Wellness

[CAcableGirl2]

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. 

[Tinkrbl44]

---

@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.

[Kachina624]

---

@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.

[software]

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

[jlkz]

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.

[Group 5 minus 1]

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

[SKJCPA]

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!

[DrKelli]

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.

[Moonchilde]

---

@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.

[SKJCPA]

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.