Achin' Feet wrote:
I have had this foot ailment for over two years now. I have barely run in that time and it still won't go away. I know I need to see a sports podiatrist -- and I will -- but I'm just curious to know how others have dealt with this injury/condition.
If your second metatarsal is longer than the first metatarsal then you have what is known as "Morton's Foot". The pain is usually felt on the plantar (bottom) side in the center of the ball of your forefoot.
If this is your particular issue, then the solution is simple.
Go down to the store and get yourself some "mole skin". It is what hikers use to prevent blisters from forming where their foot rubs on their hiking boots. The mole skin is sticky on one side which is important.
Now, caught up this "mole skin" into multiple ovals just big enough to fit the size of the distal head of the first metatarsal that is just where your big toe joint is. Then, build up the insole inside your running shoes with layers of these ovals where the bottom of your first metatarsal rests so that when you run the first metatarsal gets the body weight initially which is the way it should be. It is very important to make the ovals just the right size so that it does not contact the second metatarsal because that is why you have the pain problem. The second metatarsal is getting the initial force upon foot plant which is not mechanically optimal.
The other thing that you need to do is roll the bottoms of your feet with a ball to make the myofascia more supple as well as massage the Peroneus Longus, Brevis and Tertius, of the lateral lower leg thoroughly with a lacrosse ball or theracane. Also, work on the Gastrocnemius and Soleus to
“supplize†these layers of myofascia so that you can work effectively on the Tibialis posterior, Flexor digitorum longus, and Flexor hallucis longus,
which is against the tibia on the posterior side of the lower leg (calf).
When you do this regularly you will solve your "Morton's Foot" issue and will be back to running !!!