Orthotics and fell shoes

after having plantar f , doc reccomended i use orthotics ( from nhs and excellent) in all my shoes , and in steel toecap boots orthotics and sorbothane gel heel pads . apparently a build up of the heel gently stretches the archilles and plantar as im walking at work during the day . so far no probs .

Addy,

I have used heel raises very occasionally with some of my patients (I do only work with Paediatrics so can't tell u what is done with adults) with an acute exacerbation of their problem, but only for very temporary use and usually combined with a podowedge (up to 5 degree wedge on the medial border (inside) of the foot).

I would suggest focusing more on the cause of the achillies niggle such as biomechanical factors/ muscle imbalance / tightness etc. should be addressed in reoccurring problems.

With regards

Gaz

I have just hacked up some spare insoles to create a heel raise in my road shoes. 8 months ago I glued on some extra support for over pronation in my Inov8 290's and this seemed to do the same trick as some prescribed insoles I had. I realise that if my achilles gets worse I need to stop but am just trying to nurse my way through whilst still running along with massage and heat/cold treatment.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ady In Accy

Anyone used heel raises in their shoes to reduce achilles pain/reduce chances of achilles injury? I am thinking of doing this as a temporary measure as I am getting an achilles niggle after running/1st thing in the morning. Any feedback appreciated.

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Yes Ady. They are very helpful in reducing stretch on the tendons. Contrary to popular opinion I used to ice both Achilles tendons BEFORE training, as well as using the heel inserts.

As soon as the tendons feel ok take the inserts out, but pay close attention.(put them in both shoes)

Problems with these tendons are not always down to training. Changes in the amount of water in the tissues I.e. through drug therapy etc can also cause tendon and muscle problems.

Thanks CL, have put in both. Will see how I go on. Did a road run today in them at a brisk pace and no issues during the run or after but 4 hours on I can feel a niggle. Will keep rubbing + ice & heat and see how it goes.

Who makes the best orthotics for fell running? I'm after a pair that will standup to getting wet dirty etc without falling apart like my last (£170) pair did (not amused)

If you know what you want your orthotic to do why not make your own. I have glued sections of an old insole onto the underside of my Inov8 insoles in the places where my prescribed orthotic was raised. Costs nowt and have stayed on.

Andrew Stanley at www.reboundclinic.co.uk in Settle (tel 01729 825900) - I've had a pair of orthotics from him that have lasted 3 years so far and are still going strong (and I average 5 fells runs per week)

Free at you local NHS hospital physio / podiatry department.
Get your GP to refer you.
May take a bit of tinkering with to optimise performance, but they have done the job for me.

Forget em - if you feel you need something buy something off the shelf that will do the job - you'll only get charged arm an a leg for something that's pot luck.
You have so much uneven ground, how can an orthotic be efficient or precise for fell running use?