I know serious posts can be frowned upon, but I like this place.  

For the most part I've been trying to figure out my foot arthritis issue out on my own, but it's a guessing game.

I have moderate arthritis in my first MTP (right big toe joint).  Got the go ahead to run from my orthopedic md who is also on my racing team.

Yes there's less space between my joints and will experience inflammation and pain at time, but the bones spurs are not causing impinging damage (for now). 

OK sweet - game on.  I'm out of shape, a few pound over weight but I can run.   I train at a community center over lunch and there are two trainers who are knowledgeable and I do trust them but please stop watching me run on the TM and tell me how I'm landing, pushing off or where my legs needs to go.  I've been working on proper form, foot landing and posture for years.  Based on the bone formation of my right foot it may be impossible to land perfect so get over it.

I've read articles of runners of all abilities who lack proper form and do all right.  I'm still about finding the better way to run, don't get me wrong, but attempting to make ratical changes to my gait feels like a disaster in the making.  Am I right?

I've put all my PRs on the shelf and just want to start from scratch, is that too much to ask?

I'm on 20(ish) miles a week as I'm still dealing with healing from a fall injury that brought all this injury about.  I got time and a chance for a fall marathon right?  I'm in no position to take on Pfitz or Hanson, but any input on where to start after coming off a major injury and struggling to run paces that used to be effortless?  Just want to run 2000 miles a year in the swamp.

Holy COW!  I agree with everything R2E just posted!   

Shoes with a roomy toe box and lots of cushioning, and just run some every day.  Building it up; pace and distance by feel.  You will be strong and fast 'cause that's how you roll! 

I think you're getting it figured out Willie.  Doing just fine as far as I can tell.  You running with the gang on Sunday?  I might be able to join.  If so, I'll run your pace.

NOT A DOCTOR, SO VALUE THIS CRAP AS SUCH***

I cant address arthritis or what it does/may do. If you are in running mode and can handle the pain and inflamation, you'll be able to run back into running shape quickly. This is specific to you. You seldom get out of shape and while you say you're a pound overweight and blah blah, you are oftyen in the gym doing exercise that keeps your heart in shape. You should come back slow, but you'll notice very quickly that you'll move from a Higdon couch to marathon program back to a more agressive program very quickly. You'll progress geomatrically vs. linearly. That said, IMO, our wisdom is what keeps us in the game, so make every effort to know the days NOT to run and try to honor them.

I also imagine that fast running (which is so easy to you) probably flexes your feet more than that dreaded slow running (icky). I think the note here is that the power that moves through your feet at speed, can probably accelerate the wear and tear process.

Anecdotally, I think the body seems to compensate for itself, so while the bones and tendony thingies are showing signs of stress, moderate build up can cause muscles to stand in for their deficiencies. Even before highschool, I had most of the ligaments in my right knee shredded, and while it was super weak at first, a long slow build up in exercise caused it to be running worthy again.

..........For the most part I've been trying to figure out my foot arthritis issue out on my own, but it's a guessing game.

Did this as well. For me it was the shoes. Plus, my feet have gotten wider?

Quit struggling to run paces that used to be effortless.  Stay off the TM if you use one until you find what the new effortless is.

Sounds way more fun   Thanks Ennay.

so is it payday yet so I can try on some new steppers?

I can't add any thing to what has been said but I wish you much luck with it, Willie.

+1. Joints that don't work right suck.