PF & custom orthotics

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2008-10-21 9:41 PM

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Subject: PF & custom orthotics
I just got my custom orthotics this past weekend. As is stated in the subject line, I have PF (also have a heel spur as a result of the PF). I'm on day 3 of breaking the orthotics in. I've been wearing them only in my running shoes (Adidas Supernova Sequence - a stability shoe) for about 2-3 hours a day. The orthotics have metatarsal pads...which I seem to be having the most difficulty adapting to. It just doesn't feel right...feels like there is a rock in my shoe right where the ball of my foot meets the arch...of course, this is where the metatarsal pad is located. It's just plain uncomfortable!!! I'm 3 days into wearing these things, and they still feel like torture devices. I'm beginning to wonder if they are ever going to feel comfortable to the point where I can run in them. Right now, I cannot even fathom running for even a minute while wearing them. Should I be concerned that these things just aren't feeling good yet? Or does it take more time and I need to be more patient and get used to them?


Linda

2008-10-22 8:46 AM
in reply to: #1758156

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Subject: RE: PF & custom orthotics
It does take time for your foot to become comfortable, but if there is something obviously wrong, contact your doctor and maybe they can be adjusted. I went back three times until one pair finally fit right.
2008-10-22 12:59 PM
in reply to: #1758156

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Subject: RE: PF & custom orthotics

I was fitted for custom orthotics in June. The gal at the lab told me that some people never get used to the metatarsal pad and have to have them removed, but this should not affect the PF. 

One thing I had to do was switch from my motion control shoe to a neutral shoe.  There was just too much correction.  They didn't mention this at the doctor's, I had to sort of figure it out for myself.  Now the orthotics feel very natural and have helped.

2008-10-22 2:38 PM
in reply to: #1759403

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Master
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Riverside, IL
Subject: RE: PF & custom orthotics
abake - 2008-10-22 12:59 PM

I was fitted for custom orthotics in June. The gal at the lab told me that some people never get used to the metatarsal pad and have to have them removed, but this should not affect the PF. 

One thing I had to do was switch from my motion control shoe to a neutral shoe.  There was just too much correction.  They didn't mention this at the doctor's, I had to sort of figure it out for myself.  Now the orthotics feel very natural and have helped.



Thanks for the reply. Yes, I was wondering about the shoe switch to neutral, myself. I thought I read that somewhere in a thread on this forum, a while back. Since I could use a new pair, I may do some shoe shopping over the weekend...focusing on neutral shoes. I also was contemplating about calling my podiatrist and seeing about having the metatarsal pads removed...although they will have to be sent back to the lab for that, which will take some time. The reason the metatarsal pads were built into the orthotics in the first place, is because I was having some toe-numbing issues on my right foot (not the foot w/PF)...and my doc thought having the pad in there would help spread the toes out more and alleviate this problem. However, it actually seems to be making the problem worse. Before I started wearing the orthotics, the toe-numbness would take awhile before coming on. Since I began wearing them, I feel the numbness almost immediately...which indicates to me that something must be wrong.

Anyways..thanks again...you've given me some things to think about.

Linda
2008-10-23 10:25 PM
in reply to: #1758156

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Subject: RE: PF & custom orthotics

I remember when I got my custom orthotics, it felt like I had a golf ball under my arch.  It was that uncomfortable and bizarre.

Your foot will adjust in time.  Just follow the protocol outlined when you got them.  If anything, go even more cautiously.  Your entire foot/leg/hip alignment changes with them in.  The body isnt used to that positioning.  It just takes time.

2008-10-24 2:47 PM
in reply to: #1763194

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Subject: RE: PF & custom orthotics
Ridgelake - 2008-10-23 10:25 PM

I remember when I got my custom orthotics, it felt like I had a golf ball under my arch.  It was that uncomfortable and bizarre.

Your foot will adjust in time.  Just follow the protocol outlined when you got them.  If anything, go even more cautiously.  Your entire foot/leg/hip alignment changes with them in.  The body isnt used to that positioning.  It just takes time.



Ha ha! Yup..."a golf ball under my arch" is the PERFECT description!!! That is exactly what it feels like. I'm wearing them right now...still painful and uncomfortable, but I'm forcing myself to try and adapt to them slowly. I was "bad" yesterday...didn't wear them at all. I was having a bad "pain" day and just couldn't deal with the additional pain that the orthotics would cause. Trying to make up for that today, though. Thank goodness, I have a desk job and don't do lots of standing/walking at work.


2008-10-24 3:34 PM
in reply to: #1758156

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Subject: RE: PF & custom orthotics
It took me about 3-4 weeks to get used to those pads. Now I don't even notice them. Although I'm not sure how much they have helped because I still have a lot of issues with my left leg -- PF that comes and goes, achilles soreness, calf soreness -- despite a lot of calf stretching.
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