#1--------------------------------------
>I have had many pairs of orthotics, all costing well over $100.00. >Yet, I have found that Dr. Scholl's Flexos work as good as anything.
> >With plantar fasciitis, I found that wearing them all the time in >running shoes helps the most. Now if your boss complains, I guess the >boss is not a runner. Tell the boss the shoes are not part of your job >description -- unless, of course, you are "a person of the night."
> Orthotics might be overprescribed, but for some people (like me) they can make a huge difference. I have flat feet which make my knees fall inward, resulting in knee pain. I tried Dr. Scholl's and they helped a bit. Then I tried Spenco's and they helped more. And then I got custom orthotics and they helped _a lot_.
Interestingly, the guy who did my orthotics did not push them hard on me. He (a chiropractor) had me stretch and do some leg strengthening excercises first, and adjusted my back -- over several weeks. Then, once he had the rest of my screwed up body in order, he took a mold and made the orthotics.
#2--------------------------------
I agree with views expressed here, ie that orthotics should be regarded at least somewhat skeptically when prescribed by a podiatrist who is going to profit from making them.
My experience is this: when I developed plantar fasciitis from excessive speedwork, I first saw the only podiatrist in my small city. After a cursory 5-minute examination (which consisted of him lookimg at me stand bare-footed) he pronounced the solution was custom-made orthotics. He did not examine my running gait and was uninterested in examining my running shoes. Therefore I was very skeptical of his solution -a pair of $400 orthotics that his staff would make.
I subsequently travelled to big cities to see 3 sportsmedicine physicians who all said the same thing: that I was a moderate over-pronator and that orthotics would be a last measure if icing,stretching,strengthening,firmer shoes etc... didn't solve the problem.
Now maybe that podiatrist was right and I do need orthotics. However, if I ever do consider orthotics again I will do it this way: I will see at least two podiatrists that runners recommend. I will solicit their opinion only and make it clear that I would not be buying the orthotics from them.
Peter
#3------------------
> Anyone out ther familiar with a product called SuperFeet Footbeds? > Considering buying a pair as I recall someone stating they helped out > with recuring achilles problems. Any help would be appreciated.
I use them for running and nordic skiing. They are basically a cheap custom orthotic. They improve my balance on skis, and have helped me avoid recurring problems with plantar fasciitis and ITB syndrome in my running. They have been more effective for me than my rigid orthotics.
cheers,
#4---------------
I'm sorry but the Acis GT-2010 is not a good for people with plantar fasciitis. I ran for six years and never had plantar fasciitis until I started wearing that shoe. Now I have to wear orthotics because the problem just won't go away. I'm almost positive the GT-2010 is partly responsible for my problem.
The 2010 flexes WAY too much in the midfoot for someone with fasciitis (try flexing the shoe with your hands)! People who have a history of fasciitis should stick to shoes that flex very little as it is this flexing that causes the tearing. If you must buy a flexible shoe and you have fasciitis, make sure that the shoe flexes in the forefoot (ie. under the toes) and NOT the midfoot. If you still have problems even with a stiff motion-control type shoe you should consider trying over-the-counter orthotics or seeing your local podiatrist about a custom pair. Good Luck!
#5---------------------- Several > years ago the doctors diagnosed me with plantar fascitis. Switching > to arch support sneakers helped a lot. It took months but seemed to > heal. I don't have any pain walking anymore, but (diabetic-related discussion)
I too have had plantar fasciitis and bone supurs. I have switched to using Dr Scholls inserts in my shoes and they have helped with the fascii, but not the bone spur.
#6---------------------------------------------
Plantar fasciitis sounds right on the diagnosis. Use lots of ice and your favorite ibuprofin pill on a regular schedule. Also schedule an appointment with an athletic minded physician or podiatrist. You need to find the cause and treat it, not just the symptoms. Until then, run how you feel and try some over the counter arch supports or taping the arch for maximum suppport ( a local hs trainer could help). I have been "playing" with PF for 8 years with orthotics and the above and still maintain 70+ miles per week. Good luck n the 5k!!
#7----------------------------
I had Plantar F and my doc told me to do nothing, that the reseach shows that an operation does nothing (questionable advice!-Scott), you get better over time anyway (debatable!-Scott)and that the steroids and cortisone are dangerous. So for a long time I did nothing. Then I got sick of limping around and and went out and bought some inserts from a medical supply store for 50 bucks and some of those Spenco hard plastic inserts. Boom, several weeks later I was lots better and a year later I have only mild discomfort, only if I forget and walk around bare footed too much. The woman at the medical supply store told me that they had lots of good testimonials for the inserts, but that it took a couple of weeks to notice.
If you live in portland, or the place is "Quality Medical" on 102nd and East Burnside. The Spencos seem to work just fine though but they are 23 bucks and seem lots less sturdy. Although I like having them in several shoes so I don't have to switch all the time.....
Good luck to all who have PF. I HATED being "disabled".
#8-----------------
Anyway, my doctor (who is a WONDERFUL GP, totally supportive, non-judgmental, etc.) gave me some exercises to do, recommended Advil occasionally, and suggested using heel inserts. Her recommendation was to try the "over the counter" variety first (good ol' Dr. Scholl's Heel Savers, I think they're called -- they're navy blue with grey rubber, fit inside your shoes about 2/3 of the way from the heel to the toe, and run about $9.00-$10.00 per pair -- expensive, but not as bad as custom orthotics). I bought two pair of MEN'S (I wear size 10W, mostly flats, and the men's fit my shoes better) and switch them in and out of my shoes. Those have worked for me. I have almost no pain now at all (and it was VERY severe). It took about 6 weeks, though, and if I go for a day or two without the inserts, I feel it, BIG TIME! There's a slight chance I may already have a bone spur in my right heel, but so far, what I'm doing seems to be working.
