Best orthotics for high arches and plantar fascitis? (painful, ankle, doctor)

[lamishra]

Hi all, I can't afford prescription orthotics right now but I need something decent. I have been usig the ones from REI, which were recommended on several forums, and they have helped a bit, but not enough. I have the ones for the highest arches, but they don't seem high enough!
Any other recommendations?

[Ellise]

I use Walk Fit orthotics. I have flat feet, fallen arches, and occasional plantar fascitis. They come with three inserts to adjust the height of the arch support. I use the highest and they work for me.

They cost about $20, but you can find them on eBay for less.

[little elmer]

I just got back from my podiatrist, and he basically threw my WalkFit inserts away.

He gave me some shoe-length inserts that are pretty solid, but soft enough to be comfortable. Also, I have an apparatus that goes around my leg, just above my ankle, and then has a band that straps under my foot and velcro's back to the thing around my leg - it helps a lot!

He told me some things we might all try to remember:

Never go barefoot with this condition (he told me never anyway). Get some good solid sandles and use them from the bed in the morning, out of the shower, bathroom run during the night, etc.

If any shoe you wear (especially house shoes) can be folded in half - meaning flimsy - then they don't provide adequate stability.

Do the exercises - freeze a water bottle solid, and roll it up and down the bottom of your affected foot several times a day. Stretch the area by leaning against a wall and extended your leg back while keeping your heel on the floor - don't bounce though. Pull your toes up toward your face for a bit before getting out of bed - it helps stretch it also.

Never use heat on it - ice only (decreases inflamation).

Advil's not as good as his prescription, but it helps.

[cricket_factor]

Maybe this site?

Superfeet Premium Insoles

[bluedevilz]

Originally Posted by cricket_factor

Maybe this site?

Superfeet Premium Insoles

I can personally vouch for those being super insoles for a variety of conditions.

[ibcwife]

I have extremely high arches and planter faciatis as well. My Doctor also told me to never go barefoot. A couple of years ago I received 2 cortisone shots in my heel. (I only have it on one foot) The shots are painful, but I remained symptom free for 2 years. I am halfway thru the course of shots again... I was looking for othotics as well just so when I am symptom free, I can stay that way. (because again, the shots are painful) I had been to the GoodFeet store and spent like $400 on insoles that I could not stand to walk in because they were hard plastic and I just couldn't take it. I will check out the Superfeet store... and continue searching. Thanks for the posts..

[greatblueheron]

I order from footsmart.com

the arch support listed as the very highest support of all....the leather ones... have used and these are the only ones high enough for my arch issues.

Just ordered another pair... they are kinda expensive but really worth it...but they are not full length. I did also order a leather full length set so will see about those...

Good luck...I also buy FitFlop shoes...not for arch support so much but they have a very sturdy foodboard and wide toebox for comfort.

Originally Posted by lamishra

Hi all, I can't afford prescription orthotics right now but I need something decent. I have been usig the ones from REI, which were recommended on several forums, and they have helped a bit, but not enough. I have the ones for the highest arches, but they don't seem high enough!
Any other recommendations?

[stepka]

I buy the Klog brand of shoes, which are recommended esp to people with PF. They help a lot but I'm in the midst of the worst bout I've ever had. I've been under a lot of stress this year and have gained some weight, so my next thing I want to try is to lose at least the weight I've gained and see if it helps.

[lubby]

I have prescription orthotics but my insurance plan covered them. At that time I had Empire blue cross now I have oxford so I don't know if they would be covered if I had to get them now. Dr. scholls makes inserts too.

[nitram]

I went to a podiatrist and had custom made orthotics. They take molds of your feet and make the orthotics to match perfectly to your arch. Mine are padded over the plastic support. It's been over 30 years ago that I started wearing them. Best investment I ever made.