Thanks Emily! Even if I were to allow them to "fix" it, it would only be a temporary fix as it would return since it's a progressive arthritic condition. Earlier surgery would help keep my cartilage longer, but we aren't talking about a "simple" cleaning out of the joint. I've had one foot (heel) osteotomy and am not about to go there again unless things get so bad that I've no choice. I had no choice in 2004 but it it isn't THAT bad yet, and hopefully won't get there.

Hopefully the custom orthotics will make it easier to find shoes that don't hurt. The recent experiment to try and find shoes for pavement walking was an eye-opener - I went through 4 pairs (thankfully REI accepts returns) and my final choice isn't perfect but wearable. Hiking and kettlebell swings are my two main choices right now for exercise and it would be bad if I had to stop either.