Runner with Hallux Rigidus

Contact Name: Sue Phone: 860-XXX-XXXX Email Address: su........er@yahoo.com Comments or Questions: Hello, I am looking at your X1 Blade for Hallux Rigidus, and am trying to decide between the "Runner" and "Pro" models. I am a long distance runner and probably average 15-20 miles a week. I was diagnosed with hallux rigidus in the right foot a few years ago. This product looks like it could be just what I am looking for to continue my running career. Which model would you suggest for me? Also, how long does this product last? Thanks for your time.

Sue - my serious runners get the Runner model. It was designed for runners like you. Should last one running season before running out of gas. Clyde

From: 3174451475@mms.att.net
Date: November 20, 2012, 12:17:31 PM EST
To: clyde.peach@gmail.com

Contact Name: Charlotte MacNxxxxxxxPhone: 403-XXX-44X7 Email Address: charlotte@xxxxxxxxx.ca Comments or Questions: Have arthritis in 1st metatarsal joint with bone spur. Quite limited range of motion in big toe. Foot doctor suggested X1 blade. I am trying to figure out difference between -X1 Blade turf toe and hallux rigidus- and -X1 Blade with Reverse Morton's Extension for the Treatment of Hallux Limitus, Hallux Rigidus with Bone Spur, or Sesamoiditis-. I am a very active athlete. Main sports are trail/mountain running and orienteering - so frequently running on uneven surfaces. Will definitely try an X1 blade - just need some help to pick the right one. Thanks! 

Because of your activity level and bone spur I suggest the X1 Blade Reverse Morton - gives you more room in the toe box of your shoe and provides enough rigidity to limit 1st met motion.Clyde

Clyde's X1 Blade - Great Toe Pain Gone!

Clyde,

  Here are the comments we discussed.

  I recently ran the Chicago Marathon and my Hallux Limitus pain (big toe joint pain) was worse than ever. When it was time to get back to running the pain was still there and I could not go more than a couple miles without enduring a lot of pain.

  I stumbled across your insert on the internet and ordered one for the left foot (the worse of the two). I received the insert promptly and was anxious to try it out.

  I ran 8 miles with it today and have NO TOE PAIN!!!


  I am huge believer in your product and am ordering one for the right foot as well. It is worth every penny. I was worried that I was going to not be able to run anymore.

  Thank you for making this amazing product.

 Sincerely, Jason

Running Faster with Clyde's X1 Blade RM Model

Max's Question? Sent: Friday, October 19, 2012 1:07 PM To: H.,  BILL Cc: clyde peach Subject: RUNNING FOLLOW Hi Bill, my name is Max Lockwood. I write/do reviews for a running trade journal, Running Insight. I am doing a review of Clyde's Hallux Limitus/Rigidus blades/inserts. I am a runner who has suffered with Hallux limitus for years. Clyde just sent me some samples to try out. He mentions you as someone(a runner) who has benefited from using them to improve range of motion and ability of your big toe. As a fellow runner I would love to get some additional insight. * How many miles do you run with them per week? * What was your running like before using them? * Do you have a severe case of rigidus/limitus? * are you a competitive runner/racer? * have they helped with the condition in general or only when using them? Feel free to provide any additional info as it pertains to the blades, your running, advocacy of the product, etc. I look forward to hearing from you Regards, Max

