<p>What has helped:</p>
<p>biking, as it works the achilles tendon
ice, when it really hurts
having arch supporting sandals next to the bed for first step in the morning
downward facing dog
changing shoes frequently
wearing birkenstocks more often
my German shoe inserts, Pedaq Holiday. They are more padded in the right places than Superfeet or my custom orthotics. Superfeet don’t work for everyone, or so I found after reading the reviews and wondering why they hurt so much. But my problem is due to long hours on my feet at work, so may have an arthritic component. The orthotics are too hard and I need to take them back for a foam coating. </p>
<p>One theory I read is that some of this rash of foot problems is due to our tendency to have our feet coddled in perfectly supporting shoes all the time. Over time, I’ve been trying to exercise my feet more, do ankle circles, walk barefoot on sand, lift and curl toes. Gradually things are impressively improving, though I think I’ll always have a chronic problem, unless on vacation. </p>
<p>Sometimes I think of all the money I’ve spent on sturdy, healthy shoes, since age 19. Perhaps I’d be better off if I’d spent my life in stilettos , for as good as my feet feel at this age.</p>