BraceBlogger: runners with hallux rigidus

Showing posts with label runners with hallux rigidus. Show all posts

Monday, March 11, 2013

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

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Clyde's X1 Blade for Trail Runner with Great Toe Arthritis

Contact Name: Charlotte MacXxxxxxxx Phone: 403-XXX-XXXX Email Address: charlotte@xxxxxxxx.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! Charlotte

Charlotte - Order one of my X1 Blades with reverse Morton's modification since you have a bone spur. It shoud really helpClyde

Monday, November 19, 2012

Marathoner Impressed with Clyde's X1 Blade

Hi Clyde, I'm really impressed with the X1 Blade which you sent me earlier this month. The fit is perfect, no trimming needed, you're not aware of having it in the running shoe and it takes enough flexion out of the big toe joint for it to be absolutely pain-free, both during the running and in the day following. I'm moving outside to do some roadwork this week, and have every faith that the blade will continue to perform to expectations as I build up to marathon distance. Thanks for this excellent product! I have recommended it to running colleagues and my orthopaedic surgeon.
Best wishes , A. Green ______________________________

Thursday, October 25, 2012

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

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Clyde's X1 BladeCreates Momentum for Marathoner

Clyde, I wanted you to see his follow up question and my response. I hope that he decides to order one of your inserts, and that he is able to write up a review for you. Thanks, Bill From:H., BILL Sent: Friday, October 19, 2012 7:12 PM To: 'max.lockwood@gmail.com' Subject: Re: RUNNING FOLLOW I read your question about the X1 Blade RM model and went for a run with one in my shoe to think about it. So far I had mainly just been paying attention to the lack of pain the X1 Blade gives me when I run. Yes the entire chain gets stronger. You can feel the extra boost of energy starting from the toes as you push off. This boost transfers to the rest of the foot and to the achilles as you pushoff and this energy creates more momentum for your legs. The X1 Blade RM also gives support to my hips and legs, more than my foot could without the insert with minimal strength in my big toe. The X1 Blade definitely allows me to run faster more easily for a longer length of time and protects my toe joint from further pain from bending excessively and putting all of my weight in the toe joint while running.

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.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

User Loves Clyde's X1 Blade for Running

ontact Name: Bill H Phone: 336-xxx-3703 Email Address: bhxxx@valspar.com Comments or Questions: I just purchased on Sunday the "Pro" version of your X1 blade and LOVE it. I like to run, and have had surgery on both of my 1st toes to remove bone spurs, and recently had a turf toe injury to my left 1st toe, and the design of your othotic is perfect for me. I did just notice a different version of the blade with the reverse morton's extension. Does this blade allow the first toe to drop below the the other toes of the foot? From the photo on the website it appears the first toe is lower than the other toes. I like to cut out the first to of the removable foot sole of my shoes to let my first toe drop below the others, to reduce the degree that my foot bends backwards as I walk. I love the orthotic I have purchased for running so far, but thought the one with the reverse morton's extension might be nice for everyday walking use verses purchasing the "light" version, if the first toe is below the others.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

X1 Blade Modification for Hallux Rigidus Runner

Question from Andrew C. Phone: XXX66640XX8 Email Address: ausxxxxx@bigpond.net.au
Hi Clyde, Recently received an X1 blade (runner) for hallux rigidis. Have found the blade good up to 15km runs but noticing a lack of flexability above this mileage. Was wondering if I would effect the structural soundness if I was to cut a scallop out of the carbon fibre on the non supported side to allow my 'working' toes more flexability. Thanks in advance

Answer from Clyde to Andrew: Yes, you can modify any part of an X1 Blade with a pair of scissors except for the Blade. Be sure and wet sand the modified area to seal the material back together.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Testimonial About the X1 Blade for Hallux Rigidus

On Wed, Jul 25, 2012 at 9:47 AM, <3174451475@mms.att.net> wrote:
Contact Name: KS Phone: 707 XXX XXXX Email Address: kschoffer@sbcglobal.net Comments or Questions: Clyde, I spoke to you on the phone a while back about the success I was having with my X1 Blade for my hallux rigidus. Since then I have tried to post the benefits of my X1 Blade on Youtube. I am not sure you ever received the comment. I still would like people to know the relief I have gotten with your device. Can you send me a link that I could post on? Thanks KS

Answer: Dear Konrad - thank you so much for your efforts. If you have a YouTube account click on the following link to post your testimonial http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyo1r3T25oY&feature=pyv&ad=2428808246. Glad you X1 Blade is performing up to your expectation. Clyde Peach

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Clyde's X1 Blade Turf Toe Blades - June 2012

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Toe Joint Pain/Hallux Rigidus Relief

I had surgery in January 2009 to remove a bone spur on my left big toe. The doc said that this type of injury can stem from turf toe. I had turf toe in high school (10 years ago) and never got it treated. I began running longer distances (1 marathon, 2 halfs, 3rd in november) 2.5 years ago and started having issues last year with pain. I have the beginning of arthritis in the big toe joint.

I was contemplating a joint replacement but felt that this was too much too soon and just opted for the bone spur removal. I wasn't convinced that was going to work and felt it might prevent me even more from running. It took a while for me to get back into it as I didn't fully recover from the surgery for at least 3-4 months (doc said 1-2). He gave me a carbon fiber plate to put in my shoe but it definitely was not good for running as it stiffened the entire shoe and made running uncomfortable.

Luckily I found a different plate that is more flexible throughout but still stiff where you need it (beneath the big toe). It is called the X1-Blade made by indiana brace (http://02b20d1.netsolstores.com/X1BladeforTurfToePain.aspx) for help with turf toe. I found this extremely helpful in getting back into running. I read testimonials and talked to the guy who makes them. I recommend this before any other surgery and wish I knew about this 10 years ago.

Best of luck.

Mike, 28

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Contact Name: Olin B. Phone: 205-XXX-XXXX Email Address: opXXXXX@hotmail.com Comments or Questions: I bought three of the lightest X1 blades and they have worked well, but some of my shoes have more flexible soles than others. Can the blades be retrofitted to a more rigid level? Thanks.
Clyde's Response - I would suggest you move up to my X1 Blade Shoe Stiffner - medium density.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Hallux Rigidus Pain Relief - Flipped X1 Blades

    A physician called me last week from San Diego who has been using bilateral X1 Blades to treat his hallux rigidus. He said that his left X1 Blade wasn't working as well as it had when he first bought the pair 9 months earlier in controlling his hallux rigidus pain. I suggested - by text - that he take the right X1 Blade flip it over and put it in his left shoe and take the left X1 Blade and flip it over and put it in his right shoe. I wrote that the effect would be to create a more rigid forefoot insert and that it would add more spring at toe off.
    I also told him several X1 Blade customers were using "flipped" X1 Blades and liked them better that way.
   He called me that afternoon, "Wow, Clyde thanks for the text. Your a genius. I did what you suggested and my feet have never felt better. I love these flipped X1 Blades - my toe pain is gone again."

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Hallux Rigidus Runner Wants Bilateral X1 Blades

Contact Name: Mark L. Phone: 804-xxx-xxxx Email Address: xxxxxxxx@verizon.net Comments or Questions: Hello, I'm intersted in ordering the "Hiker" model, for both left and right feet, in a size 10 but don't see that size as available on your website. Will it perhaps be available soon? I'm a marathon runner with Hallux Rigidus and am in dire need of these! Thanks, Mark L. ............. Answer Mark, The men's sizes are right next to the women's sizes on the order page. Clyde