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mignon
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« on: September 16, 2009, 11:38:54 AM » |
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I've had rigid orthotics for 5+ years and the whole time my flat feet have felt like pounded meat. I had them re-fitted several times, and got new ones a few months ago, and still: meat! I had to take special anti-cramping pills to get to sleep at night. So I finally bought some foam inserts at the drugstore and started wearing them instead. No more pounded meat . . . but my old knee and back injuries are now acting up. (Yes, I am over 40 . . . )
My questions are: should I just ditch my orthotics forever? Or do I just need to get a new podiatrist and another new set of orthotics? Do orthotics just NOT WORK on some people?
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biomancer
trying to be the person my dog thinks I am
Distinguished Senior Member
Posts: 7,585
CHE Fora Hazmat Team
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« Reply #1 on: September 16, 2009, 11:49:09 AM » |
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You definitely need new orthotics - 5 years is way too long for one set. If you were never comfortable in the current ones, then I'd recommend getting the new podiatrist too. It sounds like those orthotics weren't properly customized for your body.
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Clueless people can be dangerous. The acidic environment they can spread often needs to be neutralized, and humor is basic. - Dellaroux
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ms_turtle
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« Reply #2 on: September 16, 2009, 11:50:27 AM » |
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My questions are: should I just ditch my orthotics forever? Or do I just need to get a new podiatrist and another new set of orthotics? Do orthotics just NOT WORK on some people?
I would try a new podiatrist and set of orthotics. I've had very rigid orthotics for 24 years now -- the same set (did I tell you that they are very rigid)! Of course I had to give up cute shoes and have worn the same style of saucony running shoes daily during that time span as the inserts fit best in that brand and style. I've not heard that orthotics don't work well for some people, but I also don't think that is outside the realm of possibility. |
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« Last Edit: September 16, 2009, 11:51:22 AM by ms_turtle »
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"Oh, PLANS, PLANS, PLANS -- how we make plans into the future, as if the future will most certainly be there!" -- John Irving
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glowdart
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« Reply #3 on: September 16, 2009, 08:20:50 PM » |
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I would ask the podiatrist about the different styles available, as well as what particular issues you have with your feet. My podiatrist asked what I wanted to do once I could walk again like a normal person, and I started listing sports, so he said he'd order "athletic orthotics". Mine have a rigid shank down the middle, floppy parts on the edges and more cushioning than others that I have seen. Fabric all around, and some sort of high-density foam. (Semi-rigid, thus?)
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gonehiking
Junior member
Posts: 91
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« Reply #4 on: September 16, 2009, 08:57:12 PM » |
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Just to third or fourth what others said, I would consider seeing another podiatrist or insist on something different from your current one. I've had rigid orthotics for nearly 10 years (I'm on my 2nd pair although the 1st pair is still functional) and have done stuff like 15-20 mile dayhikes and 10K races without beating up my feet. (Well, the long hikes make everything a little sore.) "Rigid" meaning a rigid platform with thin cushioning on top. My problem is severe overpronation, so while my feet aren't extremely flat, I need the support to keep my feet from rolling inward when I walk or run.
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bibliothecula
Academic ronin
Distinguished Senior Member
Posts: 3,727
like Bunnicula, only with books
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« Reply #5 on: September 17, 2009, 01:08:03 PM » |
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I have totally flat feet too. My rigid orthotics were actually more uncomfortable than just shoes or OTC inserts for me. I do stretches for increasing arch and general foot strength and that has helped more than anything, and I also wear very supportive shoes these days when I know I'm going to be on my feet (Danskos, mostly) but do check with an expert.
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mignon
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« Reply #6 on: September 17, 2009, 07:38:40 PM » |
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Thanks, all. I was never given the option of "athletic orthotics," though I walk 4-5 miles/day, very fast, and do a ski machine and yoga. My flat feet cramp and cramp in those rigid orthotics. (Gave up cute shoes lonnng ago, btw. Now I shop at a store full of people who literally pull up in a shuttle bus from the local retirement home!)
Time to see a new podiatrist before giving up.
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glowdart
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« Reply #7 on: September 17, 2009, 07:46:20 PM » |
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Thanks, all. I was never given the option of "athletic orthotics," though I walk 4-5 miles/day, very fast, and do a ski machine and yoga. My flat feet cramp and cramp in those rigid orthotics. (Gave up cute shoes lonnng ago, btw. Now I shop at a store full of people who literally pull up in a shuttle bus from the local retirement home!)
Time to see a new podiatrist before giving up.
You might want to see if there's a podiatrist near you who specializes in sports medicine (or something other than diabetic feet, corns and callouses.) |
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mignon
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« Reply #8 on: September 29, 2009, 09:16:46 AM » |
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Update: I ditched the orthotics and started wearing foam inserts from Walgreens. Pain-free, even at night, for the first time in 5 years. Wow.
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