Dear Dr. Jarrett:
I have worn my #20 orthotics constantly for almost the last two weeks.
I have adjusted to them in the sense that they do not bother my feet, but I still experience quite a bit of discomfort and would like to move up to the 25s. I feel that there is some improvement in the right foot, especially with the arch pain, but I still feel pain around the joint of the big toe and across the top of the foot. The left foot is still recovering from neuroma surgery, (it has been seven weeks) but I am getting more comfortable. The problem there is primarily with my fourth and pinky toes–they become very painful after a while in my sneakers.
Perhaps lifting my foot higher in the arch will move them further away from the shoe–they do have little bone spurs on them. By the way, I did purchase smaller sneakers, as you required. I went from a size 9 to a 7 and 1/2. There is still a tiny bit of slippage in the heel, but if I went any shorter, they’d be too tight in the toes.
How will I know when I have reached the right level of arch support, and will I ever be able to wear heels or pumps again?
Sincerely, Laurel Hills
Laurel, Thanks for decreasing shoe size as that is critical to getting a good result. Once you get up to 25 or even 30 , you will probably be able to get into the 7 with out any problem.
You will know when you are at your optimal level when ALL of the pain is gone or when you get to 40 degrees.
Even with spurs on the 4th and 5th toes things will eventually work out but they could be a bit of a concern when you first get shoes that are smaller.
Dr. Jarrett