Foot pain from a clutch pedal

[cheeky_chops]

Last year i started commuting in a pair of soft leather soled shoes to work each day - over the next few weeks i started limping on my left foot and i eventually clicked it was my stiff clutch/shoes(they werent new, just new to driving) so went back to my old ones...

Roll on 12 months and it is still there, aching in the ball of my foot around the middle toe. I have worn a metatarsal pad for weeks, worn diff shoes, had acupuncture, had a scan (which confirmed NO neuroma in any of the toes). Only visible sign is the middle toe is now at a angle, not straight, pointing towards my little toe. No swelling

Any thoughts on what it is? It begins to hurt alot when running so is stops me running. Final step is change my car to a auto but i dont really want a auto and no guarantee it will resolve....

[cheeky_chops]

bexVN said:

I assume they have discussed whether a steroid injection into the area could be tried or not?

yes, but i am only 40 (and v active). I have read that success is often temporary and can have damaging effects too (one of the pods i saw, 1st thing she said was avoid at all costs)

[cheeky_chops]

Thanks for the replies all, just been checking out some chavvy pedals on ebay!!!

sawman said:

Would you say the underneath part of your foot is chubbier than the other foot? or has it ever been the case?......
If you are still having problems despite this and the mal positioned toe is causing you problems having the toe straightened surgically may be the next option.

No swelling under foot tbh. There was swelling between 2nd/3rd toe but has gone fown now, this is where i assume the mal positioned 3rd toe comes from... is this called capsulitis?

the doc has now referred me to a orthopedic surgeon. Not very keen on this and would prefer some other options first. I cant pinpoint where the actual pain is coming from - all i know is it aches in the middle of the foot when i run or drive(sometimes). I have some vibram 5 fingers minimalist shoes and am increasing the walking mileage in these as i dont have any problems walking on soft surfaces like grass.

[cheeky_chops]

sawman said:

Once the toe has shifted you have 2 choices, live with it or get surgery.
The trick with all this is figuring out what started the ball rolling - this needs to be addressed if poss, otherwise you may get more similar issues. There pics of steven tyler on the web the other week - he has crossed over toes too - do you share any of his lifestyle choices

Just out of interest did you get the 5 fingers before or after this started? Do you have any tightness of calf or hamstrings?

I am 100% it was soft shoes on the clutch caused it. So as you say, ive removed the shoes but its still not gone... Maybe time for a auto

I bought the VFF actually for tight ham/calf on the other leg! But used them very little tbh. I walk in them now as i am very much a believer that 1/2 million years of evolution is put at risk by sedate life + shoes leading to weak feet/incorrect mechanics. Did 2 miles friday, mainly on grass as they are quite hard on tarmac

Last qu (and many thanks for advise) - is surgery quite successful/low risk in straightening toes? and is how many weeks non weight bearing necessary after?

[cheeky_chops]

just googled it and pretty sure its not! No swelling, redness, can walk fine. Cheers!

[cheeky_chops]

Thanks Simon (decided to look at your profile and job!)

I was walking on v uneven ground the other week in my VFF and could def feel the limits of flexibility - i am v conscious of overdoing it. I do alot of stretching and some yoga to assist. One thing they have helped with is a tight plantar - i always used to get foot cramps swimming and just walking in them a few times each week has virtually eradicated it.... Jesus i sound like a wreck, 20 years working behind a desk takes it toll!