[pct-l] Children don't do as I have done!

[walkinglarry@xxxxxxxxx (larry hillberg)]

Be careful of plantar fascitis, which shows up as pain
or a burning feeling in the arch.  I did the same
thing to myself last year, over-training for my thru
hike, causing a lump on my right arch which the sports
Dr. called a Plantar Fascitic cyst.  I knocked off the
training for the last couple weeks before starting in
order to rest the foot, of course losing my fitness.

At the 2002 ADZPCTKO, I experienced my first trail
magic of the hike.  I met a physical therapist, Sue
Rowe from Vancouver, BC, who showed me the best way to
stretch the arch.  I stretched faithfully 3 or 4 times
each day, once when waking, once when retiring, and
once or twice during the day.  I completed the thru
hike without a single problem in my foot, although the
lump is still there and still tender when I overdo the
hiking I do around here today.

The stretch:  When sitting, with leg outstretched on
the ground in front, using a towel (or a jacket, or a
sock, or anything you have), and with one end in each
hand, loop the towel around the ball of the foot.  Now
pull gently back on the foot, stretching the arch, and
hold for 30 seconds.  Gently is the key word here,
particularly on the first stretch of the day, since
warm body parts will benefit more than cold ones.  Sue
also explained that stretching is more a long term
benefit than a short term benefit.

It worked for me.  Best of luck on your hike.

By the way, I wore trail running shoes (NB 805) with
Superfeet inserts.

Larry H

--- Shawnie <catfishii@schizoaffective.org> wrote:
>
> Wow did I hurt my feet.. then I panicked.. I though
> it was my old ankle
> problems..
>
> My boyfriend says when you get older you don't
> always know it right away when
> you have hurt yourself.  I guess he is right.
>
> I was training for my April  grand canyon trip  by
> hiking up and down a hill for
> 1/2 hour per day with a 37 pound pack while also
> testing out hiking in running
> shoes with the factory insoles.  BIG MISTAKE.   I
> seem to have strained my
> arches.
>
> After a week of that with no pain suddenly my feet
> started killing my while I
> was simply strolling through a cemetery looking for
> my great aunt's grave!  Hurt
> like hell to walk anywhere.. just like before my
> double surgery ten years ago ..
> oh was I worried!  Thought I would have to give up
> hiking.  My life flashed
> before my eyes... well my hiking life at least..
>
> My boyfriend wanted to go to the store the next day
> even though my feet were
> still hurting and something told me that my hiking
> boots would be the best shoes
> to wear to the store..  My feet felt pretty good in
> my boots with my super feet
> insoles.. so I realized my problem... hiking with a
> heavy load  and no arch
> support..
>
> I'm confident my feet will heal now.  I hiked 4
> miles today with VERY little
> pain.. (that was taking it easy.. normally my
> weekend hike is 8-10 miles)  so I
> will take it easy all week and only walk without a
> pack then and try the
> backpack again next week but with good arch
> supports..
>
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