orthotics

TCook said:

Just posting a question about orthotics (foot orthoses) and effectiveness
etc. I have been reading many articles that state the pros and cons of
orthotics and just wondering what your experiences have been uses them.

Thanks,
Todd

I believe they have saved me from serious knee problems. I had high
arches that started to fall in my 40s, and no ordinary arch supports
touched my arches. I got custom orthotics and not only did they make my
arch pain go away, I was shocked by how much they realigned my knee
joint (back to a more normal position). I use them almost all the time.
Mine are not the hard ones that podiatrists usually make but an insole
of firm foam made to a mold of my foot by an orthoticist in East Flat
Rock NC. The first time I went to the running shoe store the owner took
one look at them and said "Who made those? those are a lot better than
what I usually see."

Pam

"TCook" <[email hidden]> wrote in news:6HAxe.145930$El.106705@pd7tw1no:

Quoted message said:

Just posting a question about orthotics (foot orthoses) and
effectiveness etc. I have been reading many articles that state the
pros and cons of orthotics and just wondering what your experiences
have been uses them.

Thanks,
Todd

You'll find some skeptics, but you'll also find believers -- like me. I
had on-and-off alternating knee and ankle issues in my left leg. My
orthopedist recommended orthotic inserts, so I sprang for a good pair
from one of the specialty stores here in metro Detroit. They took some
getting used to (make absolutely certain you follow their directions for
acclimating your feet to the inserts!), but, since then, I've had very
few problems.

That said, my experience is anectdotal, not scientific. Along the way,
I've also made some adjustments to how I run to make my gait more
efficient and less stressful; and I've switched shoes several times (from
Nike, to Asics, back to Nike, back to Asics, and now to New Balance; the
NB shoes, I think, doing as much for injury prevention as the orthotics
did).

They're no cure-all. But, if you have a problem that can be corrected or
aided, they're a good investment. Just be prepared to spend a lot of
money and not get anything out of it if your problem is beyond orthotics.

Dot said:

It depends - on your orthotic, your issues (why you need an orthotic),
and your goals/lifestyle, etc.

I would definitely say that as well. I have high arches and a
a problematic ankle. I sprained it twice in three years and
had it scoped. Orthotics were suggested along with PT.. (all
before scoping). I really didn't notice anything one way or another.
I bought a new pair of shoes (same model) and didn't insert the
orthotics and I haven't noticed any real difference. However,
I am also much more aware of my running and where I land since
I sprained it a second time while running. I think learning
the hard way that I had to actually be mindful when running
helped more. :-)

Erika

Dot said:

It depends - on your orthotic, your issues (why you need an orthotic),
and your goals/lifestyle, etc.

I would definitely say that as well. I have high arches and a
a problematic ankle. I sprained it twice in three years and
had it scoped. Orthotics were suggested along with PT.. (all
before scoping). I really didn't notice anything one way or another.
I bought a new pair of shoes (same model) and didn't insert the
orthotics and I haven't noticed any real difference. However,
I am also much more aware of my running and where I land since
I sprained it a second time while running. I think learning
the hard way that I had to actually be mindful when running
helped more. :-)

Erika

Thanks for the information. You answered a question I had about some of the
orthotics being sold on-line using some form of foot image etc. I pronate
and had some "bio-mechanical" footbeds made for me using "superfeet",
everheard of them? Anyhow, haven't seemed to make any difference.

I am going to see a Podiatrist on Saturday!
Thanks,
Todd

"footdoc" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

of course they work

IF you have some form of biomechanical dysfunction to start off withfor
eg if some one has an increased tibial varus (angle of the leg bone)
then heel strike will be inverted causing the foot to pronate
excessivley or causing the 1st ray to plantarflex to compensate cauing
a high arch will prevent shock absorbtion ect ect ect

if you feel you need orthotics ONLY go to a podiatrist who specialised
in that feild (biomechanics) I personally find machines that scan your
foot have no scientific basis. you step on a scan plate and the plate
tells you you have to much pressure on the 2nd met head but doesnt tell
you why a podiatrist can tell you 1) where the xs pressure will be by
examintaion (you probaly already know as it may hurt) 2) why you have
this dysfunction and correct if with a function foot orthotic

--
footdoc