I don't meet with my doctor until Monday, but I finally got my hot little hands on my radiology report. Findings: "Mild degenerative changes are present in the midfoot." I would be willing to guess that mild degenerative changes are also present in my other foot. They were present in my knee too when I dealt with that injury. The MRI report also notes a small amount of fluid in the first MTP joint and within the first and third intermetatarsal bursa--I imagine that's where my pain is coming from. We'll see what can be done about that, but having dealt with this for a while, I'm even more sure that this is a form or gait (or footwear) issue. I need a good PT who is going to explore every angle of this, but I've done that twice in the past 18 months and it requires a significant investment of time. Since neither attempt has been successful, I'm not into just jumping into to something.
Thoughts from the peanut gallery? I see the doctor in a week, but he probably won't have much interest in my case unless it's surgical.
My suggestion would be to experiment wildly with various shoes and insoles, and see what feels good. Never run in the same shoes twice in a row until you are happy.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, have you had a bike fitter check your cleat placement? Form on the bike??
I would have to keep a detailed log of all of that, I suppose. Could be done.
ReplyDeleteYep, I had my bike fit and cleat placement is right. I also got insoles for my bike shoes. Could get non-plastic bike shoes for stiffness, but $$$$$$ (as you know.)
No log. Just random trial and error!!!
ReplyDeleteAm I wrong to think that degeneration is one of those things that demands huge cushioning? There seems to be a new product line of overly cushioned shoes that look somewhat like platform shoes -- the Hokas are one example. I never got comfortable in mine, but it is like running on clouds.
ReplyDeleteDepends on whether the degeneration is caused by pounding or torquing . . .
ReplyDeleteOr shoe laces.
ReplyDeleteMy bet is torquing. Hence my re-introduction of my orthotics. Love/hate relationship and all that.
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