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Just been told that a replacement pair will cost £205. Even though the insurance company will pay, I am not prepared to spend that much for a replacement set.
The online ones cost me £54 and replacements are about £40. They are not as good and wont last as long but I can have 5 pairs for the same money.
Just back from seeing a podiatrist about foot problem which is undoubtedly Plantar Fasciitis. Haven't been able to run properly for four weeks and am getting desperate. Saw a physio, who taped foot(reacted to tape!) and acupuncture (no effect). Have tried stretching, icing, ibuprofen, resting (everything except just putting up with the pain.
Podiatrist suggests orthotics at £290! What experience has anyone else had with these? Can you wear them in road shoes and fell shoes? Can anyone suggest a good person to see (who understands fell running) in the Wolverhampton area? If I'm going to spend this money I need to be sure it'll work.
I have used tailor-made orthotics for some years also due to same problem. I had to stop running, but then I could. It's as simple as that. Mine were also expensive, but worth it. However, do think about what sort of orthotics are made for you. Too bulky and they won't fit in a fell shoe. Make sure your podiatrist sees the shoes you are going to be running in, especially fell shoes.
Some runners are now using off the shelf footbeds from outdoor shops etc. I have no experience of these so cannot comment. You could save a lot of money. Do remember though that a good podiatrist will provide you with something that will not only get you running but hopefully also prevent (further) damage to your knees and hips.
Based on the price qoted I bet you've been to Settle to see a podiatrist.
My problem was recurrent achilles and calf problems, I bit the bullet and paid up. Including the period with temporary orthotics I've been using them 5 months and so far so good. The ones I have are quite significantly built up and it took 4 months for my thighs to get used to their realignment but lately running has felt as good (if slower) as before. My physio reckoned that the money spent on the orthotics would be saved on money spent with her!
Good luck.
First thing first,why have you developed this problem? This is THE most imortant injury cure and prevention question that requires asking and answering.
I have succesfully over come this injury using a FREE cortisone injection from my local GP and a week or so rest plus finding out why i got the problem in the first place.
Key points 1. Phsyios /Podiatrists will advise against cortisone .Obviously they lose the £290 !
2. You must rest to give the cortisone chance to work.
3. Establish the cause.
In my opinion it boils down to shoe choice and knowing your mileage limitations.
Best of luck
Mark
I've got an opinion........feel free to disagree:
I have 3 pairs of orthotics in my wardrobe.
Unless you have an obvious biomechanical problem (something that your mates really notice) then steer clear........you have probably been runing successfully on your own alignment for a good while, any changes will alter a lot of other things, things that you are quite happy with.
Try a really good sports physio (I can recommend one in Shrewsbury if you want to PM me). If they're really up to date and work with athletes they will be able to offer a few more strategies.
If it is plantar fascitis then try these - A mate of mine who suffered from plantar fascitis uses them and now never has any trouble.
http://www.thesock.com/
i have orthotics due to flat feet which caused shin problems and mean't i had to change careers but i don't wear them for running
I got some from the Settle podiatrist - very solid and long lasting but only half shoe.
They got stolen with the car and I settled for mail order ones. I suffered a lot of calf-strains and TBH was using the interim orthotics provided from Settle for all the off-road runs. I have had no strains since. I would be tempted to go for a £54 set and see how you go. http://www.orthoticsonline.co.uk/
Orthotics are good but 290 squid sounds steep to me. Did physio not try and ultrasound or laser or owt like that? Keep stretching as the most common cause for PF is tight a tight gastroc. Cortisones are fine as well but you have to address the underlying cause as well otherwise the problem will just come back. Also I wouldn't let a GP anywhere near me with a needle.
. I would be tempted to go for a £54 set and see how you go. http://www.orthoticsonline.co.uk/[/quote]
I have been down this route ,the orthotics are flimsy and not all that well made.
I ended up throwing them in the bin !
How do people get on with orthotics in fell shoes?
I had a pair made and couldn't run in them, they now live in the bottom of my wardrobe!
I'd exhaust all other lines of enquiry before going down the expensive othotic route. They could turn into a life sentence. That all said, my Settle ones do the business for me and have cured the problem I got them for successfully for the last 5 years.
