You sound as if you are a bit frustrated. All I can say is it will take time to get better. They may try to get you to wear orthotics as well. As you have read, Birkenstock sandals - taking glucosomine etc. may all help. I just refused to give up going barefoot but it did take several months and wearing my Birks almost all of the time for it to finally clear. Whenever I feel a "twinge" I go back to the Birks. Still better barefoot in my Birks than not at all!

Ron