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BS: Anyone use othotics?Do they help?
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Subject: Anyone use othotics?Do they help? From: katlaughing Date: 07 Aug 01 - 10:27 AM Spare us if this is not something you want to read; just hit your back button. I'll write a song about my aching heels in a little bit to make this musical. In the meantime, my podiatrist wants me to spend a bundle on custom orthotics for my Birks in order to help out my arches. The technical name is plantar fasciitis. Anyone have experience with that or with orthotics? The exercises I've been doing have definitely helped, so I am wondering if I really need to spend the money for the inserts, too. Thanks kat (Of course I missed the "r" in the title!) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Anyone use othotics?Do they help? From: Sorcha Date: 07 Aug 01 - 10:36 AM Oh yea, kat. Both feet. The right one is the worst just now. I got some from my Chiroprcator that were LOTS cheaper than the ones the Dr. Ortho wanted me to buy. The did help, but they wore out pretty fast.
Another thing that helped me was a piece of tubular ace bandage. It has to be long enough to cover almost all your toes and then up to just below the knee. I had a peice that was twice that long, and doubled it. Helped a LOT!
but.......it was given to me by a friend who had foot surgery. She got it from the Podiatrist/surgeon and I can't find anymore. Might have to ask her just who the Dr. was that gave it to her. My heels seem to hurt worse when I wear good shoes with arches than when I go barefoot.......I have just let the damn arch fall and suffer the pain for a few hours in the morning when I get up, then I'm mostly good to go for the day. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Anyone use othotics?Do they help? From: black walnut Date: 07 Aug 01 - 10:45 AM $400 (Cdn) and worth every single penny. Would be in agony without them. Now there's no pain. Go for it/them! ~b.w. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Anyone use othotics?Do they help? From: GUEST,leeneia Date: 07 Aug 01 - 12:58 PM I had plantar fascitis (sp) too. I got enough help with heel pads from the local drugstore, the thickest ones I could find. I also got more religious about standing on the cushy floor mat while at work. In fact, I don't have heel pain at all now. So there's hope. Whyizzit that the one place on the body where we want fat (the sole of the foot) is the one place it melts away from? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Anyone use othotics?Do they help? From: wysiwyg Date: 07 Aug 01 - 01:01 PM Hardi does, you can imagine his feet with Sundays standing on hard marble. Our son, bad knees, in the Navy-- passed his physical quals when he added orthotics-- again, pronation. Hardi found his info thru a search on PRONATION. But his orthotics are not from the doc-- from an athletic footwear shop. Take B5 (large doses, 6 months) or the inflammatory proceses will keep you worn down and affect your brain chemistry. ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: BS: Anyone use othotics?Do they help? From: Fortunato Date: 07 Aug 01 - 01:18 PM Orthotics are worth every penny. Don't go cheap. I bought the $400 variety 6 years ago. Still working great. Since I've worn them I have had no further trouble with the plantar fasciitis. I run 2-4 days a week. I don't think they'll work with your Berkies, however. I'd lay off those for a while and ALWAYS wear your orthotics when on your feet until the symptoms disappear. Truly, they're among the best health $ I've ever spent. regards, Chance |
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Subject: RE: BS: Anyone use othotics?Do they help? From: R! Date: 07 Aug 01 - 01:28 PM An unequivocal and emphatic Yes! I speak from experience. For the first time in four years I am able to walk without pain. I've gone from limited walking using a walker to using a cane to shanks pony. I still have other health issues but, thankfully, I can eliminate foot pain. The orthotics were $350 and they will last the rest of my life (according to the podiatrist). Finding shoes that will accommodate the orthotics may present a challenge. Consider buying a wider width. Don't skint on the quality of your shoes. Good luck, Kat. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Anyone use othotics?Do they help? From: Bat Goddess Date: 07 Aug 01 - 01:56 PM I've got a dropped metatarsal in my right foot. The first shoe inserts I got were from my osteopath and in the 35 buck range. I have since found over-the-counter inserts that run me about $8.50 a pair which I buy in large quantities so I have them in all my shoes and can replace them when necessary. (I can't read the name of them right now in the pair I'm wearing.) I find these work better than any of the more expensive ones I've tried, though I've never tried custom orthotics. (My osteopath didn't seem to think that was necessary, despite needing to use something for the rest of my life.) I do exercises, etc. too, so I'm rather helping the inserts along. Bat Goddess |
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Subject: RE: BS: Anyone use othotics?Do they help? From: katlaughing Date: 07 Aug 01 - 03:16 PM Thank you, everyone. Nice to know I am not the only one. I cancelled my appt. for this afternoon; just told them I wanted to think about it some more. No problem on them fitting my Birks, doc already said they would AND I could interchange them with all my Birks, as long as they are the same size, which of course they are. And, I've bought the widest Birks available for the past 20 years. I can feel that a lot of it has to do with my need for exercise, which is now being met; and also an old injury from playing volleyball, barefoot, in the sand; wrecked all of the soft tissue in my left foot. Took 2-3 years for the severe pain to lessen to a dull nag. Again, thanks very much. I really appreciate all of your input. kat |
