topic Re: Foot orthorics - custom made or not? in Wellness

Foot orthorics - custom made or not?

SKJCPA — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 00:09:35 GMT

After being diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, heel spur, & miscellaneous other problems, I was told I needed orthotics. The doctor's office had me take home a generic orthotic to start wearing while they check with my insurance about coverage for custom orthotics. If you've had experience with either custom or generic orthotics, could you please give me input & comments. And did you feel the custom made was worth the cost & did they work better or faster to solve your issues. Thanks so much.

Re: Foot orthorics - custom made or not?

Shelbelle — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 00:14:24 GMT

My DH uses Spenco for years now in his shoes. He says no need for custom, these work well for him.

Re: Foot orthorics - custom made or not?

patbz — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 00:14:38 GMT

I have plantar fasciitis and my foot doctor recommended a pair of off the shelf inserts from Good Feet; they did the job! I also get foot reflexology (usually in "China town" part of any larger city) whenever I get the chance. Between the inserts and the foot massage, I haven't had any P.F. In over 10 years.

Re: Foot orthorics - custom made or not?

lulu1 — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 00:35:07 GMT

I had a new pair of orthotics made in the fall. Medicare does not pay for them but (surprisingly) my secondary insurance paid about $200. (out of $500)

When I first got them, I liked them and thought I'd do well with them. They change so much about your stance and alignment. I HATE them and have gone back to my generic inserts.

Re: Foot orthorics - custom made or not?

Goldengate8361 — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 00:52:11 GMT

I used to use the green superfeet inserts, but a reviewer on Amazon convinced me to try Powerstep - Pinnacle Max ...and they’re are fantastic!!....the best, by far, that I’ve ever tried. I immediately went back on Amazon and ordered several more sets. They’re that good.

Re: Foot orthorics - custom made or not?

SeaMaiden — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 00:59:24 GMT

@Shelbelle wrote:
My DH uses Spenco for years now in his shoes. He says no need for custom, these work well for him.

This is also what I use.

Re: Foot orthorics - custom made or not?

Scooby Doo — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 01:04:39 GMT

I had a bad case of PF and decided to get some custom orthodics. They hurt like crazy and they now reside in a plastic bag in the back of a closet. I wouldn't buy them again. My insurance didn't pay for any of it and I think I paid around $300 out of pocket.

Re: Foot orthorics - custom made or not?

HarDee — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 01:39:42 GMT

I've suffered with PF for years and have good results using ABEO orthotics that I purchase at the Walking Company. They are quite a bit less than the custom ones and very effective.

Re: Foot orthorics - custom made or not?

Moonchilde — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 01:59:17 GMT

I had a horrible, absolutely crippling plantar fasciitis and pronate very badly. I turned to Vionic, Spenco, Aetrex and Abeo shoes. I also have Vionic orthotics, and would use the orthotics of any of these companies as working for my PF. IMO, honestly no need to spend $300-$500 for custom.

BUT - if the insole in the shoe you want to use an orthotic in (any orthotic) is not removable, you will probably have the issue that your feet (or foot) will sit too high in the shoe and you’ll be walking out of the shoe or it will just be uncomfortable. For me, I must use an orthotic in a shoe with a removable insole or it’s not a good fit. An exception to this would be boots of any height or type. And I’d advise taking the orthotic with you whenever you try on shoes, as you might need to go up half a size (or even possibly down) than your size without.

Re: Foot orthorics - custom made or not?

pupwhipped — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 02:11:42 GMT

GENERIC orthotics, stretching exercises, and anti inflammatory meds to get you over the hump.

Re: Foot orthorics - custom made or not?

CAcableGirl2 — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 03:48:04 GMT

I unfortunately have extensive experience with planter fasciitis with both feet. I have custom orthotics and I think it really depends on how bad and severe your pain is. If you are on your feet a lot, walk a lot, and have a lot of pain, I would go with the custom. I just got a new pair about 4 months ago and the cost was $400. I had extreme pain in my right heel even with the custom orthotics and there was so much scar tissue that I had planter fasciitis release surgery about 6 weeks ago. This after wearing custom orthotics for many years, using the ice, staying off my feet, and wearing a orthotic boot for several weeks.

I am part of the 5% that needed surgery where they make a small incision on both sides of your heal and cut the tissue between your heel and the ball of your foot. Once it grows back, it naturally has more give and the pain is gone. The surgery was extremely successful for me. I had burning pain in my heel even when I was in the car on the way to have the surgery and pain that never went away when trying to walk. I was miserable for 2 years when I finally decided that surgery was my only option. I had virtually zero pain immediately after the surgery and was back to work in 3 weeks.

