As for causes of flat feet, think being overweight may not actually help but it isn’t the cause. I’m maybe 20lbs over my ideal BMI and have flat feet, I spoke to a podiatrist who has said it’s because of my flexible joints (I’m double jointed – also prone to spraining wrists, ankles etc). I’m also only 28 – had my flat feet “diagnosed” when I was around 25 – so not just for the over-60s.

Annoying as my sister has the most perfect amazing arches – it’s the kind of thing you discover and go, “Great, yet ANOTHER thing wrong with me”. But actually it’s fine, I wear moulded-to-fit inserts every day which has helped with any arch pain completely, AND has stopped the bunions from worsening. So worth it. I occasionally go without, but generally don’t, just because it’s less comfortable. I even run in them, can usually go for about an hour before foot discomfort sets in.

I also had my foot taped and it worked fabulously! I then spent $400 for orthotics that I hated and never wore. Still after the taping my foot was fine for a year – then the tendonitis flared up again so I went back to the dr. for foot taping again. Kept it on for a week and a year later they were fine. I would advise skipping the ibu and just see if the taping works alone. If so, I can send you instructions on how to tape your feet yourself, as well as a website that you can buy the tape from. (total cost w/ shipping & handling for the tape would be about $10). I am rambling but wanted to offer you that info..as I am sure I had the same thing as you. E-mail me if you want info. I’ve never responded or replied so let me also take a moment to say I love your two books (owner of both!) and a few years ago I lost 97 lbs. and read and re-read your book as I progressed along. You are such an inspiration to me. Yeah, I’ve gained some weight back too, it’s a damn daily struggle. But I’m still better than I was. Good luck w/your foot and let me know if I can help you!!

Love the comment above about the special foot ice packs. I will be looking for those…. but in the mean time, I freeze a water bottle and roll my foot on it.

I ask the exact same question about NSAIDS all the time at docs and physio, answer is always not to take them as they help but not so much that it is worth a bad side effect.

I will refrain from giving any kind of medical advice, as I don’t suffer from Chronic Headaches, have Flat Feet or a medical degree…however, I will say that I can’t really imagine life without being allowed to go barefoot! I love being barefoot so damn much, shoes suck. So, seriously, sorry about the flat feet (though, once again, it is a really good way to get out of the army and goodness knows if a Republican is elected anytime soon, we’ll be in Pakistan, Iran & four-six other countries (didn’t Sarah Palin say something about going to war with Russia?)…the the draft is not totally outside the realm of possibilities.

Icepacks on your feet before going to sleep? That sounds like pure torture, I can’t even sleep if I have cold feet. Poor you, I wouldn’t want to have to choose between those options.