Foot inserts/orthotics (pain, surgery, doctor, prescription)

[Novila]

Are they worth the bother? I'm just finding it hard to justify the 350 bill to get something that looks like a shoe insert from Payless. They're for a joint issue in this case where the Podiatrist threatens surgery if we don't do this. 😰 Any experience with this, positive or negative?

[AnotherBravesFan]

But, I have an extreme case compared to most people. I suffered so badly with metatarsalgia (ball of foot pain) about 15 months ago that I went from being active (walking 3 miles/day on the treadmill, gardening, keeping house, etc.) to walking with a limp to being confined to a wheelchair in the span of about 8 weeks. I spent 6 weeks full-time in the wheelchair and another 2-3 weeks working to get back on my feet for longer and longer periods of time. I saw 7 different doctors, including 2 podiatrists, and most were CLUELESS about what was wrong and how to fix it.

I did a COMPLETE shoe and sock wardrobe overhaul and FINALLY was prescribed custom orthotics (foam based and very thick) to wear in my closed shoes. I had mine made by a pedorthist (specialist who does nothing but create and fit orthotics). As my recovery progressed, I did return to him for small adjustments to the orthotics. I still have to be careful and limit how much time I stand or walk. No more treadmill per doctor's orders. And I never go barefoot, even in the shower. I always have some kind of shoe between my foot and the floor.

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may be able to use off-the-shelf inserts such as Powersteps or Superfeet. I found that I needed more cushioning, higher arch support, and metatarsal support than that, even after having changed the brands and types of shoes I wore.

I have bought and returned more shoes and socks in the last year than I can recount here. If you or any other readers are interested, DM me and I can tell you the brands/styles of shoes that I have found to be best for my issue.

Good luck, and my advice is to not give up or give in to surgery until you feel you have exhausted all of your alternatives... There were many times I felt discouraged and without hope that I would ever be able to do what so many take for granted - like walk around a grocery store or down the street to a neighbor's house. With determination, I have found some pretty good solutions and am pain free much of the time.

[Jbeechuk]

I get the $50 Dr. Scholls orthotics. Works great.

[fisheye]

What is your aliment? I suffered from plantar fasciitis and I did 'cure' myself with just the right combination of a hard insole support and a slip over tube with an extra latex arch support. I saw two different specialist and the way it was described to me was that every time I sat for a long time and then got up; I would reinjure the area. So it was just a matter of finding the exact right height to prevent tearing the tissue when I stood up. After about a year of pain; it only took about a few days to stop the agony when I hit just the right combination.

But this also depends on what is wrong with you and your exact problem. It only cost me about $30 for the insoles and extra support - but it cost several hundred in trips to the two specialist and for all the supports that did not work for me.

[jacqueg]

I saw a podiatrist for plantar fasciitis, who recommended a specific over-the-counter insert. It helped me a lot.

Then I found a brand of shoes (abeo) that makes a range of inserts and haven't looked back.

OP, consider getting a second opinion. Maybe your podiatrist has an unhealthy relationship with the orthotic maker. But maybe s/he doesn't. You won't find out unless you get a second opinion.

What worked for me, might not work for you. In fact, what worked for me might make your feet worse.

But yes, I found orthotics very helpful. Two years ago, I could barely walk across the room. Now I'm back up to a couple miles every few days.

[NorthernGator]

Hi Novila,
I have used prescription orthotics and over the counter orthotics and pads. I found them useless despite them being ordered by the podiatrist. BUT years later I saw a physical therapist for another reason (which she fixed) and mentioned the other problems- it was my body mechanics (foot). I also switched to wearing HokaOneOne (brand of sneaker) Bondi's. (Wide feet, splayed forefoot aggravated my situation).


Other posters have been helped so depends I guess. I'm not sure what your specific issue is and I'm certainly no podiatrist but I'm wondering if this isn't something a physical therapist and a overpriced but super cushioned shoe for runners (like HokaOneOne- no I'm NOT a shoe salesman!) would help. Online shoes are cheaper and usually better about return policies.


Hope you get relief soon.
NG

Originally Posted by Novila

Are they worth the bother? I'm just finding it hard to justify the 350 bill to get something that looks like a shoe insert from Payless. They're for a joint issue in this case where the Podiatrist threatens surgery if we don't do this. 😰 Any experience with this, positive or negative?

[Nickchick]

I would not use orthotics. You should probably be careful to wear the right kind/size of shoe for your foot (I found out I have high arches so I needed a bigger shoe size) but any extra support is like wearing a bra to bed.

When I used the custom orthotics it actually made the pain worse. Plantar fasciitis is unfortunately a condition that seems to never really go away but I have found improvement in the severity of pain with stretching and going shoe-less once in a while. I also wear my Vionics outside when it's summertime that I won from the raffle. If you have a high arch, I recommend them but they are a bit pricey if you have to pay for them.