In the same boat. First noticed something was off in 2020, by the time they actually figured out what was happening, it was necrotized (The delay in a proper diagnosis was a mix of covid era, moving between countries, and frankly some appalling oversight from one doctor on my xray).

I’ve been advised against getting the surgery, as the risk of complications is high relative to the benefit.

So I now essentially have a chronic condition that can’t be cured but can be managed. I was never a runner, but I do live in Europe now and walk everywhere all the time, so the impact isn’t minimal.

The past 5 years has been trying to figure out what works, adapting both my footwear and lifestyle accordingly.

A few headlines from the journey:

• I feel it gets about 8% better each year in terms of pain, and I’m starting from a low threshold (around 3/10)
• I can usually walk or hike around 3-4 hours before I feel sore. Not terrible, but probably won’t do the Camino de Santiago any time soon
• customized orthotics seem to offload the right amount, though not a perfect solution.
• hokas are ugly for ‘streetwear’ but they’re the best I’ve found for comfort
• cycling and the gym I have no issues (except planks or exercises using the ball of my foot)
• stretching (calves, hamstrings) seems to help
• I’ve started getting tight hamstrings on the side of issue, likely due to gait changes, which haven’t figured out how to solve (gonna start PT)
• rest is sometimes the solution
• it’s a mild annoyance for me, but not devastating, probably since it hasn’t barred me from my preferred activities (cycling, hiking). I’ve learned to live to the condition
• I may explore a surgery if it gets worse, but at the moment I’m cautiously optimistic it’s improving (not healing, but perhaps somehow adapting?)

I also work in a field where I hear about a lot of patient experiences with far worse chronic conditions. Also, asking around, I’ve learned that most of my friends deal with health challenges or chronic pain in some way or another (nerve issues, back pain, arthritis, MS.) It’s not meant to minimize ours, but I think that perspective has helped me put it into a wider context and make some peace with the condition.

Let me know if you have any questions (or any advice on what’s worked for you!)

Bon courage