Best of luck -- I know how debilitating it can be!
#9-----------------------
Hi. I first had this problem in June of 1989. The podiatrist, who camehighly recommended, said I'd need surgery, too. Well, that same week Isaw an article in Prevention magazine about heel pain. Following theadvice in the article, instead of surgery I went for soft arch supports(as opposed to a rigid orthotic). I used Spenco arch supports andSpenco insoles with extra heel cushioning (they have a model with a donutshaped heel to prevent contact with the area beneath the heel bone).Within two weeks I has feeling relief. Within two months, the pain wasnearly gone. Within six months, the pain was completely gone. It has nowbeen 6.5 years, essentially pain-free. In fact, I can walk for miles --60 miles in one three-day weekend last summer, in fact. I don't believethat outcome would have been possible with surgery -- the doctor even saidthat the recurrance after surgery was high, and surgery should be consideredonly a temporary correction. So, here's my free advice, worth every pennyyou are paying for it.
#10------------------
I've had Plantar Fasciitis for almost 9 months, and have almost got it licked. Mary's advice is terrific. Spencos are the greatest, and the exercises are important. I also stand on the edge of a sturdy step, and let my weight pull my heels down - a greatstretch for the feet. I switched most of my exercising to the pool, tohelp bear the weight. And suffered 2 shots of Cortisone, which I resisted but really did help.
#11--------------------------
My insurance doesn't cover podiatrists, and I went to an orthopedic surgeon for a while. The orthopedic surgeon spent about 2 minutes with me each visit, and injected cortisone into my heel. I wasn't happy with the care I was getting so I went to a podiatrist. The podiatrist takes the time to explain what's going on and I feel as though he has a much better knowledge about my specific problem than an orthopedic surgeon. The orthotics that I have are non-prescription, cost about $30 each ($60 for the pair) and it's taken about 4 or 5 months of wearing them *all the time* to notice an effect. But it is definately (finally) slowly improving.
#12-------------------
I took that for 6 weeks, thankfully not hurting my stomach with the medicine, but the problem didn't correct itself. The doctor sent me to an ortopedic surgeon, who took regular x-rays, then had me go to the hospital for the x-rays in which they put some radioactive dye in you intravenously. No breaks in the bones of the foot. Then, they sent me to an orthopod(?) who gave me inserts for my shoes. That helped.
#13------------------
Try a good pair of sneakers, like Nu-Balance 998's on up. If the problem is chronic, then your best bet will be custom orthoses made from a cast of your feet. The over the counter ones won't last as long or function as well. Find a good podiatrist. The anaprox or advil should help somewhat,but you may need a higher than the over the counter dose.
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I have been controlling my Plantar Fasciitus for the past couple of years. I have posted the following recommendations for others suffering PF. I continue to modify the recommendations. This may help and may take 1 or 2 months to get PF under control but its worth it. You will need to continue to control the PF with similar techniques. (Be fanatical about good habits): (There is an excellent web site on the subject at http://www.mindspring.com/~scottr/foot.htm) Kerry on Plantar Fasciitus: 1. Super Feet (~$25) shoe inserts to give you good arch and heel support having used them for the past 3 yrs. 2.. Add "Shock Absorbs" (~$15) heel pads under the Super Feet to relieve stress from the achilles. 3. Use combination of Super Feet and Shock Absorbs in both running and street shoes. 4. For Plantar Faciitus ongoing treatment, a. use ice especially after long runs (I use gel-filled freezer bags) b. before you get out of bed each day: i. wiggle your toes for 1 to 2 minutes ii. massage your calves (stiff calves can lead to achilles and PF problems) iii. massage the bottoms of your feet in the PF area back and forth along the feet c. THIS STEP IS CRITICAL: as you get out of bed slowly take as few steps as possible to the nearest wall or furniture (the stretch is the same as for the achilles) place one foot up against a wall/furniture and press the leg forward for 20 seconds (repeat for the other foot). d. apply the stretch in step c. before and after each run. e. during your daily shower massage the bottoms of your feet particularly the arches and under your heels at the location of the plantar faciitus for 30 secs to 1 minute each. After massaging each foot, crunch your toes and hold for twenty seconds with the opposite hand while your foot rests on the other knee. Repeat for the other foot. f. at the end of your daily shower run cold water over your feet while plugging the drain to allow for a little accumulation in the tub or shower stall. Soak feet in cold water for 15 to 30 seconds while lifting your feet slightly in a shallow marching motion. Super Feet: I recommend the high profile type trim type (not the custom type). I use them with a change every 2 or 3 pairs of new shoes depending on wear and tear. One interesting observation you can make is to check out the wear pattern over time. I remove my superfeet after every run to allow the shoes to properly dry out. For more info and your nearest dealer call 1-800-634-6618. (in Canada at 1-800-538-5471). (They are available in Ottawa at Sports Medicine World on 1370 Clyde Ave. just south of Baseline - 224-9319). Also check out http://www.superfeet.com Shock Sorbs: Here's some facts about Shock-Sorbs: - absorbs 86% of energy - compresses only 2.5% - Guaranteed for 12 months against manufacturers defects - available in heel pads, long inserts and regular insoles Paul Parker is the distributor for "Shock-Sorbs" in the Canada and the U.S. You can reach him at 1-519-433-3552, paul.parker@sympatico.ca or Shock-Sorb products address: P.O. Box 22101, 343 Wellington Rd. South, London, Ontario. Canada N6C 4N0. (They are available in Ottawa at Sports Medicine World on 1370 Clyde Ave. just south of Baseline - 224-9319). Regards, Kerry
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