Question: Recently, I purchased a BowFlex Treadclimber exercise machine. It is purportedly a three-in-one device that is a treadmill, elliptical, and stair stepper in one. I started using the Treadclimber while wearing a pair of MBT rocker panel athletic shoes. A day or two later I developed very significant pain in the inside of my right ankle and the top of my instep. It appeared to be clearing up after a couple of weeks, but once I started trying to walk normally on the foot, the pain returned to the top of the instep, especially noteworthy when walking or flexing the foot. What do you think is causing the problem and what do you suggest as a treatment and recovery of function?

Thanks, doctor for your suggestion. However, I do not believe I want to go through this exhaustive approach to something I believe can heal with far less immobilization and physiotherapy. As I said, just a few days ago, the foot felt almost normal after a couple of weeks of decreased walking and taking anti-inflammatories. I think I just pushed the recovery a little too fast and tried to walk on the foot before it had completely eliminated all the inflammation. I am not in a position to sequester myself for several weeks in order to follow all you have suggested. Thank you for your appraisal. I think in the future, since I was a medic in the USAF and subsequently a Respiratory Therapist, I will trust to my own judgment and follow the R.I.C.E. approach. I am not an advocate of lengthy and unnecessary interventions and I believe in letting the body try and heal itself to some degree.