.
Repeat 5 times each foot.
(warning: weak or reluctant muscles in your foot might cramp in complaint. Then make looser fists and gentler splays until they're stronger.)

2. Toe Wave
Make a "fist" one toe at a time, starting with the pinky toe. Open the fist one toe at a time starting with the pinky toe.
Repeat 5 times each foot.
Make a fist starting with the big toe. Open it starting with the big toe.
Repeat 5 times each foot.
(warning: this is almost impossible to do, but it will perk up your foot muscles and make your friends and loved ones laugh... until they try to do it!)

3. Heel Stand/Toe Stand
Hold to a kitchen counter for balance. Slowly take 5 seconds to rise up onto your toes and lower back down.
Repeat 5 times
Holding the kitchen counter, slowly take 5 seconds pull your forefeet up until you are standing on your heels only and lower back down.
Repeat 5 times.

4. Single Leg Balance
Hold onto a kitchen counter for balance. Stand on one leg. Use your core musles to hold your lower belly flat. Squeeze your buns. Unlock your knee. Feel your pinky toes doing their share of the work. (don't let your big toes and heels do all the work) Balance until you start to get tired. Rest and switch to the other side.
Repeat 5 times.