My foot began to hurt the week before the Chicago Marathon, in 2002. In the weeks following Chicago, I tried Superfeet inserts and arch support wraps. I continued to train and tried to work through my foot problems. The pain in my foot was especially bad during the beginning of my runs, and then again walking after I finished running.
I managed to complete the Gulf Beaches Marathon in February, 2003. Despite my efforts to solve my foot problem with ice, heat, wraps, and inserts the pain continued. My running mileage plummeted and I knew that if I wanted to continue to run I needed professional help.
Finding the right professional became my goal. I was looking for a person with a strong knowledge of running. Surgery and medication were not feasible options and I refused to hear someone tell me that I had to stop running to get better!
I met Dr. Cragg at the expo for the St. Louis Marathon in April, 2003 and began treatments. Twice a week visits, modifications to my shoes, home stretching and strengthening exercises all contributed to a significant improvement within only a couple of months. Dr. Cragg pinpointed some strength and flexibility problems in my hip that were influencing the foot problems. He provided me with a program of stretches and exercises that have enabled me to enjoy quality running. Months of pain free running have encouraged me to set some lofty personal goals.
I am grateful to Dr. Cragg for solving my initial problem and also for equipping me with exercises and stretches that allow me to continue to run.