I just got some custom running orthotics this week. Has anyone with a history of runner’s knee or other running problems seen any benefits from using orthotics? I don’t expect these to be a magic cure, but am hopeful they will help minimize injuries.
Based on my sports chiro’s opinion that the overwhelming majority of people pronate (which, also according to him, increases risk of many running injuries), I’m surprised that there’s so little discussion about orthotics on the forum. Who else is using them?
You can search the forum for discussions about orthotics ad nauseum. Work great for some conditions, not so much for others (and runner’s knee/chondromalacia patella is one that responds less, depending on why you have the quadriceps muscle imbalance and/or patellar tracking issues).
And, your “sports chiro” is right - we ALL pronate. It is a normal human motion. Those few that don’t at all have even worse issues I think he meant to say excessive pronation (the strict definition being beyond the scope of this post).
From what I have read on here rroof is one of the best as far as what he knows on feet, orthos, and shoe types. Not sure if he would agree with me here or not but I don’t think an ortho should have to “break in.”
The Dr. I work for makes custom orthos for runners everyday and the thing I have noticed is that they tend to be very different from most of what you see. Most orthos we see come in are incredibly rigid, I don’t know how people walk let alone run in them.
From what we do here, the ortho should be pretty comfortable from the start. Supporting the foot in the ways it needs without forcing the foot/leg/body to work to match the ortho.
Question for rroof. Would I be “better off” having orthotics made by a competent but non running podiatrist who I can deal with face to face or having orthotics made by a running podiatrist via the mail? That’s assuming that I can find a running podiatrist that is willing to work with me long distance. Do you do this?
I had a runner’s knee issue several years ago. Since using orthotics I’ve never had a recurrence of that (10 marathons later). I think they help, but probably not much more than a pair of off-the-shelf superfeet with metatarsal pads.
There is a definite break in period. You normally only wear them for an hour the first day and work up from there. After a few weeks they felt like I was born with them, but it was an unusual feeling at first.
Question for rroof. Would I be “better off” having orthotics made by a competent but non running podiatrist who I can deal with face to face or having orthotics made by a running podiatrist via the mail? That’s assuming that I can find a running podiatrist that is willing to work with me long distance. Do you do this?
Almost always better to see someone in person. I’ve done a few via mail for certain people, but this is definitely not ideal.
Question for rroof. Would I be “better off” having orthotics made by a competent but non running podiatrist who I can deal with face to face or having orthotics made by a running podiatrist via the mail? That’s assuming that I can find a running podiatrist that is willing to work with me long distance. Do you do this?
Almost always better to see someone in person. I’ve done a few via mail for certain people, but this is definitely not ideal.
On top of that, if you do need them (IMO very few people do) if you can find someone who MAKES them on site, you’ll be even better off. I’ve found that more often than not, orthotics will need a tweak or three before they’re perfect. It’s hard to find, but to me, it’s the perfect combo.
Question for rroof. Would I be “better off” having orthotics made by a competent but non running podiatrist who I can deal with face to face or having orthotics made by a running podiatrist via the mail? That’s assuming that I can find a running podiatrist that is willing to work with me long distance. Do you do this?
What I did was go the esoles route. They laser scan your foot and build the orthotics from the scan. One of the advantages is that the “molds” are just computer files, so getting more of them is pretty easy. There was no esoles scanner near me so I actually flew out to Phoenix for a day to do it at esoles (actually, with the phys therapy place next door to esoles).
If there is an esoles scanner near you (check the website) that may be an option. I’ve been very happy with mine.
I’ve had 3 custom pairs for foot/pronation issues. On a whole, they solved one problem and created new problems. I’m an anti-orthotic crusader. I think they are a huge waste of money - I threw away about $1000 on them over the course of about 6 years. I refuse to wear them for running and truly believe it is better to build the muscles in your feet and legs than to wear a “crutch” and allow your muscles to weaken. Walking and running barefoot are great for building muscles in the feel. Also, pick up things with your toes. Marbles are good - work at really squeezing with your toes. Another exercise it to place a towel on the ground, keep your hell in place and use your toes to pull the towel toward you - this one can be pretty tough. Barefoot martial arts made me a believer in the strengthening side - gave up martial arts but kept the barefoot training and things are going well.
I do have an orthotic I wear in my bike shoes, because I tend to have excessive inward knee roll without the arch support there.
I over pronate ALOT, ended up with runner’s knee on both knees when I first starting running/triathlons about 15 years ago. Orthotics sorted out my problems immediately and have not had another injury since then. I have tried a few runs without the orthotics in the last couple of years and ended up with sore knees immediately. In my case I can’t run without them. If your over pronation is not excessive then the right shoes alone might be sufficient, but if that’s not working for you then definitely consider orthotics. Mine are made from hard plastic and now 15 years old and still working fine (I only weigh 140 so maybe that’s helped their longevity).
orthotics seem to have helped me reduce achillies tendonitis/calf strains in one leg and posterior tibial tendonitis in the other, i use ones made by active imprints (same people who make Newtons but I don’t wear newton shoes) for my running shoes and then some from the place my podiatrist uses for everyday and cycling shoes. Definitely a big fan.
I think he meant to say excessive pronation (the strict definition being beyond the scope of this post).