Orthotics and fell shoes

[nightingale]

Agree with Twister although we can not all be cured with a change of running technique as some of the others have indicated.

Have a look at this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jrnj-7YKZE then see if you still think you need orthotics or a change in running style.

For the record I tried orthotics running and they caused me more problems. A change in style has helped more than anything else.

[OneHillWonder]

If your orthotics work then your physio has done you a favour and themselves out of a regular client. I'm glad I took my physios advice and ended up with orthotics; I've easily saved the cost of them by not getting recurring calf problems AND I'm able to run. The only person who has lost out is my physio!

Yes I agree johnmc. My physio referred me to a very experienced podiatrist and commented on the fact that he was doing himself out of a lot of work! He wasn't wrong - I literally could not run half a mile without being in agony and was able to run straight away, the day I first put my orthotics in my running shoes.

I have been intrigued with all the talk about barefoot running etc. It's something I would be interested in trying, but as someone said to me - why? You have orthotics and you can run, barefoot running would inevitable involve a lot of hard work and you may end up worse off... Fair point!

So for me, orthotics get a big thumbs up - that said, they aren't for everyone, some people find no improvement or worse. I guess our physical make up is pretty unique and what works for one does not work another.

[Vinegar Hill]

Hi,

I have been having problems on and off for about four years now. Don't think it was a change of shoes that started it. First phyiso I saw about 31/2 years ago suggested sciatica and had treatment for a long while, which did erase the problem for a while but this could have been the rest/stretching/massage etc'. Problems came back when starting competing again. Been off running more than on ever since.

Seeing a different physio now who has found that the back of my knee is tight (amongst other things) and thinks that the poplteus muscle may be pressing on the vascular supply - going to GP to get this looked at. Been having manipulation, massage and doing stretching etc. The physio also suggested the podiatrist, who works in co with him.

I have ordered orthotics - I over pronate slightly and there is very little bend between the lower part of my shins/top of feet which can not be resolved by massage/manipulation etc. Fingers crossed.

[nightingale]

Hi,

I have been having problems on and off for about four years now. Don't think it was a change of shoes that started it. First phyiso I saw about 31/2 years ago suggested sciatica and had treatment for a long while, which did erase the problem for a while but this could have been the rest/stretching/massage etc'. Problems came back when starting competing again. Been off running more than on ever since.

Seeing a different physio now who has found that the back of my knee is tight (amongst other things) and thinks that the poplteus muscle may be pressing on the vascular supply - going to GP to get this looked at. Been having manipulation, massage and doing stretching etc. The physio also suggested the podiatrist, who works in co with him.

I have ordered orthotics - I over pronate slightly and there is very little bend between the lower part of my shins/top of feet which can not be resolved by massage/manipulation etc. Fingers crossed.

Do you heel strike ? If so check the link to my earlier post. I've been reading alot about running style and have changed mine accordingly.

[Vinegar Hill]

Hi,

I do heel strike - 'thought everyone did. The video/barefoot concept looks interesting. I will continue with the physio now and try the orthotics when I recieve them. If these don't work I will give bare foot running a go.

[DaveSwift]

I have used orthotics for 20 years, foot surgery cured the worst of it but i know when my orthotics are starting to wear as i suffer knee pain, and if i leave it long enough - shin splints, hip and back pain. I wear them in all foot wear and stick them in my sandles with velcro.

They can be expensive but no orthotics means no running for me.

[Vinegar Hill]

Hi,

Thanks again for all the replies. Got my orthotics now - am busy getting used to them.

[Facewest-Stu]

Hi,

If these don't work I will give bare foot running a go.

Don't think of it as one or the other, but all elements of the solution. Stretch, build your strength, bare foot run and use orthotics. I think cycling might have a part to play as well.

[MorganW]

Yes, they do work for some people, and I am one of them.

I have the flattest feet my physio and podiatrist have ever seen; I have the kind of footrpint that the other kids used to laugh at when I got out of the swimming pool.

I do some barefoot running to help strengthen my arch, but no amount of this will cause my arch to lift to a "normal" position.

The orthotics help do that.

I wear them in all my shoes, and I don't run on the roads if I can avoid it. If I don't wear them, my patellar tendons rapidly become inflamed.

So I wear them and they keep me running.

Stu's correct; various methods need to be used to keep problems at bay.

If one thing only works, you are very lucky.

[Duncan R]

I'm with Morgan on this, same issues re flat feet. The regular calf/knee injuries I always seemed to get on building up my mileage have disappeared since I changed from Walshes to my Speedcross, into which I can put my orthotics. Expensive but good value to my mind.