Question
I am 34 yrs. old and an ex-cop.  I have had numerous injuries and have endured many police academies and training over the years.  I am in a much less demanding job now.  I, however, have been working out hard for the last 5 months.  I do 3 days of weights and 3 days of cardio.
My feet have always been a bit had.  I have bunions and a doctor once told me that I had Halix Rigidous.  I tend to over pronate and have been plagued w/ chronic shin splints.  The doctor told me my running days are over.  I do non impact cardio now.
When I do anything on my feet for any small amount of time, my feet and my lower back throb.  
When I wear boots it is a bit better.  I have good running shoes w/ inserts but when I wear shoes my feet and back throb!
What can I poor man do now?
HELP!

Answer
 Hi.
   I would get another opinion at a different podiatrist.  First step would be to have a new orthotic made up. Sounds like you need something called a morton's extension, as well as a heel lift.  (Have them check for a difference in the length of your legs also).
  The key is that you feel better in boots. The main difference between sneakers and boots is that the boots don't bend as easily at the ball of the foot. Since you have hallux rigidis, your big toe joint can't bend easily. It has to bend less in the boots. A morton's extension on the orthotic prevents some of the motion in that area.
 Also a boot has more of a heel than a sneaker..

Try that for a while. IF it doesn't help, then consider surgery to fix the bunions.

Good luck