Custom or generic. Since the cost of custom is high and a lot of insurance companies won't cover it, I would try the generic and see if you still have an issue. In my case, I don't think the generic would have done much for me.

Re: Foot orthorics - custom made or not?

Tinkrbl44 — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 14:31:08 GMT

@SKJCPA wrote:
After being diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, heel spur, & miscellaneous other problems, I was told I needed orthotics. The doctor's office had me take home a generic orthotic to start wearing while they check with my insurance about coverage for custom orthotics. If you've had experience with either custom or generic orthotics, could you please give me input & comments. And did you feel the custom made was worth the cost & did they work better or faster to solve your issues. Thanks so much.

@SKJCPA

What my Podiatrist told me ..... and other people have since confirmed ..... is that custom orthotics do not necessarily do any better than the store bought ones. She told me she'd order the excellent $400 orthotics, but strongly recommended I spend about $35 and buy a few types that are available in better drug stores to try ... Walmart also has a great selection.

It's unlikely your insurance will pay for them, and there is no guarantee they will work for you. Since they are "custom made" there's no chance of returning them. They'll sit in your closet gathering dust.

During the initial period dealing with PF, and going to work, I also found that I was much more comfortable in a 1 1/2 to 2 inch heel than in a flat heel. I have no idea why. Try different heel heights, just to see if there's any difference.

Re: Foot orthorics - custom made or not?

Kachina624 — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 08:07:33 GMT

@SeaMaiden wrote:
@Shelbelle wrote:
My DH uses Spenco for years now in his shoes. He says no need for custom, these work well for him.
This is also what I use.

I also use Spenco inserts after having tried two pairs of custom made orthodics. Spenco inserts are gentle and you don't feel like you have a boulder in your shoe.

Re: Foot orthorics - custom made or not?

software — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 14:29:09 GMT

I also strongly suggest some form of physical therapy, either at a therapist's office or do it yourself at home in addition to the orthotics.

If you don't want to go to therapy for whatever reason, ask your doctor to recommend what you can do at home. It's worthwhile.

Hope you have a good outcome.

@SKJCPA

Re: Foot orthorics - custom made or not?

jlkz — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 17:35:50 GMT

Strange solution for my heel Spurs and bad knee:

Although I live in a ranch style house, I do go down to the basement / rec room for many things. I tried going down the stairs facing the stairs and holding on to the handrail. It enabled me to go downstairs without heel pain and without my knee acting up. I also could go down faster and more safely.

right now the Spurs have stopped hurting but I don't trust the knee...I will keep on this method.

Re: Foot orthorics - custom made or not?

Group 5 minus 1 — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 18:55:24 GMT

Had surgery for my heel problems. Much better than anything else.

Re: Foot orthorics - custom made or not?

SKJCPA — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 19:45:25 GMT

Thanks for all of your replies! Are there recommendations for specific shoe brands that have the removable insert so I can put in the orthotic? And do you usually have to order a larger size shoe for it to fit? Thanks again!

Re: Foot orthorics - custom made or not?

DrKelli — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 21:09:36 GMT

Both podiatrists I've seen recommend a drug store brand. Powerstep is the one both recommended. I have had crippling plantar fasciitis in both feet as well as other issues. They work great. I've also used the 1/2 orthotic (to give me an arch) by Birkenstock. I don't have to have a larger shoe, it fits. To be honest, I don't use them in dress shoes, just athletic shoes, but they are thin enough that I think they would fit.

Both podiatrists also said custom orthotics are a rip off.

Re: Foot orthorics - custom made or not?

Moonchilde — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 21:13:25 GMT

@DrKelli wrote:
Both podiatrists I've seen recommend a drug store brand. Powerstep is the one both recommended. I have had crippling plantar fasciitis in both feet as well as other issues. They work great. I've also used the 1/2 orthotic (to give me an arch) by Birkenstock. I don't have to have a larger shoe, it fits. To be honest, I don't use them in dress shoes, just athletic shoes, but they are thin enough that I think they would fit.

Both podiatrists also said custom orthotics are a rip off.

Yes - in my list, I forgot that I have Birkenstock orthotics and they’re great for my pronation and PF - almost as good as the Vionics. I can’t wear Birkenstock shoes, they just don’t fit me (the toe bar), but love their blue inserts.

Re: Foot orthorics - custom made or not?

SKJCPA — Sat, 16 Dec 2017 23:24:50 GMT

Thanks so much for all the comments; I appreciate it. One last question...I'm trying to re-read my notes I scribbled during my appointment and I thought the podiatrist said I could be getting back to normal in a few weeks? Not sure if I wrote that down correctly but does that sound right? I want to give it enough time before I go back to the podiatrist but also don't want to wait too long if the orthotics aren't working correctly. Just wondered what time frame others might have experienced.