[pct-l] Bunions
Susan Alcorn
backpack45 at yahoo.com
Fri Jan 8 12:08:42 CST 2010
Hi Mary,I've had bunions for years -- more likely genetics than anything else because I've never worn high heels, etc. a lot. I decided, as it sounds like you have, after learning about surgeries, to see how long I could postpone doing any surgery. I didn't want to lose months, if not a year, to recovery. And not only do bunions sometimes return, surgeries aren't 100% guaranteed to be trouble free.
Interestingly my podiastrist said, "I'm a surgeon, I like doing surgery, but that doesn't mean it's the answer to everything." When he said that I could postpone it indefinitely and that I could still safely have anesthesia safely at some advanced age, I decided not to go the surgical route.
Anyway, when I last wore boots on a major hike (500 miles of Spanish trip, largely on hard surfaces) I had major issues with pain from bunions. Ever since I switched to trail runners, I have had no problems what-so-ever.
There are devices that you can wear that are supposed to keep your toes aligned; I tried this but couldn't be bothered. Wear comfortable, well-fitted shoes, double socks for padding if necessary. My feet aren't beautiful, but they get me going where I want to go so. My feeling on the matter is "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."Happy trails,Susan Alcorn
Shepherd Canyon Books, Oakland, CA
www.backpack45.com and backpack45.blogspot.com
http://www.examiner.com/x-11423-Bay-Area-Hiking-Examiner
Publishers of two award-winning books: Camino Chronicle: Walking to Santiago and We're in the Mountains Not over the Hill: Tales and Tips from Seasoned Women Backpackers.
--- On Fri, 1/8/10, pct-l-request at backcountry.net <pct-l-request at backcountry.net> wrote:
From: pct-l-request at backcountry.net <pct-l-request at backcountry.net>
Subject: Pct-l Digest, Vol 25, Issue 30
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Date: Friday, January 8, 2010, 7:26 AM
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Today's Topics:
1. Backpacking with a bunion info (Mary Kwart)
2. Re: Ressuply points in Oregon/Washington (Paul Bodnar)
3. another newbie question--early start (Deep Desert Expeditions)
4. Re: Backpacking with a bunion info (Paul Mitchell)
5. Stove Performance (Paul Bodnar)
6. Re: Backpacking with a bunion info (Alexandra Larsen)
7. Re: Backpacking with a bunion info (Stephen Adams)
8. Re: Why I do it (was do gooders) (Bob Vance)
9. Re: desert camping (Diane at Santa Barbara Hikes dot com)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Thu, 07 Jan 2010 20:54:57 -0800
From: Mary Kwart <mkwart at gci.net>
Subject: [pct-l] Backpacking with a bunion info
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID: <f6ccaaab14f6.4b464a21 at gci.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
To all of you old hikers out there (particularly women):
I have developed a bunion on my right foot. I use orthotics. it doesn't stop me from backpacking and it causes no pain to backpack, but it seems to be getting worse (bigger). Any experience with this? I've ruled out surgery because of the prolonged recovery and I have heard that that the bunion comes back. I guess I am looking for non surgical alternatives to treat this--I've used orthotics and Yoga toes to stretch out my toes, but to no avail.
Thanks.
Fireweed
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Thu, 7 Jan 2010 23:58:55 -0500
From: Paul Bodnar <paulbodnar at hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Ressuply points in Oregon/Washington
To: <jmmoores at hotmail.com>, pct-L backcountry.net
<pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID: <BLU125-W293D3A6B5A40850B1D396CD3700 at phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Thank you very much for pointing out the error on the website. I have made the correction as you suggested.
Paul
> From: jmmoores at hotmail.com
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Date: Thu, 7 Jan 2010 20:59:07 -0700
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Ressuply points in Oregon/Washington
>
>
> Paul,
>
> Your listing for Stehekin needs to be adjusted. I'm unsure what, "limited P.O." means but the Stehekin P.O. is fully functional and there is no problem with, "Outgoing packages". The hours that the P.O. is open varies a bit, and only receives/sends mail three times a week starting in October. Other than that the only Limit that I am aware of is the portion of the afternoon when the office is closed so that the Postmistress can pick up the mail from the boat.
