I believe that the way our society has moved toward orthotic and arch support has actually made things worse.
As a runner, I use as minimal shoe as possible. When I run on my treadmill as home, I go barefoot. It trains you to run on the balls of your feet, rather then landing on the heel. I have no science evidence other then what feels right and what I see the best runners in the world doing.
If you have been injured though, this is a different conversation.
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I got custom orthotics for planterphacietis (spelling?) a few years ago. I haven't worn them in about two years. Not because my foot problems went away. But because you can buy insoles for $30 - $40 that do the same thing. Advantage to that is you can get a few pairs and have them in a few different pairs of shoes. Instead of switching one pair between your different shoes.
They helped me, but I only have them in my office shoes. I pronate really bad, and have to buy a new pair of shoes every 3 months because I blow through the inside of my left heel. Orthotics have helped extend the life of my shoes so far.
i have flat arches and really bad bunions (poor genetics from both my parents), and so custom orthotics are a must for me. I find that when I don't wear my orthotics, my ankles get really sore and my bunions get sore as well.
Some health insurance companies cover a majority, if not all of the cost every year or other year. I think it's worth taking advantage of it.
The clinic that I goto is in the Market Mall professional building, and they give you a discount if you order more than one pair.
I guess it really depends how much pain you are in. My wife is always whining about being in pain, and has orthotics....even with them...she still complains. So I don't know if they do a damn thing or not. They are expensvie, no two Podiatrists agree on how they need to be made, and need to be replaced every two years. They also make it sound like you need to nail the bloody things to your feet and wear them 24-7 or else they won't work.
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We're supposed to get them for our daughter but they also told us to first try those Dr Scholl's ones, where you stand on the machine and it tells you which number to get. So we'll pick those up and try them. I know our insurance covers actual orthotics but we'll try these others first.
The kid's feet are super flat, plus she needs extra support for the left foot that was injured. We just picked up a pair of crazy expensive shoes for her, with excellent support. We'll be spending several hundred more for some summer sandals (probably Berks), running shoes and some hiking boots.
I am diabetic with a bit of foot problems. I just by the insoles, but if I can't manage my problem I will have to get orthotics. So, there can be a definite benefit, but I doubt it is for just anybody who thinks they have a bit of discomfort.
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Thank you all for your input and replies, all great info!
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheSutterDynasty
What issues are you having that are making you think about orthotics?
Actually... none... just possibly wasting money. I figure I am in my office shoes all day long, and if regular shoes are theoretically hurting my joints over the years, would this be a good investment in my health to prevent issues?
We're supposed to get them for our daughter but they also told us to first try those Dr Scholl's ones, where you stand on the machine and it tells you which number to get. So we'll pick those up and try them. I know our insurance covers actual orthotics but we'll try these others first.
The kid's feet are super flat, plus she needs extra support for the left foot that was injured. We just picked up a pair of crazy expensive shoes for her, with excellent support. We'll be spending several hundred more for some summer sandals (probably Berks), running shoes and some hiking boots.
Just a piece of advice for you and everyone else with foot problems: Send her to a chiropractor that specializes (read as actually advertises) in extremity adjusting. A few adjustments at a young age can really change the mechanics of her feet and let her build strength up in the arches as she grows.
Also, have her do the "short foot" exercise:
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Well....no to the chiropractor. We'll stick with her PT (and she's already "grown" - she's almost 19). And she already does that exercise, plus a couple of very similar ones.
I have lower back and knee problems. My physiotherapist recommended that I get orthotics after doing a Gait scan. $400 later and now they're sitting in a box. They actually made my back and knees hurt more and parts of my feet started to get numb.
I have a lower back problem and a very bad neck. My orthotics really changed my life around. I am more comfortable and have SERIOUSLY decreased the problems in my neck and back. I wear them in every pair of shoes I own.
I highly recommend the Achilles Foot Clinic, they do a great job.
I have a lower back problem and a very bad neck. My orthotics really changed my life around. I am more comfortable and have SERIOUSLY decreased the problems in my neck and back. I wear them in every pair of shoes I own.
I highly recommend the Achilles Foot Clinic, they do a great job.
Getting custom orthotics was a huge mistake on my part, wasted $600.
I wore them in my running shoes. I'd be able to wear them for about an hour while active, or 2-3 hours sjust sitting, until I would get numbness 100% of the time, followed by sharp stabbing pain that lasted for hours when the numbness wore off.
Once I stopped using them, the pain and numbness went away.
I'm convinced that feet shouldn't be bent in certain ways, and this is one of them.
If you feel you really must get insoles, try the Dr. Scholl's first. It's a lot cheaper than going straight for the custom ones.
I went through years of sore feet and buying orthotics and it was a complete waste of time and money. Started with some concept that weaned you off them with progressively less support and then recommended strengthening your feet by wearing sandals as often as possible. And then only having like gel pads for your shoes.
Actually... none... just possibly wasting money. I figure I am in my office shoes all day long, and if regular shoes are theoretically hurting my joints over the years, would this be a good investment in my health to prevent issues?
If you were having issues then I'd suggest it's a personal choice - some people get relief, some get worse, and most are somewhere in between. There are certainly more active, cheaper options out there.
Orthotics are likely going to have minimal effect on any prevention of joint issues in the future. Arguably they'll help prevent overuse / malalignment issues with running or potentially walking / standing - though these injuries again can be addressed through cheaper options.
If the cost for them is out of your own pocket I'd suggest holding off on them.
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