Orthotics - Foot Problems

Hello - I'm new to this group, but was wondering if anyone out there has had experience with this issue:

I've been running for 3 years now, about 12 miles per week (not a lot, I know, weigh 190, I'm 6'1', and during the first year, I kept getting shin splints despite iceing, toe lifts, surface changes, etc.

So, I went to a podiatrist, who x-rayed the feet, recommended custom orthotics, had them made for me, and I was on my way. The running felt great, I haven't had shin splits since, but now some new stuff is happening. I have noticed that my feet are widening, in particular on the outside of my feet. My 5th metatarcel (sp?) is moving away from the rest of my bones, and my 5th toe is starting to angle in toward my foot.

I'm 34, and played sports most of my life.....is this just me getting old or could the use of orthotics be causing this? The orthotics definitely raise my heel higher than if I weren't using them.

Thanks in advance for any shared experiences!

35 ain't old!

12 miles a week ain't bad.

I would check with your podiatrist if you don't get a satisfying answer, which I can't give you. I can tell you that many people report at least to some degree of foot widening.

You know, with your countless, useless posts, it is YOU that is the one seemingly in need of a life. You sure seem to spend an inordinant amount of time on this message board. It would be one thing if you actually had some useful advice or help, but you don't. F

In all fairness, I think you'll find that BR usually does have something relevant to say, even if it's all too often masked by lewd language or poor grammar. However, you do have to be capable of reading between the

Hmmm...let me guess. His next post will be two parallel lines with a large depiction of a middle finger sticking up.

BR:'HAHA, HEHE..GET IT?! Read BETWEEN the lines! Boy, do I crack myself up with my original wit and cutting sarcasm! What a hoot!'

What an ASSHOLE...