Hello Clyde , I have a question for you. I sustained a sesamoid injury in both
feet last year as a result of doing squats with heavy weights in
barefeet (very stupid). MRI and xrays do not show fractures. The
diagnosis is inflammation of the sesamoid area/big toe joint. I've been
experimenting with various types shoes and inserts (i.e. wide forefoot,
stiff sole, rocker bottom, certain combinations thereof as it is not
easy to find).
Hello Patrick, Thanks for the question.
All my X1 Blade structural designs are tailored to specific applications (sesamoiditis being one) using a combination of mediums: composites (carbon fibers both bidirectional and unidirectional and glass), a unique low coefficient of friction film, and compression resistant polyethalene foams. Unlike a "carbon fiber plate" that is uniform in density and stiffness (like a rigid dinner plate) the X1 Blade orthotic varies in density and flexibilty. We achieve this by varying the fiber orientations along the laminate structure in three zones - rear, mid, and forefoot. This variable design allows for a more natural foot motion.
I
have a couple of questions about your XL Blades because I am trying to
figure out how they differ from other carbon fiber inserts that I have
purchases, such as from Return To Play, and MyFootShop.com.
I hope you do not mind indulging me.
One
of the problems I have with the plates I've tried is they are so
unforgiving. Stiffness is the goal, yes, but I have noticed that with
this injury, I get a lot of stinging in the underside of the great toe
joint especially when coming into contact with hard surfaces such as
uncarpeted floor in barefoot (which I try not to do). I have placed
carbon inserts into my shoes and used off-weighting materials like
dancers pads, and cut holes in the insoles that sit on top of the carbon
plate, but I still notice that when I walk and turn certain ways,
depending on the shoe I am in, my foot "catches" on the plate in the
sesamoid area and creates a sudden jolt of stinging. I have noticed in
pictures of your plate that the big toe area seems to be depressed, it
hangs a bit lower than the surface of the rest of the plate. Is that
done so that the 1st metatarsal area is off-weighted even more and to
prevent pressure from the carbon insert hitting the bottom of the toe
joint like I have experienced? The other carbon inserts I have do not
have that depressed area, so it makes me wonder if yours would work
better.
The
other questions I have is related to how I have trouble finding shoes
that actually allow for the carbon plates to sit in. A lot of shoes do
not have a flat surface/footbed area, so a flat stiff insert doesn't sit
flat, it sort of bounces around since it is not coming into contact
with the full surface of the footbed. I have a pair of New Balance 928
Walking shoes and they have a flat footbed on the inside, so the insert
seems to work well in those, whereas in many shoes, especially something
like an Oxford (like I need for the office), they do not, since there
is curvature in the footbed in many Oxfords. I was wondering if that
made sense to you, and if in your experience you have found that certain
types of shoes work with your inserts better. I am guess also that with
the stiffness, a rocker sole is going to make a more comfortable
insert, since without the rocker, it is difficult to walk with a stiff
insert. The challenge is also extra-depth, since adding the inserts
underneath an existing insole and any additional padding makes for a
very tightly packed shoe. That's a challenge I've had with other carbon
inserts. Extra depth, WITH a flat internal footbed, are not easy to
find.
Anyway,
if you would kindly consider my concerns as I determine whether or not
it would be worthwhile for me to pursue your XL Blade, I would greatly
appreciate it. It's been quite a challenge, and I"m sure you have heard
these concerns from other clients. I have great respect for your field.
Thank you very much
Patrick M.
New York City
Hello Patrick, Thanks for the question.
All my X1 Blade structural designs are tailored to specific applications (sesamoiditis being one) using a combination of mediums: composites (carbon fibers both bidirectional and unidirectional and glass), a unique low coefficient of friction film, and compression resistant polyethalene foams. Unlike a "carbon fiber plate" that is uniform in density and stiffness (like a rigid dinner plate) the X1 Blade orthotic varies in density and flexibilty. We achieve this by varying the fiber orientations along the laminate structure in three zones - rear, mid, and forefoot. This variable design allows for a more natural foot motion.
The X1 Blade for sesamoiditis ingredients are:
1) 3 Flex Zones (TriFlex) - 1) Rearfoot -fexible and padded for heel strike 2) Midfoot - flexible so as
not to restrict ankle motion during activity 3) Forefoot - stiff minus with a 2mm drop under great toe lined with low friction film (ShearBan).
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| X1 Blade for Sesamoiditis |
2) Rocker Shape to encourage a more natural gait and fit the curvature of a standard shoe shape. A flat "carbon fiber plate" is only good for children who are toe-walkers. It will to get them into a more natural heel toe toe gait. As you have found it is very difficult to walk normally with a stiff flat "carbon fiber plate" in your shoe. There is a biomechanical reason for that!
3) Medial Toe Wedge - The 2mm drop under the great toe creates a 1mm medial wedge that shifts some of the ground force off the 1st MTP (sesamoids) to the 2 through 5 met heads during weight-bearing.
4) 2mm poyethalene foam (compression resistant) - added to forefoot zone to shift more ground force from 1st MTP to mets 2 through 5.
5) Specs: Weight: Usually 1+ ounce depending on the shoe size. Thinness: from 1mm to 2mm in thinness depending on the flexibility zone.
The shoe issue. What I say is: if you decide to order an X1 Blade for your sesamoiditis when you get it try it without an insert in the shoe to see if it will work for you and if so deal with the shoe issue last.
Patrick, I have made several of these X1 Blades for sesamoiditis (usually for athletes) with a 100% money back satisfaction guarantee, and so far I have never gotten one back.
So I would say give it a try!
Clyde Peach, CO
indianabrace.com
3) Medial Toe Wedge - The 2mm drop under the great toe creates a 1mm medial wedge that shifts some of the ground force off the 1st MTP (sesamoids) to the 2 through 5 met heads during weight-bearing.
4) 2mm poyethalene foam (compression resistant) - added to forefoot zone to shift more ground force from 1st MTP to mets 2 through 5.
5) Specs: Weight: Usually 1+ ounce depending on the shoe size. Thinness: from 1mm to 2mm in thinness depending on the flexibility zone.
The shoe issue. What I say is: if you decide to order an X1 Blade for your sesamoiditis when you get it try it without an insert in the shoe to see if it will work for you and if so deal with the shoe issue last.
Patrick, I have made several of these X1 Blades for sesamoiditis (usually for athletes) with a 100% money back satisfaction guarantee, and so far I have never gotten one back.
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| ABC Badge |
So I would say give it a try!
Clyde Peach, CO
indianabrace.com
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