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Subject: RE: BS: Anyone use othotics?Do they help? From: MAG Date: 07 Aug 01 - 10:20 PM I've got a pair, ($400), which did help tho' the poddy-a-trist failed to tell me you often need a half insert to pad over them. I also have very high arches, and no one bothers to tell you you are prone to this kind of thing until it happens. Now, this is NOT medical advice; only what worked for me: I had to bag the birkies altogether; they just never stopped hurting me. What DID (does) work is Dr. Scholl's exercise sandles, especially and old old pair that have a bigger bump than the newer ones -- keeps that connective tissue stretched out. This major foot problem was misdiagnosed in me as everything from gout to bunions. Now that you know what you've got (well, you now have the correct medical label, anyway)you can use trial and error to see what works. Oh, and I know you don't like pills, but your least-unfavorite anti-inflammatroy to get the apin under control is important. What WYS said about the chronic pain is all too true; you can end up w/ other stuff if you don't get it under control. Foot stretches when you are sitting down. good luck, MAG |
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Subject: RE: BS: Anyone use othotics?Do they help? From: Amos Date: 07 Aug 01 - 10:48 PM I believe certain parts of Spaw are orthotic, but he only talks about it to his very close family. It's a little embarassing, y'know. A. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Anyone use othotics?Do they help? From: katlaughing Date: 07 Aug 01 - 11:02 PM Thanks, MAG. I know, I probably should have been on anti-inflammtories for the past severa; years, but the only thing I can take is prednisone and I loath it like the plague. All of the over the counter stuff makes me break out and itch! So lots more exercises and maybe orthotics. Thing is it has gone on so long, but gradually gotten worse, it has moved to other parts, so I know what you mean about not getting it taken care of. Have any of you tried http://drkiper.com/? So Spaw been holding out on us, eh, Amos? LMAO!! Thanks! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Anyone use othotics?Do they help? From: Sorcha Date: 07 Aug 01 - 11:05 PM I thought all of spaw would be either orthotic or robotic by now.........what is left?? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Anyone use othotics?Do they help? From: mousethief Date: 07 Aug 01 - 11:32 PM My ex-sister-in-law uses them. It's the difference between back-aches and not for her. Alex |
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Subject: RE: BS: Anyone use othotics?Do they help? From: wysiwyg Date: 07 Aug 01 - 11:56 PM My whole anti-inflamm recovery program should be non-allergenic. PM me if you want the URL where it is posted, if I can get to it while outta town that is. The whole point of it is that it buttresses all other efforts to get well. Makes them work better, faster, more broadly. As I have said before I do not post it out in the open because I want to avoid people using it on its own who should see a doctor, but have not. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: BS: Anyone use othotics?Do they help? From: wysiwyg Date: 08 Aug 01 - 12:03 AM Here is the part I DO post openly.
OUR FRIENDS THE ADRENALS THIS. The rest (not openly posted but available by URL on request via PM) is what worked for me-- slowly, but steadily. I was on the vitamins for six months. I'm off now... maybe should still be on, at a reduced rate. It is all based on material by Dr. Christiane Northrup, MD, in her book WOMEN'S BODIES, WOMEN'S WISDOM, plus my own tips on what has worked for me. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: BS: Anyone use othotics?Do they help? From: Mudlark Date: 08 Aug 01 - 02:56 AM Dear Kat... I wish I could send you my orthotics...they have been languishing in a drawer for about 8 years...they didn't work, felt too bulky in my shoes, definitely didn't work w/Birks, which I wear all the time--yet cost too much to just throw away! Agree 100% re prednisone...OK in dire emergency...but the work of the devil for chronic complaints that aren't life threatening. Lots of supplemental type anti-inflamatories out there...all more side-effect free than OTC stuff. Keep trying.... Now am trying to think of all the foot songs I know...Put Your Little Foot, I Love Ya But Your Feet's Too Big, Flat Foot Floozy w/the FloyFloy..... Good luck... Nancy |
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Subject: RE: BS: Anyone use othotics?Do they help? From: Bat Goddess Date: 08 Aug 01 - 09:31 AM BTW, the over-the-counter supports I use are Arch-Mates. They're blue (as if that makes any difference, but the other ones I have experience with are green or brown) and they are available (at slight differences in price) from various catalogs. They work for me. Bat Goddess |
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Subject: RE: BS: Anyone use othotics?Do they help? From: katlaughing Date: 08 Aug 01 - 09:53 AM THanks! You all are just great. I really do appreciate it! I am looking into all of the different things you all have noted in this thread. Quite frankly, I wonder about the diagnosis. If I am reading correctly, one of the main symptoms is worse heel pain when one first gets up in the morning and I don't have that at all. I really felt a litte railroaded by this doc. My first visit and he wanted to cast me, right then and there, for inserts! Not much discussion except the cost and how much he had to have upfront, etc. He seemed more concerned about my ability to pay, not having insurance, than in explaining everything to me, and I balk when someone is like that.:-) It was as thought they couldn't grasp the concept of someone without insurance, actually not living at poverty level! I did tell them when I cancelled my appt. that I felt rushed into it. Thanks, again, kat |
