Quote Originally Posted by GLC1968 View Post
I finally saw a podiatrist for my foot pain on Friday. I saw one about 6 years ago for the same pain (back then it was in both feet - now it's just my right one) and he prescribed custom orthotics. When they never really resolved the pain, I bought a road bike and stopped running/impact all together.

Fast foward 5 years: Last November I started running again in the interest of getting into tri. I hoped that if I started SLOWLY, I could get up to distance without pain. It didn't happen. The pain started about a month ago. It hurts when running in shoes and when wearing certain shoes (usually narrow flats or most anything with a heel). I was astouned that running barefoot didn't hurt at all (I'm only up to about 0.5 miles barefoot).

Turns out that I have fibular sesamoiditis caused by my shoes. My prescription? Run barefoot! Woohoo!!! (starting slowly - which I already understand)

I also have to buy only certain types of shoes (my VFF's got a big thumbs up) and I have metatarsal pads in most of them now. I also have these things called 'Correct Toes' to wear when I don't have my VFF's on. All of this should allow my toes to realign back to where they SHOULD be and the extraneous pressure on that sesmoid bone should go away (overly simplified, of course).

I really *heart* my new podiatrist for not just sticking me in some orthotics!

I've been following his advice all weekend and my legs were aching yesterday. They are so NOT used to having no heel elevation. Wow, what a difference! I can't wait until my body gets used to this....
Thank you for posting this! I just read up on Correct Toes, and will be ordering a set ASAP. I have a severe toe over/underlap issue and I think Correct Toes may just be exactly what I need to help my situation. I've had to scale back my running because no matter what running shoe I try, I get toe pain/numbing in my 4th toe on my right foot. This toe curves underneath and lies below my 3rd toe...which I think is causing a lot of friction, rubbing and general irritation. I was thrilled to find out that Correct Toes can be worn in shoes and while running! I've tried other toe-spacers in the past, and all of them eventually fall out of place after a short while. I can't wait to try out these Correct Toes! I'd be interested to hear how they work for you, too GLC. Please keep us posted on this.

Linda