 Glad to hear that its getting sorted Jeannie.
Si(C)
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 Jeannie, this is spookily similar to what has happened to me. As some of you might remember, I've been hobbling around since about June with achilles trouble. I'm having treatment at a sports injury clinic now (physio to treat the scar tissue around the tendon and orthotics from the podiatrist to fix the underlying biomechanical problem) and I'm currently waiting for some orthotics to be made for me. I haven't been walking for ages now, but at least I've finally found out what the problem is. Looks like it will help with my dodgy back too. All those people who told me to see a podiatrist in the summer can feel very smug now!
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<Smug mode engaged>
Glad to hear your probsa re being sorted too. Walkings no fun when it hurts all the time :-(
Si(C)
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 Cath - sorry to hear your problems :0( but glad you're getting sorted :0)
My GP originally told me to rest the tendon i.e. don't walk up any mountains; but as walking every single step was causing the main problem I kinda ignored him :O and carried on having fun but in a smaller way.
The podiatrist told me to carry on and do anything I wanted but just to wear the insoles. The test walk was on Sunday - not a huge one, 6 miles up and down with the D of E kids. By the end my ankles were hurting a bit but it was a general thing, not centred on the Achilles tendons. He did say that I would experience a few aches and pains as I would be using muscles in a different way than before. I had taken my poles along and used them to take the strain off my feet. On the trip back the pain subsided, and the next morning there was hardly any stiffness - a dramatic change from the hobbling old woman witnessed by a few people on here at Wasdale and Edale.
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I've actually only just seen the podiatrist, so I don't have any orthotics yet and they haven't given me anything temporary as they have with you - but it's encouraging to hear that they can have quite an impact so soon. The treatment that I'm having to remove the scar tissue seems to be working though, so hopefully once I get the orthotics it shouldn't be long before I'm up to speed.
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:o))
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Latest report - it's getting like Alex's kitchen ceiling, isn't it? Well, actually it's NOTHING like his ceiling but heigh ho....
The NHS physio appt *finally* came through and I have had 2 visits so far. After years of pronation most of the joints in my right foot are stiff and don't work properly (if at all), not to mention the pain when she tried to move them!
We are working on building up the supporting muscles - some of which are up as far as my hip. The end result will be that my body will be able to support the weak joint with my own muscles and ligaments. As the orthotics don't fit many of my shoes the aim is to eventually be able to do without them - but it will be a long haul and in the meantime they relieve most of the pain and have stopped the limping while they are being worn.
I have 5 lots of exercises to do each day and as I improve the tasks will get harder - but after only 2 weeks the joint at the end of the talus bone is already less tender.
But the exercises hurt!
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 This is nothing like my ceiling...speaking of which Home Improvement lovers...news of a MAJOR development coming soom.
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 So you are building a fourth carriageway to alleviate traffic pressure over breakfast then, nice...
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Jeannie. Don't talk to me about exercises! I've been doing various exercises (like you I have lots of weak/wrong bits after years of overpronation) since about November/December. For weeks on end I was having to put heat packs on my legs for 20 minutes 3 times a day and then do various stretches and 2 sets of heel raises. Sooo tedious and time consuming. Mind you, that was at the stage when I couldn't walk for more than about 30 minutes without pain - so I didn't have much else to do except sit about with my legs on a hot water bottle! Particularly difficult at work having to explain to the hordes of people coming in and out of my office what I'm up to. I'm now onto a new set of exercises and have also been instructed to stand on one leg with my eyes shut as much as possible (I reckon she's having me on with that one though). Still, I'm pain free nearly all the time now and last weekend I increased my walking to 7.5 miles. At last, something approaching a 'proper' walk. Sods law, after several relatively dry and proper wintery months, this entailed trudging around Axe Edge Moor in the pi**ing rain!
So, Jeannie, I sympathise. At least the exercises make you feel like you're doing something to make it better though - and, of course, they will help and that's gratifying.
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Update!
I just wanted to say thank you for the good advice, which encouraged me to find out exactly what was wrong with my feet.
I ended up being referred to a podiatry surgeon who diagnosed Mortons Neuroma.
Subsequently, after less radical methods
(special shoe inserts, and cortisone injections) failed miserably, I had my first surgery in February and have just had the other two affected nerves removed from my other foot.
I'd be interested to hear if anyone else has had surgery for the same condition, and how long I should expect before I can go walking again. Pain free hopefully!
Susie.
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 OK, caught on to this thread late as usual however hope my info may be of use to some people.
Recently tried to get some boots from the lovely people at Fisher's in Keswick as my old ones are in a bit of a state and am also now getting some discomfort in my feet. (Tho nothing by the standards being set by others on this thread.)
After some careful measuring and assessing of my tootsies the chap tried a variety of boots and then a greater variety of inners and volume fillers to try and get a good fit. Great on the flat but as soon as I tried the downward bit on the ramp the trouble started. Unfortunately my arches seem to have collapsed lengthening and flattening my feet and I cannot stop the foot sliding forward in the boot without lacing tightly enough to remove circulation.
It was then suggested I see a podiatrist who could give me some custom inserts.
Now being a cheapskate I went to see my gp who's a helpful sort and he is referring me to the foot man at the local hospital. The downside is I'm not sure how long I'll be waiting. The upside is that I need to save up for a new pair of boots anyway.
So, it may be worth trying your GP first if you are considering seeing a podiatrist.
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Right, Have just read Jeannie's article on the original trip to the hospital and aaaaaam hoping that I'm getting the custom footbeds and not the needle!
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 Ben Hammonds point of going to the GP is valid but I would suggest that you request a referral to a podiatrist. The GP should then point you in the direction of a state registered one who has the training and experience to be able to help.
If looking through the phone book then SRCH are the letters to look out for. This year it's all changing and in the near future it will become a closed profession so that only those qualified to an agreed standard will be able to use either the names "Chiropodist" or "Podiatrist". Until this finally comes into place then it's buyer beware.
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Or go by personal recommendation as I did - and then recommended him to Bryan who was similarly 'sorted out'.
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 Sadly not quite Jeannie but we are almost there, my right foot is proving a little more difficult but as you know Andrew keeps at it until hes got it sorted.
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