Orthotics- A do or a don't

I used to work in a running store, so I can tell you that proper footwear should never require the purchase and/or use of custom made orthotics. In dress shoes, however, someone like myself would wear them because I overpronate and have had a couple instances of plantar fasciitis. Did the "doctor" say you needed them on a temporary basis?

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I've used orthotics for over forty years. I wouldn't have lasted without them. My son uses them for soccer. However, before jumping in you want to see a sports podiatrist. He's/She's the one who will see whether you need them and make the mold. Make sure that mold is made when you are lying down on your stomach. If the SP has you standing up to make the mold, he/she doesn't know how to make a proper mold.

Mahayana wrote:

I am having chronic issue with a calf strain. My chiropractor is recommending custom made orthotics for my running sneakers. What is your opinion/experience with orthotics?

Thanks

There are ways to make molds when standing but the corrections have to be made after, and prone or supine casting does not capture mediqllnor lateral wedging which would have to be added later.

If you are a forefoot striker, you don't need them for running. If you are mid foot striker but have a collapsing arch, super feet are good in almost all cases that don't have any other conditions that complicate it. If you heel strike you might need custom ones for running, bit in many cases arch support alone will not stop heel pronation and heel valgus. This means that custom orthotics without medial wedging are usually not enough to fix a problem.

See a pedorthist/orthotist instead of a podiatrist. It is their job to make orthotics. Podiatrists don't make as many, and make way too much on the back end by charging way too much.

The radical approach to treating my own calf discomfort was to finally take the advice of a local foot doctor turned minimalist runner. The combination of using the Merrell Trail Glove (her specifically prescribed shoe for several different reasons) and several quick foot strengthening exercises has banished my chronic calf discomfort quite unexpectedly

I tend to be a forefoot runner. Chiropractor and my sports MD told me that my right leg is a shorter.Sports MD gave me a heel lift for my shoe. I tried running with this but one mile in my right knee started hurting. I took it out.

The way the chiropractor explained is that the issue is due to tight hips. The socket is turned upwards. So my logic was stretch it out! Chiro stated I need to fix the problem from the "ground up" with orthotics.

I have always had issues on my left side beside the calf strain I had IT band issues, sesmoiditis, start of a stress fracture and probably more crap I can't think of. Always on my left side. I have been to different physical therapists, podiatrists, chiropractors and my sports MD! Just starting to get frustrated that I can't get into my regular training. I will do good for a few months than bam calf strain! I was told I over stretch, under stretch etc... Just want to get rid of this issue for good!

I started stretching more (hips, lower back, calf, hamstrings) but don't know where to turn next!!!!

Thanks for the help :)

The correct word for the shit chiropractors put in shoes is orthoses

Orthotics are one of the bigger scams afoot, pun intended. Podiatrists madly prescribe them. They only help me when I acquire some fasciitis. Strengthen your feet and get ankle ROM.

I guess if you want your teeth straight.

Huh? It's a scam yet you say they have helped you with your fasciitis? How can you say then say they are a scam?

Orthotics are sometimes useful in an acute sense. If you're using them perpetually, there are other problems you need to fix.

Orthotics are nothing more than a rather expensive placebo cure. Of course if you own a pair of orthotics, or if you are a podiatrist, you'll probably disagree with me.

I had plantar fasciitis 7 years ago. Tried acupuncture (another placebo) and a host of other things. Nothing worked.

It finally went away on its own after several months. Never came back.

lfk wrote:

Orthotics are sometimes useful in an acute sense. If you're using them perpetually, there are other problems you need to fix.

I agree with this and vote against orthotics. They can sometimes relieve a symptom but with a chronic issue you need to identify and eliminate the root cause. Orthotics appeared to help an issue I had but it came back ten times worse after a few months once the orthotics had successfully weakened my feet.

Orthotics can be helpful if you have a low arch that is not functioning properly. The orthotic can give your arch a little bit of support to keep it from breaking down too badly during runs. A low arch that is not functioning will cause too much inward motion in your stride as you move to push off. That can cause problems in your feet (2nd met stress fractures, bone spurs on 1st met), medial knee, and groin. Calf muscles just are not in the line of fire from a bad arch.

However, it may be that the calf injury has weakened your lower legs so much that an orthotic or very supportive shoe may be needed to help with recovery until you get strong enough to run without.

Lastly, chronic calf strains are vexing injuries. You may really just need to take a lot of time off and very gradually rebuild.

Mahayana wrote:

I am having chronic issue with a calf strain. My chiropractor is recommending custom made orthotics for my running sneakers. What is your opinion/experience with orthotics?

Thanks

I had custom orthotics years ago to combat chronic plantar fasciitis. Gradually weened myself away from them and the type of running shoes that triggered PF episodes.

What sort of remedies have you tried so far?