I've posted this elsewhere but I use custom orthotics in ordinary shoes (free from Rochdale Infirmary) and green superfeet in Inov8 fell shoes.
Orthotics definitely aren't suitable for everyone but I couldn't run without them - my feet are pretty knackered though.
Thanks for all this information. I've ordered a 'sock' - looks a bit of a passion killer, but what the heck!
Will try some of the cheaper orthotic suggestions as well and also try for an NHS podiatrist appointment.
What are green superfeet?
Went for bike ride yesterday instaed of running - it's not the same, is it? Also had spectacular puncture and spent ages putting in new inner tube. Oh for the hills!!
Has anyone ever come away from a visit to a podiatrist without a recommendation for orthotics (or insoles as they used to known as before the money arrived)?
I've had a word with one of my colleagues and he says you shouldn't be paying more than 120 ish for a pair of orthotics. What bumps the price up is if they start doing lots of gait analysis stuff.
I have to replace mine every 18months or so which has got a bit expensive but, if you have to go private, check that the cost isn't covered (in full or in part) by any medical scheme you might be in through work. Or why not consider joining a health plan? I'm in the Leeds Hospital Fund at a cost of about 12 quid a month through which I get half the cost of orthotics (medical apparel you see!), half the cost of physio and the full cost of dental work (and am also entitled to various other things). If you need a bit of physio and you are diligent about putting the claim form in it pays for itself easily and gives you a bit of slack in the event of something unforseen happening (orthotics, all your teeth falling out etc.)
I musta got lucky because when I went to see my GP with PF he refered me to a NHS podiatrist. Took a few weeks to get an appointment but I then got fixed up with a pair of orthotics at no cost to myself.
In the interim, I visited the physios at my local sports injury clinic and had a course of "perisosteal pecking". It hurt like hell but I think it was probably the major factor in my recovery. Still running with my orthotics but PF completely cured.
my orthotics were £300 from a private clinic in exeter,but the MOD payed for them when i was in the military,can run ok without them now just wear them in my work boots,would definitly try a pair
£290 is alot for a pair of othortics. You can usually get some prescription ones for £150-£180. I wear othotics, and to be honest, i couldnt run without them. Particually as i have a high arch.
Try and find a podiatrist who uses foam and not carbon fibre, as foam is more flexible and comfortable.
you need to find out why you are getting the problem. If it is Biomechanical then go for the Custom Orthotics. You will safe loads more money than messing about with miracle cures and some sock things (these might work to help heal the problem but if it's linked to the way you run - the injury will just come back).
Assuming it is biomechancial - I can't see why folk think £290 quid is a lot of money when it will let you run without pain.
I got really bad ITB and PF before I had orthotics, I put them in my shoes and I have no problems whatsoever. I feel that mine are priceless and even if they charges 10 times that amount I would pay to run injury free.
If you have just hurt something then you are on the slow road of rest and recover; if I was you I'd be wishing that is was biomechancial because chances are you'll be back running injury free faster after you have gotten a properly fitted expensive pair. Mine are carbon fibre and fit in all my shoes apart from 330 mudclaw - they have a useless heel anyway - I only feel them when I'm contouring for a longtime (only ever on MM's) but apart from that my feet and legs got use to them quite quickly (I got my latest ones on a friday wore them all evening then I ran the mountain trial in them at the weekend - no probs).
I went to see a podiatrist yesterday through Duncan Mason and I've been told that orthotics will be a help with my injuries but they can't guarantee 100% that they will fix the problems i have, but I wouldn't expect a 100% guarantee.
How do people get on with them in there fell shoes? I've had a pair before and they were really bulky and wouldn't fit in my shoes!
The orthotics that I was shown where made from foam not carbon fiber?
amadablam what shoes do you use with your orthotics?
Chaddy did you get the orthotics through Duncan?
Wycoller, how do you get on with the green superfeet? I might try these in my walking shoes?
Does this mean we're going to see an end to your injuries in the near future?
I hope so!
I wouldn't know what to do if I didn't spend half the year injured!
