Arch Pain from Orthotics/Shoes/Form ?!?!?!?!

Very interesting story, DBW.  I may have to try to find that gate analysis here.

I've been wearing custom orthotics for 3 years.  I got PF in Feb 08.  It never went away.  The podiatrist tweaked the orthotics and said that should cure me.  Months later and no real improvement.  

I found that my feet feel fine walking around home (in only socks).  Its when I am on my feet for awhile (in orthotics) that my PF gets worse.  So I tried doing a few things without the orthotics.  And while my foot would still get sore, it sure seemed better than it did with the orthotics in.  So I've been doing more and more without the orthotics.  I strongly suspect they're part of the problem.

You all have me very concerned! I was fitted for custom orthotics and they are here and I am breaking them in now. My PT said I needed them to correct a leg length imbalance on my left side, and an arch support issue on my right - my arch isn't the problem, but rather the ankle rolls, in order to level the hips out. Strength training will help some, but she said the ligaments are stretched out now, and that will never fix itself. Otherwise, I have high, stiff arches, and wear a neutral shoe.

Do you think I'm going to have problems now I NEED the lift in the shoe, and that can only be fixed by a custom insert (since it's minor, but enough to cause problems) - I've been running with a temporary lift, which helps a lot, but it's not made for long term use. And my right foot still overpronates. Hmm...I'm worried  

Be sure you break them in on schedule. I think an hour a day, right? If they are fitted correctly, repeat if they are fitted correctly, you'll be fine. Be sure they are fitted and get them adjusted if anything feels off. You know your feet better than anyone.

Yes, an hour a day until I can build up to a "day" (like 8 hours or so) - she said that would take about 2 weeks or so. Then running in them 20 minutes at a time, until I can go longer, etc.

This is actually the second pair, as the first pair was from a different company and they were horrible - my feet fell asleep after like 20 minutes and they were so big, I had to buy a new pair of shoes, a whole size up, and then the toe box didn't fit right, etc. But now my PT is on her own, and can choose the supplier she likes. I've actually been sitting around in them and barely notice that they're there. Just concerned about what will happen if I start running. I don't want my left arch, which doesn't need any support to be angry

I'm pondering getting "soft" custom orthodics.  I did have hard orthodics 7 years ago (correct for leg length and arch issues / ITBS) but they were horrific and I tossed 'em.  But I'm seeing a new sports chiro who says the "soft" orthodics are great for runners. 

I currently have motion control shoes (that I like), but won't I have to switch to a neutral shoe with the orthodics? 

Not all orthotics are created equal...you really need to get thee to a sports podiatrist. Also, an orthotic that is used for running will be different than one that is used for everyday wear. If you have serious issues and need to wear them all the time, your doc will create an everyday orthotic and a running orthotic for you. Are you sure you're supposed to be running in the orthotic you have? A running orthotic will need to be replaced every 2ish years. You should be in a neutral shoe with a custom orthotic. When you stand on the orthotics (even just barefoot when they're not in the shoe), it should give you near perfect leg alignment. You don't need any help from your shoe at that point.