Custom Orthotics

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

Does anybody have any experience with these? I was just casted for a $480 pair today to correct my flat feet and keep my ankles from basically collapsing, and while my insurance will pay most of the expenses other than visits to the podiatrist, I wonder if these will really do the trick. I've always had foot problems, and running around for 8 hours a shift with 200-and-a-bunch pounds on my frame hasn't helped much........but at this point, I don't want to do a sit-down job, and I'm willing to try the orthotics if they can help give me another 5 or 10 years on the floor.

I just wanted to know if any of you have gotten them, if they helped you, and if it was hard to adjust to wearing them. Were they worth the expense? Do you wear them with all your shoes, or just for work? Any answers would be appreciated. Thanx!

[longtermcarern]

my insurance will not cover custom orthotics so my DPM had me order phase4 orthotics for support and to correct the heel pain I have. While they have helped considerably I still have some pain. She instructed me to wear them when ever I walked and to only go barefoot in the shower. If I go a few hours without them the pain really intensifies.

[PSA, RN]

I don't know if it is the same thing or not but my son had what was called AFO's. He had them because he has CP and extremely tight heel cords. He wore them with his shoes, which we had to buy one to two sizes too big so they would fit over them. He was able to walk, and run in his with no problems. He hasn't had to wear them for a long time. Now he needs them again, but a different type that just comes up to his ankle. Anyway, hope this answers some of your questions.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

Pamela---Thanks for the info & visual aids!

LTC--Sounds like you've got heel spurs too, I've had them on both sides (although thankfully NOT at the same time). They haven't bothered me in a while; maybe now the spurs won't come back??

Thanx again!

[Chaya, ASN, RN]

Get them if you can possibly afford them! I tried the store-bought variety and they made almost no difference to me. When I finally broke down and got the custom-mades it not only stopped virtually all my foot pain but the knee, hip, and back pain I was having as well. (I had no idea they were related). My podiatrist made a second pair for half-price as long as I ordered them within a short time of the first so I went back for a second pair and rotate the two among all my shoes. Makes the biggest difference to the eight hours standing on my feet of course.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

Oh, would THAT ever be a blessing.....I've got arthritis in my spine, hips, & knees, and if the orthotics make any of that better, they'll be worth their weight in gold.