>
> Jason "Jackass" Moores
>
> > From: paulbodnar at hotmail.com
> > To: bluebrain at bluebrain.ca; pct-l at backcountry.net
> > Date: Thu, 7 Jan 2010 10:34:18 -0500
> > Subject: Re: [pct-l] Ressuply points in Oregon/Washington
> >
> >
> > Here is a list of the most popular resupply points available at hikethru.com. Below is the direct link.
> >
> >
> >
> > http://hikethru.com/about-the-pct/resupply-information
> >
> >
> >
> > Also check out the pcta.org site, direct link below
> >
> >
> >
> > http://pcta.org/planning/before_trip/labels.asp
> >
> >
> >
> > Paul
> >
> > > From: bluebrain at bluebrain.ca
> > > To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> > > Date: Wed, 6 Jan 2010 23:54:25 -0800
> > > Subject: [pct-l] Ressuply points in Oregon/Washington
> > >
> > > I'm quite familiar with California but haven't been through Oregon and
> > > Washington & I'm wondering which would be the best spots to send our
> > > resupply packages after Ashland. I recall some buzz recently about a couple
> > > spots maybe having shut down in recent years. I'm being a little lazy about
> > > research on this at the moment and hoping someone might not mind throwing a
> > > list our way. :-)
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Thanks!
> > >
> > > P178
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > Pct-l mailing list
> > > Pct-l at backcountry.net
> > > http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
> >
> > _________________________________________________________________
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------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Thu, 7 Jan 2010 22:13:32 -0700 (GMT-07:00)
From: Deep Desert Expeditions <mike at deepdesert.com>
Subject: [pct-l] another newbie question--early start
To: PCT list <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID:
<11246606.1262927612672.JavaMail.root at whwamui-soar.pas.sa.earthlink.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Thanks for advice on guide books/maps.
I've been considering a split trek; desert section early and then jumping back on the trail as the snowpack permits--giving me springtime at home to pay some bills.
But I can't find weather data on early season trekking: what's it like starting from campo in late february? I see there's a closure by agua dolce--how do thur hikers deal with that?
thanks again for sharing info!
Moab Mike
------------------------------
Message: 4
Date: Thu, 7 Jan 2010 21:40:58 -0800
From: "Paul Mitchell" <bluebrain at bluebrain.ca>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Backpacking with a bunion info
To: "'Mary Kwart'" <mkwart at gci.net>, <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID: <021b01ca9025$281895d0$7849c170$@ca>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Hi Fireweed
I'm not sure this is of any help, but in my research over the past while on
the subject of barefoot walking/hiking/running I noted that the conclusion
of multiple studies has been that bunions, flat-footedness (fallen arches)
and pretty much all common foot problems are the result of shoes. Not just
"the wrong shoes" but shoes in general. People who grow up and live mostly
barefoot almost without exception don't suffer these problems.
If you're interested you could do some reading (google barefoot hiking, etc)
on the subject and find out if there's been any reports of switching to the
barefoot lifestyle has helped anyone else who has already developed a
bunion.
Just an idea, for what it's worth.
Cheers,
P178
-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of Mary Kwart
Sent: Thursday, January 07, 2010 8:55 PM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] Backpacking with a bunion info
To all of you old hikers out there (particularly women):
I have developed a bunion on my right foot. I use orthotics. it doesn't stop
me from backpacking and it causes no pain to backpack, but it seems to be
getting worse (bigger). Any experience with this? I've ruled out surgery
because of the prolonged recovery and I have heard that that the bunion
comes back. I guess I am looking for non surgical alternatives to treat
this--I've used orthotics and Yoga toes to stretch out my toes, but to no
avail.
Thanks.
