Also, I prefer Velcro over shoe laces. That means I order shoes online (New Balance).
However, I have noticed that the shoe on the right side rapidly wears down in the same area. Different shoe, same problem.
Then I looked at my feet when I walk and I noticed that my left foot is pointed (mostly) straight ahead, but my right foot is really pointed to the right as you can see below.
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Pablo Wegesend's photo
So to prevent rapid wearing down on the right shoe's heel area, I tried to change my walking pattern with my right foot pointing more straight ahead.
Wrong Move!
That was when the pain in my right foot started. It has been hurting in the foot's arch.
I have stopped changing my walking pattern a month ago. I still have the pain in the foot's arch!
I can still walk. But now I have to walk slower! Can't really run!
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I remember hearing the radio ads for Step Ahead Hawaii, who promised "free foot analysis".
They don't analyze your foot. They just ask you to walk and make a footprint. Then the salesperson persuades to buy an orthotic for your feet.
Don't fall for it!
The orthotic feels like walking on squishy ball at first, but after a while, it starts to feel like there's a square wooden block stuck under my 1/4 of my foot.
Not worth it!
Plus, the salesperson is sleazy. He has this big bold personality who gestures with big hand motions while talking! It's just like the salesman in the movies!
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I went to Kaiser Moanalua clinic to get a second opinion. The doctor actually analyzed my foot as well as my walking pattern.
My right foot's arch has experienced some strain.
My right foot's arch has experienced some strain.
But this time, I had a foot cast so that I could get a custom-made orthotic, instead of a generic one sold by Step Ahead Hawaii.
The orthotic is supposed to come in a few weeks.
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So yeah, I'm walking slower than usual. It's not easy because the rest of my body wants to go at a faster pace, but if I do, my right foot would wince in pain!
Meanwhile, if I do have to walk fast (for example - crossing a street), I'm putting pressure on my other foot so I don't feel the pain in the right foot's arch!
The pain comes and goes. It's not 24-7 (yet).
Yet, I don't want to stop living life.
I did attend the Ho'olaule'a block party in Waikiki the other week and I survived. (Yes, I did walk slower than usual)
My birthday is coming up and I want to go the clubs like I usually do in the weekend that comes after my birthday. I just can't make big footwork like you see the professional stage dancers do! I won't even try to "Jump Around" to House of Pain's song, so I'll just bounce my upper body instead.
Also, Halloween is coming up and Waikiki is where the action is, especially Kalakaua Avenue. Well, it's crowded, so everyone is going to be walking slow anyways. I still want to go to the Halloween party at one of the clubs, especially since Halloween is on a Friday this year.
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I already gained weight in the last 2 years, so I still have to move around to prevent more weight gain. (yeah, I have to eat less too).
I did use the elliptical cross trainer at the YMCA, just at a slower pace.
I did ride my bike the other day, but I have to watch how much pressure I put on my right foot.
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AS for the shoes, I had "heel guards" installed which gets replaced every few weeks.
http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photo-shoe-heel-protector-macro-isolated-image11982525
A much better way for preventing wear & tear on your shoes than changing walking patterns.
And easy on your wallet too!
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Well, the custom-made orthotic should be coming soon. Hopefully, it would help! I want my foot arch pain to be a "just a phase" instead of "the new normal".
