[SoCalCowgirl]

This is a subject that I normally don't talk about as I'm always really self conscious about my feet. But by chance, does anybody have the same or similar issues as I do and do your feet affect your running/exercising? I was born with flat and narrow feet and my toes point outwards. I had to wear leg braces and corrective shoes when I was younger, but since then I haven't worn anything special for my feet. About a month ago I really started to pick up running and got shin splints really easily, which I know are common among runners but I think my funky feet played a small part of it. I haven't run since then, only walked but I plan to look into some high end running shoes so I can start running again.

I don't really know what I'm asking but just interested to see if anyone else has experienced similar problems as I have and how, if at all have they affected your work outs such as running or walking?

[EagleRiverDee]

I have bunions (bad ones) and also the 2nd toe on my right foot was broken when I was young and never healed properly so I actually can't bend it backwards which means I can't roll my foot when pushing off while running. I have to pivot that foot instead. It also just affects my walking as well. It doesn't stop me from doing anything, though.

[dare 2 dream]

I also get shin splints very easily. I tend to walk on the outside of my feet instead of rolling from heel to toe, which causes me to roll my ankles very easily. I'm not sure if that's what gives me the shin splints also.

[MariaMaria]

So you're a new runner in inappropriate shoes.

Your NOT having shin splints would be the surprise, not your having them.

Your feet may or may not be a problem for your running and may or may not requrie custom orthotics to support your running, but without appropriate shoes (and without time to get used to the impact and work past the initial shin splints that everyone gets) there's no way to tell.

[Ilene]

When I first started running I did the right thing and got good running shoes but even they didn't help... after a while of running, about a year, my toes would get numb... So I went to see a podiatrist/foot doctor and he prescribed orthotics and my fee have been perfect since... I have Morton's Neuroma which was easily cured with the orthotics... Maybe seeing a specialist is something you could check into ...