Fireweed
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19:35:00
------------------------------
Message: 5
Date: Fri, 8 Jan 2010 00:42:49 -0500
From: Paul Bodnar <paulbodnar at hotmail.com>
Subject: [pct-l] Stove Performance
To: pct-L backcountry.net <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID: <BLU125-W114BAA56B9802C469EEDC1D3700 at phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
I just added two new topics to the Backyard Science section at HikeThru.com.. The first section covers a method for measuring your stove performance.. The second section I added is a chart showing the performance of two of my homemade alcohol stoves. I will be adding more data in the future and I hope others will also contribute.
Measuring Stove Performance
http://hikethru.com/hiking-information/backyard-science/measuring-your-stove-performance
Homemade Stoves
http://hikethru.com/hiking-information/backyard-science/homemade-stoves
Paul
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------------------------------
Message: 6
Date: Fri, 8 Jan 2010 00:12:52 -0600
From: Alexandra Larsen <aalarsen at uwalumni.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Backpacking with a bunion info
To: Mary Kwart <mkwart at gci.net>
Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID:
<c3f01d941001072212k6d5de746wa0ac5c40b1614115 at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
I've been blessed with bunions on both feet pretty much my whole life-they
can be inherited as well as develop over time-I've had one repaired already
and I'm only 24. I never really felt much improvement after the surgery, and
they do come back, although its usually over a long period of time, so
surgery might be worth it. According to my podiatrist, other than orthotics
and surgery, there really isn't much you can do about them. I run, backpack,
xc ski, and am pretty active over all despite the bunion pain. It definitely
bothers me but not enough to stop doing what I want. So I guess what I'm
saying is 'keep on truckin' since you've already got the orthotics and
aren't into the surgery option. Ibuprofen might help too.
Happy Trails!
Alexandra
On Thu, Jan 7, 2010 at 10:54 PM, Mary Kwart <mkwart at gci.net> wrote:
> To all of you old hikers out there (particularly women):
>
> I have developed a bunion on my right foot. I use orthotics. it doesn't
> stop me from backpacking and it causes no pain to backpack, but it seems to
> be getting worse (bigger). Any experience with this? I've ruled out surgery
> because of the prolonged recovery and I have heard that that the bunion
> comes back. I guess I am looking for non surgical alternatives to treat
> this--I've used orthotics and Yoga toes to stretch out my toes, but to no
> avail.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Fireweed
> _______________________________________________
> Pct-l mailing list
> Pct-l at backcountry.net
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>
------------------------------
Message: 7
Date: Thu, 7 Jan 2010 22:48:24 -0800
From: Stephen Adams <reddirt2 at earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Backpacking with a bunion info
To: Mary Kwart <mkwart at gci.net>
Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID: <89B7F670-8BDE-453F-9CCC-B6BE709E3D4A at earthlink.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
I have this on my left foot, and some other bone problems and arthritis in my right foot, hips, and lower back. Embrace the pain.
It hurts mostly at home, but interestingly I seem to be able to backpack, and once on the trail it gets better. There is a big difference between walking on hilly uneven rough trails and walking on sidewalks. As far as the bunion on my left foot, it can throb sometimes keeping me awake at times, but hasn't been too bad lately, I say as a I knock on wood. With all the problems with my feet, while I don't hike barefoot, I understand what Paul keeps suggesting. I do however wear increasingly less supportive shoes, even when carrying my camera gear and a medium weight pack. I even hiked up over Taboose Pass last July in sandals and more often am carrying sandals and wearing shoes or vise versa and switch as necessary. All footwear hurts my feet to some extent and it is figuring out what is going to be a problem and what is not ten to twenty miles down the trail and finding something I can wear all day for a week at a time that has been an issue
for me for over ten years. W
hat seem to work well for me is something like a mid-weight hiking shoe that breathes well, or at least fits well. Trail runners like New Ballance are too spongy to me. If I wanted to walk on sponges I'd buy sponges. For the last five years I've had pretty good hikes with Merril Moabs, but these don't actually breathe very well, and I also like some of the offerings from Asolo, but I have to be very careful about these as they don't usually feel too good at first. The important thing is that one finds what works for themselves through trial and experience. Everyone's feet, walking gate, and pronation are different.