I have been advised to go and see a podiatrist by an experienced physio and runner. I think I agree with amadablam - I couldn't put a price on being able to run and right now I am physically incapable because my feet and the way I run have caused my knee to get injured. Good read this topic though!! Will see how I get on!
its funny you mention this now ( well its not) but when i ran behind you karen i noticed that you was a bit cloppy , kind of flat footed as you ranQuote:
Originally Posted by OneHillWonder
i think you might need them as well
hope you get sorted quickly, you shouldnt be having these problems but ive lost count of the number of people who have problems after half marathons ( my wife included )
can you not run off road either
My Orthotics work fine in Inov-8's and Montrails Highlander.
Unfortunately (as I've just discovered last week) they don't work very well in Walshes, they make me feel very unstable. I was hoping to ditch Inov-8's (as I've go feed up with them falling apart) but it looks like I'm stuck with them for racing.
yes my 'cloppy-ness' has been mentioned before! I assumed it was just that I had an 'individual' running technique! :o Now I know different!Quote:
Originally Posted by daz h
can't really run at all at the minute, after a mile my knee really hurts although yes off road is better because your foot fall is varying all the time. After this mornings physio session and with some exercises he's given me to do it should be ok to run in a week or so he reckons :) BUT it will reoccur I think until I get this orthotic malarky sorted.
OneHillWonder, I've been using the green superfeet in my running shoes while I've been deciding about getting the custom made orthotics and just some off the shelf orthotics in my every day shoes and they seem to be doing the trick!!
They've got me running again, might be worth a try?
:) yes think I may as well give the cheaper options a go first
I went to a podiatrist in Cheadle during the summer and paid £100 for gait analysis and new orthotics. Since then have had no troubles - I have a right orthotic with neutral heel angle and a left one with 5 degrees tilt. The analysis shows that this 'straightens' my legs evenly when I run. Maybe try this before the more expensive options? Good Luck whichever you do...
Well I have been to see the podiatrist. 2 hours i was in there, he was very very thorough checking all movement and joints and muscles and getting me to walk on a treadmill just to see how much my feet collapse inwards!
get my custom orthotics soon - £200 for this. I don't actually think £200 is a lot to pay to be able to run again - now I have casts of my feet I can get replacements for £70 every couple of years (assuming I get on with them and that nothing changes in between).
I realise this might not be the answer for everyone (and I haven't tried mine yet so who knows!) but without a doubt I can't run with my feet twisting as they do! I am quite excited about getting them :o
Let me know how you get on with them, I'm still saving up for mine!
I've just posted my orthotic impressions off to Graham Read, so will see how those go. Still using the sock, which seems to help at night, but any uphill running seems to aggravate my problems. Hoping for NHS referral to podiatrist to come through soon, but not holding my breath.
I agree that £300 isn't a lot to pay if it guarantees running again, but will it?
I'd echo the earlier posters views that orthotics are an absolute godsend for those who can't run without them, but make sure you really do need them first. Your local running store if they are any good should be able to do you a free gait analysis and give you an independent view on whethere they are needed.
I got mine from Karen Duff up in Edinburgh after a referral from the Sports Physio Clinic at Leeds Met University. Sub 4 (http://www.sub-4.co.uk/showpage.php?page=10) come very highly recommended and were in the press recently for prescribing insoles for many premiership footballers.
green superfeet ? where did you get them from , have they worked ? been quoted £ 200 for some custom orthotics , carbon fibre , think i will take the plungeQuote:
Originally Posted by hopey
green superfeet from mountaineering shop in Skipton, not sure what it's called nowadays (Ultimate outdoors?).
I wear these for running in (wore them in mudclaw 270s for xc today) and custom orthotics in ordinary shoes (free from Rochdale Infirmary).
Did wear the superfeet in road shoes, but last purchase I was advised to either buy "normal" shoes and use insoles or good support shoes and leave the superfeet out. Seem to be getting on alright with the latter at the moment.
However my feet are bad and have suffered a fully ruptured achilles tendon as a result. Don't need a podiatrist to tell me that I've got problems.
Onehill have you got your orthotics yet?