I’m still on the fence whether my green Super Feet (SF) that I’ve worn since 2005 help (I bought a new pair a year and half ago). I use them in all of my shoes (running, cycling and dress). Last year, I tried custom orthotics from a podiatrist, but ended up with a tight left hip that hindered my run, causing problems in my right leg because I limped. The issue went away within a month after I stopped using them.
I developed some quirks in my feet in Dec 2003 that led me to try different inserts (arch supports, heel cups, then eventually SF). I bought the Newton Gravity in August 2010 and used SF in them. I finished a half marathon May 2011 using the Newton Motion without the SF (just the standard insole that comes with the shoe). My feet felt better initially because I could feel the cushion and get a better feel for the road (when I used the SF, my feet felt like they were standing on two pieces of thin 2x4’s inside my shoes). However, I developed plantar fasciitis (pf) in June 2011, a month after the half mary.
Today, the pf is not as severe in my left heel as a year ago, but, I now have what feels like pf in right heel. I’m considering ditching the SF inserts and just use the insoles that come with my shoes . I never had an issue with my feet from birth until 33 (I’m now 42). I bought a pair of shoes and never put something extra inside of them for more support or cushion.
Do you use orthotics? Have they helped? Or, are they a crutch that weakens your feet, causing injuries to other parts of your body (knees, hips, low back)?
It’s my experience and belief that if any injury has occurred or if any type of supportive shoe is required, there is often a biomechanical or muscular issue that can and should dealt with.
For some people, orthotics are the only reason they can run. Most people don’t need them.
Orthotics are not anything like “crutches” they are most similar to corrective eye glasses for vision. Can you change the shape of your eyeball so you don’t need glasses?
It’s my experience and belief that if any injury has occurred or if any type of supportive shoe is required, there is often a biomechanical or muscular issue that can and should dealt with.
It’s my experience and belief that if any injury has occurred or if any type of supportive shoe is required, there is often a biomechanical or muscular issue that can and should dealt with.
For some people, orthotics are the only reason they can run. Most people don’t need them.
And for those people who need the orthotics we need to be asking, ‘why can’t you run without orthotics?’ Then we need to answer the ‘why’ questions and figure out how to solve the red flags that come up. It’s not a popular approach because it takes effort and time and often times requires the athlete to stop running for a few weeks so the underlying issues can be dealt with.
Do you use orthotics? Have they helped? Or, are they a crutch that weakens your feet, causing injuries to other parts of your body (knees, hips, low back)?
I suffered from Morton’s neuroma in both of my feet.
Even though they have been removed, the only way I can walk reasonably comfortably, never mind run, is with orthotics or wearing very supportive footwear.
Custom-made orthotics are at least made to fit your own foot and your own particular circumstance. Mass-produced products can work, or can do harm so in my opinion are not worth it.
Speak to a certified pedorthist if you can, they are the experts.
What is one issue that could present itself if proper ankle mobility/ calf flexibility isn’t present? excessive pronation at the foot/ankle
What is one issue that could present itself of proper hip muscle function is not present? internal rotation and adduction of the femur, which can lend itself to excessive pronation at the foot/ankle.
EDIT to add: I’m not going to disagree with you that orthotics change lower extremity kinetics. All I’m really saying is that there is a biomechanical reason that injuries happen and while orthotics may help getting muscles/movement patterns to fire appropriately and in correct timing with everything else can greatly reduce the incidence in injuries
It’s my experience and belief that if any injury has occurred or if any type of supportive shoe is required, there is often a biomechanical or muscular issue that can and should dealt with.
I appreciate everyone’s thoughts on this. It gives me more to consider (the bigger picture).
I’m also intrigued by your blog Running on the White Line. Thanks for the link.
It’s my experience and belief that if any injury has occurred or if any type of supportive shoe is required, there is often a biomechanical or muscular issue that can and should dealt with.
+1, used to use green Superfeet until I fixed my hip abductuctors.
I have had issues that my Chiro said he could do orthotics for. When I said I preferred not to go down that path, he instead devised an exercise program for my ankle and hip issues. After 2 months of solid work, no need for orthotics. That worked for me, YMMV.
For some people, orthotics are the only reason they can run. Most people don’t need them.
Orthotics are not anything like “crutches” they are most similar to corrective eye glasses for vision. Can you change the shape of your eyeball so you don’t need glasses?
There’s a lot of truth to what you’re saying, but also some truth in the idea that sometimes it’s better to address the underlying issue. Or take both approaches.
In my case I couldn’t ride my bike hard without wearing orthotics most of the time in life. But over time I’ve also addressed some of the underlying issues and can get away with not using orthotics off the bike, and a less correction the bike than I used to.
A good approach is to try orthotics but also try to get an understanding of any biomechanical problems and work on them as well.
Get separate pairs of orthotics for your other shoes.
Seriously though, I am reluctant to give advice because I would be guessing. Everyone is different and giving out blanket advice doesn’t do you or your situation justice. There are too many questions that can’t be properly answered in this format. I can tell you to stretch, foam roll, strengthen, etc. but without assessing your situation in person it’s a wild goose chase. You might get lucky and feel better or you keep going around in circles with no improvement and without finding the underlying cause may put you back in the same position 2,3, or 6 months later.
My best advice to you is to try and find a professional in your area that will assess your situation as an n=1 and find the source of your pain/dysfunction and not solely focus on the site of your pain/dysfunction. Call up some practitioners in your area and ask for a plan of care or their approach to care for your situation before you go. Most people don’t ask any/many questions so PT’s/Chiro’s don’t go out of there way to explain their rational for what they’re doing, although I think many would gladly take a few minutes to talk to you.
I know that’s not the answer your looking for, but that is really the most honest answer I can give you in this context and if all else fails don’t forget the advice in pink.