An ounce of prevention...

[Donna Sch]

I've been trying to increase my walking mileage lately as I start the VDLP in June. I noticed a little tenderness on the top of my left foot which I wondered about. Not what I would call pain or even discomfort just an awareness of that area. And I noticed it in certain shoes.
So I took myself off to the podiatrist to get an assessment. Now I have a weird walk. It's really bouncy and it has always been that way. Over the years on night shift, people have known I was coming down the hallway just from the sound of my walk. It's that distinct.
And the lovely Sophia checked out my runners, shook her head because I have two very different wear patterns on each feet, popped me on the treadmill to analyse my gait and found that I lift my left heel very high when I put my foot down so my poor midfoot gets squished. Which means that my lovely super comfy barefoot runners are not for walking long distances because they don't stop the squish because of the lack of support whereas my hiking shoes are stiffer and stop the worst of the compression.
So I have a couple of heel lifts in my shoes now. And I have to do calf stretches.
But at least I know now before my midfoot gets completely inflamed.

 

[Al the optimist]

Look on the bright side. Better to find out now than later. Who knows the discovery may be a life changer in it's own way. Maybe your story will encourage others to rectify issues. Buen Camiino.

 

[CaminoDebrita]

I have also had my gait and feet analyzed, but it's been a few years. I know that my backbone's connected to my hip bone, and so on down the line. I have to keep weight down and my midsection strong to avoid back problems, which in turn, affect my feet. Thanks for your post and reminder that we are all unique.

 

[Donna Sch]

At least it makes the packing list easier! The Merrells now have been demoted to 'maybe' status.