Bill's Answer - Lockwood [mailto:max.lockwood@gmail.com

Max, I am glad to answer any questions you may have. I am 49 years old, and have been running for 4-5 years. I have had to have cheilectomy surgery to remove bone spurs from each of my first toe joints…my right foot was operated on in November of 2010 and my left foot in April of 2012. As I was recovering from surgery I had an incident with my left toe that created a turf toe-like effect in around July of this year, which set back my recovery. I was experiencing the pain of Hallux Limitus before I began running, so I am not sold that running is the cause of the condition. I still suffer from hallux limitus but have recovered from the surgeries and run with much less pain since the bone spurs were removed. The two surgeons I worked with both told me that I basically have no cartilage in the joints of my first toe. Therefore, with each step I have bone against bone if I try to bend my first to backwards more than 20 degrees, so I cannot run pain free. Since I cannot bend my toes backward, I get very little if any power or strength from my big toe. I have tried countless over the counter orthotics with little to no success, but I did settle on using a red cushioned orthotic from Spenco in which I was cutting out the first toe area. I am still using this in conjunction with Clyde’s inserts I have been using lately, by placing the Spenco cushion orthotic on top of the orthotic with the Morton’s reverse extension from Clyde. The shoes I use are Saucony Mirage II. I had been running in the Saucony Kinvara, but the Mirage adds some pronation control that keeps me from putting excessive weight on my big toe. To answer your questions: • I began marathon-type training in January 2010, and have been running an average of 50 miles per week since that time, except for the time periods I was recovering from surgery. I am running that many miles per week currently as well. I have run four marathons during this time. • Note that I just ordered one for my left foot in mid-September and a pair that I received last Friday. Running before using them since my surgeries has been difficult since I have the weakness that is caused by hallux limitus, since I cannot bend my toe backwards or push off effectively. I never realized how much this was impacting my speed until I used Clyde’s inserts. Running since my surgery has been less painful, but would become painful if I accidently bent it backwards too far. • I would say yes, I still have a severe case of hallux limitus. Both doctors I worked with stated I am at stage 3 of 4, with stage 4 being you cannot bend your toe back at all. I am grateful the bone spurs are gone, but I again I have no strength from my toes during pushoff until I ran with inserts from Clyde. • I am not a competitive racer. My marathon PR is 4:08. I love to run though. I know the inserts cannot give me speed, but I ran a 5 mile tempo yesterday with the inserts with reverse Morton’s extension in each foot and realized I was running faster more easily than I was without them just two weeks prior… 8:45 ish per mile two weeks ago verses 8:24 yesterday on the same route. There’s no way that increase is from conditioning I have gained in two weeks, it is just so much easier to run now that I have these inserts. • I am wearing the original X-1 Blade in my left foot during work hours and have been for the past month. I can definitely feel the relief and experience much less pain in the my left toe joint from walking during the day. I wear them with Rockport dress shoes that have a wide toe box. At night, I noticed I had much less pain than after walking all day without the inserts. I believe the insert is helping my toe completely heal from the surgery and the turf toe injury, and will protect me long term from excessive bending of the toe either through normal walking, or accidently such as if I step on a rock, tree root running on a trail, or turning too quickly. My foot is also more pain free after running when I use the inserts. I am sold on the version of the insert with the Morton’s extension for running. I believe the X-1 blade is a little too rigid if you run in them beyond 5 miles. For football, tennis or similar sport with quick change of directions I could see it being perfect, but on a long run the X-1 Blade made my foot and left toe more tired than usual. I don’t think you need the extra rigidity in the first toe for normal running. The version with the reverse Morton’s extension is not as rigid as the X-1. I think this thinner less rigid version is more preferable for long runs, as it still protects your toe, gives added strength support and doesn’t tire your feet over the long term of a long run. The cut out area for the toe is a must for hallux rigidus also. I want to see how the Morton’s extension version works when I get to runs of 18 miles+. I ran 13 miles last weekend and that is the longest run I have run so far. However, after trying countless of other inserts I could tell immediately I have hit on the right solution. If there is anything else you need let me know. Bill H.

X1 Turf Toe Blade Helps A Runner with Hallux Rigidus

Its working for me, thank you

alan piggot (Miami, FL)

In Nov 2010 I injured my big toe surfing. Basically my toe was hyperflexed upwards and to the side horizontally towards my other toes. I was in a lot of pain just walking. If anything (like my dogs jumping on me while I was on the couch) pushed my toe sideways towards the other toes it was excruciatingly painful. I limped around trying hard sole shoes etc, but it was not improving. I looked at other plates on-line and I don't know why/how I ended up with this site, but I called and told the guy what my problem was and he recommended the Hiker Blade for me because I am 28, 165lbs, 5'9 and active (not since november though). I was stressed about how much it was but after 3 days of normal day to day walking with the blade, I could tell a huge difference. It has been about 3 weeks of wearing it everyday and the pain in my toe when walking is non existent. Walking barefoot, I barely have to limp around, I am almost walking totally normal. The best part about the blade, is that i went jogging last week for the first time and I think it functions better under a jog than it does walking! Whatever these guys did to engineer this, they did it right. I have been jogging three times since then. It is March 2011 now and I am finally getting some relief. Highly recommend this.