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Subject: RE: BS: Anyone use othotics?Do they help? From: Mrrzy Date: 08 Aug 01 - 09:56 AM My issue is with the top, not the bottom, of my foot, the one that thinks it belongs to a non-hominid ape. There is a terrifically sharp bone spur on the top of my left foot, and I've been searching and searching for sandals or shoes that don't have a strap/upper that goes right across that spur - any advice welcome, knowing that I need to go to an office where flipflops aren't an option... also hope this doesn't constitute hijacking the thread, sorry to katwithachingfoot! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Anyone use othotics?Do they help? From: Mary in Kentucky Date: 08 Aug 01 - 10:17 AM I think I said all this before...but maybe someone missed it... I had plantar faciitis (sp?) for over a year and didn't know what it was. My advice...as always...don't fool around with free advice from us...get professional help! I ended up with heel spurs because I didn't take care of the problem. Since then I've learned... 1) always wear good shoes. I get fitted at a running store. Swag, (the Englishman who says I have Prussian toes), always fits me in a wide shoe with very good arch support and heel cusions. (different brands) I've tried to duplicate the shoe at cheaper stores, but it just doesn't work. From my jogging days I learned that a good running store is usually on top of the latest technology for shoes, and they are familiar with plantar faciitis. 2) never ever ever ever go barefoot. I wear the athletic flip-flops with the thick soles for house shoes. 3) achilles tendon stretches (runners stretch) helps. 4) for an acute flare-up, roll your arch on a frozen water bottle. 5) orthotics helped Hubby immensely with fallen arches and bad knees. I think the ones he bought at the drug store were just about as good as the real expensive ones he had made. His problem is flat feet, though, quite different from mine. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Anyone use othotics?Do they help? From: Rowana (at work) Date: 08 Aug 01 - 10:17 AM Kat, Thanks for the drkiper clicky. If I'm not being too personal, what exercised do you do? PM me if you like. Prednisone was not good for me. I take ginger instead. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Anyone use othotics?Do they help? From: katlaughing Date: 08 Aug 01 - 10:38 AM TYou're welcome, Rowana. They are basic stretching exercises, similar to some of the yoga I used to do (shouldn't have stopped!) If you'd like to PM me your email addy, I can scan in the sheet which shows them and email it to you. One, that I read on the internet, was if you sit a lot, to put a small 2X4 at your feet, or anything about that thickness and rest your toes on it; that will help stretch the muscles in your heal and upt eh back of your leg, which is what is needed. MaryinKY, thanks. I am using the ice bottle just before going to bed and it helps. Actually since going to him and wearing the straps he gave me, for 6 days as presecribed, the pain has lessened a lot. I don't ever go barefoot, haven't in many years, since I hurt my foot in the sand.:-) I've tried really expensive atheltic shoes from a store the doc recommends and they seemed to make it hurt much, much worse. That's why I went back to my Birks. I think it was because I have a high instep. Thanks, kat |
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Subject: RE: BS: Anyone use othotics?Do they help? From: katlaughing Date: 10 Aug 01 - 12:33 PM I have scanned in the exercises. If anyone else would liek a copy, please PM me with your addy and I will be glad to send them. They seem to really be helping, a lot. Thanks, kat |
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Subject: RE: BS: Anyone use othotics?Do they help? From: wysiwyg Date: 10 Aug 01 - 12:53 PM Kat, if you have my address, please send me a set for Hardiman. Thanks, ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: BS: Anyone use othotics?Do they help? From: katlaughing Date: 10 Aug 01 - 01:13 PM Just did, Susan. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Anyone use othotics?Do they help? From: catspaw49 Date: 10 Aug 01 - 02:59 PM Well, Ol' Spaw got lots of whupped up parts repaired with fake stuff, but my feet aren't on the list. I can't believe how many folks here have this problem! I guess most of you are pretty refined and all as opposed to being a shitkicker like me, whichh is probably why I don't need orthotics.........Matter of fact, I had no idea what they were til I opened this thread and it's made for good reading ever since! Maybe I could pick up a gew bucks with bumper stickers................
AVOID ORTHOTICS |
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Subject: RE: BS: Anyone use othotics?Do they help? From: katlaughing Date: 10 Aug 01 - 03:20 PM Love it, Classic Spawism!! LOL |
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Subject: RE: BS: Anyone use othotics?Do they help? From: John Hardly Date: 10 Aug 01 - 10:19 PM Kat, This sounds a bit implausible but after orthotics, steroid injections, anti inflammatories----all with only temporary relief, my wife finally was lucky enough to find a woman who could actually manipulate the offended tendon off of the offending bone. After about a year of this therapy she has had permanent relief 5-6 years now. Thsi was couple with acupuncture. good luck, I know how debilitating it can be! |