[pct-l] nerve problems in feet/bigger size shoe needed

[Timothy Nye]

The problem may be chronic compartment syndrome.  This is a condition where
the sheath covering a muscle, such as the anterior tibialis which is
responsible for anterior shin splints, loses it's elasticity.   The muscle
expands during exertion and this contracts on the nerves leading to symptoms
in the feet.  If the symptoms resolve with the end of exertion that is a
strong indicator that this may be chronic compartment syndrome.  There is a
test for this which involves inserting a probe ( after anesthetic ) into the
muscle and then exerting oneself on a treadmill.  When the symptoms begin or
increase the probe senses whether there has been an increase in pressure
which will tell the tale.

There are excellent articles available as to the purpose of inflammation on
line.  Basically, there is a question as to whether it is a good idea to
inhibit the inflammatory process as this will delay and interfere with
healing.  This becomes a more significant issue the more serious the damage
that has prompted the inflammatory response.


On Sat, Apr 3, 2010 at 7:00 PM, Marion Davison <mardav at charter.net> wrote:

> I'm taking an informal survey.
> After our first year of long distance hiking, Ray started to experience
>  nerve problems in his feet that have persisted to this day.  He has a
> sense that his feet are under pressure, even when barefoot, and
> sometimes a persistent tingle.  Not anything that would be described as
> pain.
> Has anyone else experienced this?
>
> Both of us have gone to larger shoe sizes.  In my 30's I wore men's size
> 8 running shoes and hiking boots.  Since our first year of long distance
> hiking (1996)I have been wearing men's size 10 1/2.  Ray has gone from
> size 11 to size 13 in all his shoes.
> Is this common?  Only among hikers? Or is this a natural consequence of
> aging?
> Marion and Ray
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