On Jan 7, 2010, at 8:54 PM, Mary Kwart wrote:
> To all of you old hikers out there (particularly women):
>
> I have developed a bunion on my right foot. I use orthotics. it doesn't stop me from backpacking and it causes no pain to backpack, but it seems to be getting worse (bigger). Any experience with this? I've ruled out surgery because of the prolonged recovery and I have heard that that the bunion comes back. I guess I am looking for non surgical alternatives to treat this--I've used orthotics and Yoga toes to stretch out my toes, but to no avail.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Fireweed
> _______________________________________________
> Pct-l mailing list
> Pct-l at backcountry.net
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
------------------------------
Message: 8
Date: Thu, 7 Jan 2010 23:35:48 -0800 (PST)
From: Bob Vance <hikerbob62 at yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Why I do it (was do gooders)
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID: <443080.56064.qm at web114014.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
________________________________
She wanted to respond to
the whole "fragile flowers" and "do-gooders" topic that was up recently.
let me make things clear.i never said i had a problem with people in town opening up their homes. i never said i had a problem with people offering rides to and from trailheads.these are services im free to accept or decline as i see fit.what i said is, the only "trail angeling" problem i had is with water caches.i believe the only reason they exist is to make it easyer, if there is another reason id love to hear it.how does this affect me?part of the allure of the p.c.t. is the challenge,i like the chess game of how to make it from water hole a to water hole b. now yes ,i can always walk on past,but in the back of my mind,i know their there.this is very different from people offering services in town.i won`t back down from my previous comments. i think they are there because the cachers believe that a lot of people can`t make it without them.
note to the grammer nazi(you know who you are) yes im aware of of my educational limatations,thanks for letting me know i will make a note of it.
------------------------------
Message: 9
Date: Fri, 8 Jan 2010 07:26:05 -0800
From: Diane at Santa Barbara Hikes dot com
<diane at santabarbarahikes.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] desert camping
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID:
<3EBF86BC-91EC-4342-B0C4-F814A2EF14E9 at santabarbarahikes.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed
And I'll add that if you do decide to do some winter hiking in the
desert, please understand that the whole Southern California section
of the PCT is not desert. Only a small portion of it is actual desert
with mesquite, cactus and all that.
Much of what you'll see is something called Chaparral, which is an
elfin forest that grows in a few regions around the world, including
the mediterranean region, parts of Australia and Baja California, and
the coast ranges where you'll be walking. Yes, it is hot, yes it is
dry, but it gets a lot of rainfall during a small window of time when
most PCT hikers are not hiking. Sometimes a foot of rain in a single
day. This is why the forest service protects the land. It is the
watershed. The city of Santa Barbara is able to get enough water for
its needs from this watershed (but it does have backups).
I spent time reading the list before heading out with a feeling of
fear that I would spend a month in the desert baking in the sun. I
pictured the mojave all the way. I was surprised to find myself
mostly in forest above the desert, looking at the desert floor below.
I enjoyed the Big Cone Spruce and live oak forests on the north
slopes, and the small bit of riparian and oak woodlands and oak
savannah near Warner Springs. There were wildflowers and places with
oaks that don't grow in the even drier places where I live. I was
happy there was so much more beauty in So Cal than I was led to believe.
So, be prepared for long stretches without water, but realize it is
not because the region is such a dry desert there is no water. It's
only because the PCT is a slave to the crest. Look at any regional
trail map and you'll see that the older trails follow the creeks,
which is the smarter thing to do.
Good luck and please try to appreciate the chaparral for the unique
ecological community that it is.
Diane
On Jan 7, 2010, at 8:41 PM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:
>
> For those of you who are not looking forward to the desert section
> of the PCT,
> or just consider it a section to get through as quick as you can to
> get to the
> pretty mountains, consider winter hiking in the desert.
------------------------------
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