<p>Dragonmom, I got the HTP heel seats (w/ fascia bar). You can feel the stiffer “bar” part (really just hard rubber) under your foot just in front of your heel. Sounds weird but feels good. </p>
<p>anxiousmom,lol since I’ve never worn Birkenstocks before, I ordered two pair, one reg. footbed and one soft footbed to see which was best. Since I ordered fr. Zappos, the return shipping is free on the pair I don’t like. Based on your experience, sounds like I might be returning the reg. ones.</p>
<p>I did go to a local store to try on for size. I was glad to see they had Narrow. I have skinny feet. The only ones they had were the reg. footbed. They were the Birki-flors…uppers were made of some stiff fake leather that I didn’t like. The two pair I ordered were both on clearance sale. I hope they come tomorrow:)</p>
<p>I tried stretching, inserts and even bandaging my foot. The only thing that seemed to help are Brooks Ariel running shoes. At first, I wore them religiously everywhere. Now, I just wear them when I’m going to be on my feet for long periods of time.</p>
<p>Also had a bout of PF–orthotics are the way to go. Bought a pair of New Balance walking shoes (a couple of sizes larger to accommodate the orthotics). Have been pain free ever since–it took some time, tho. Now, I use the orthotics as maintenance, about twice a week. Tried everything prior–shots in heel (which did absolutely nothing for the pain), the boot, stretching, etc. Good Luck, as I feel your pain as well!!</p>
<p>A word of caution about soft footbeds: PF is the result of overpronation, which is a fancy way of saying your foot is being strained by over extension of the soft tissues that support it. It’s important that the shoes one wears discourage that motion (runners’ shoes for overpronators are called motion control shoes). They are generally on the stiff side. That doesn’t mean they aren’t cushioned, but too much cushion can allow too much motion. The arch support is important for the same reason: because it keeps those soft tissues from working so hard holding your foot together!</p>
<p>Why the heck don’t shoes ALL have arch support?</p>
<p>Reporting in. Okay, I’ve been using the Yoga Toes for some months now. Improvement was immediate. However, in mid-September my D and I started going to yoga classes once a week. I dislike the class. All that pseudo-science masquerading as Eastern religion. I hate driving there. I feel graceless and unfit during class. (I do enjoy my daughter’s company.)</p>
<p>AND… I wake up the next day pain free, from foot to knee (surgery twice in the last three years) to back (limping caused back pain). My painkiller use is way down. I’m trying to get it together to go twice a week, even though I really don’t want to. My feet are healing. I am more flexible and walking faster. I’m even sleeping a bit better. My sister was right; yoga does help. Damn, I hate admitting she’s right!</p>
<p>DMD77 - you are inspiring me to return to yoga. I felt exactly the same way when I enrolled in a class. I went for several weeks, maybe a total of three months, but I just didn’t like it. I do know that women who have been doing yoga regularly seem to age best - and I am talking about women who are in their eighties. </p>
<p>I also considered tai chi - but I couldn’t find a class. Hmmm, put it on the list of things I want to re-visit!</p>