Recommendation for orthopedic shoes?

[ilovedolphins]

I have gotten plantar faciitis and can't manage to get over it.  I have bought the foot splint to wear to bed, heel cushions, and today I bought an active pair of insoles specifically to help the pain of it.  But none of them seem to help.  A coworker said one of her doctors told her to get a pair of cowboy boots and wear them a couple days a week and that should help it a lot. 

I don't know if I should buy boots or an orthopedic pair of shoes to wear to work.  I am standing on a concrete floor for about 12 hours a day.  I just don't want to spend yet more money on special shoes if they won't help.  But if I don't try them then how do I know they won't help.

So far I have spent $60 and none of them have helped.

[Deleted]

Are you seeing a foot specialist?

You might be better served (and have more foot ware options) by getting some custom made orthotic shoe inserts. I swear I've been able to avoid getting plantar fasciitis by getting these 5 years ago.

[Malarky]

I wear Brooks or Ryka sneakers, Dansko clogs and cowboy boots.  I never wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row.

In summer I wear Dansko sandals or Reef flipflops. 

While my feet still hurt, they don't ache as much as when I wear the same pair/style repeatedly. 

Everyday is a new kind of pain, 

[The Captain]

I had custom inserts made.  They weren't cheap ($200 pair) but they have made all the difference in the world.  

My podiatrist also sells specially designed shoes, but I didn't need those once I had the inserts.  I don't know where you work but is there a possibility of requesting a cushioned mat to stand on (our cashiers had these when I worked retail).

[ilovedolphins]

I am a manager in my store so I am walking most of the time.  Where do you get custom inserts made?

[dannylion]

Nov 12, 2013 17:24:34 GMT -5 ilovedolphins said:

I am a manager in my store so I am walking most of the time.  Where do you get custom inserts made?

You will need to see an orthopedist who specializes in foot problems or a podiatrist to get a prescription for the orthotics.  The doctor will make sure the prescription is designed to address the problems of your particular feet.  The doctor should then be able to tell you who can make those orthotics locally. 

[tskeeter]

Nov 12, 2013 16:40:33 GMT -5 ilovedolphins said:

I have gotten plantar faciitis and can't manage to get over it.  I have bought the foot splint to wear to bed, heel cushions, and today I bought an active pair of insoles specifically to help the pain of it.  But none of them seem to help.  A coworker said one of her doctors told her to get a pair of cowboy boots and wear them a couple days a week and that should help it a lot. 

I don't know if I should buy boots or an orthopedic pair of shoes to wear to work.  I am standing on a concrete floor for about 12 hours a day.  I just don't want to spend yet more money on special shoes if they won't help.  But if I don't try them then how do I know they won't help.

So far I have spent $60 and none of them have helped.

Dolphins, if you've spent a total of $60 on multiple pairs of shoes, I think you're approaching this situation wrong.  First of all, good shoes don't come cheap.  While I don't have the discomfort that comes with faciitis, nor do I stand on concrete floors all day, if I'm on my feet for an extended period of time, my feet hurt.  So I found a brand of shoes that prevents almost all of the discomfort I used to experience.  Each pair costs more than double what you've apparently spent on several pairs of shoes.  I look at the cost of expensive shoes as an investment in being able to be on my feet for several hours at a time, doing what I want to do.  For you, really good shoes that significantly reduce the discomfort you experience is an investment in you being able to work and to continue to earn a pay check.  For you, good shoes would be the equivalent of a mechanic's tools.  An investment you make in the income you expect to earn by using the tools (shoes).  And, if you peek into auto repair shops, you'll see that mechanicas aren't buying their tools from Walmart.  They are buying the best tools they can get.  Because high quality, well made tools work better, are easier to use, and last longer.  That makes the mechanic more productive.  The same considerations apply to your shoes. 

How do you find out what brands of shoes work well for people with your condition?  Ask the Doctor who is treating your faciitis.  If they specialize in faciitis, they know what shoes have worked for their other patients and can make some recommnedations.  You might have to buy and try a couple of different brands to find the one that works best for you.  But remember, you aren't buying shoes.  You are making an investment in a future income stream.

By the way, my FIL, who suffered from plantar faciitis, liked Clark walking shoes.  

[Opti]

I think you should check out orthotics. I will also recommend Orthofeet shoes.
I've had good luck with them and they come with a pretty thick insole. They
aren't cheap so you aren't going to be able to pick them up for $60. Propet
is another recommended brand but I've never tried them. Both can be purchased
on Shoebuy.com. Sign up for the emails and don't order until you get at least a
20% discount notification. The best they usually do is 30% but it will be one day
with little notice. (And not very often. )

Wear them around the house and see if you think they will work. Unfortunately
the only true test is wearing them for hours and days while standing.

[Rocky Mtn Saver]

Nov 12, 2013 17:28:44 GMT -5 dannylion said:

Nov 12, 2013 17:24:34 GMT -5 ilovedolphins said:

I am a manager in my store so I am walking most of the time.  Where do you get custom inserts made?

You will need to see an orthopedist who specializes in foot problems or a podiatrist to get a prescription for the orthotics.  The doctor will make sure the prescription is designed to address the problems of your particular feet.  The doctor should then be able to tell you who can make those orthotics locally. 

I went to a podiatrist and was diagnosed with Plantar Fasciitis, but I ended up getting some orthotic inserts at Good Feet that have worked wonders!  I don't know if they're the same cost as the ones the podiatrist prescribes, but they weren't cheap.  But I don't mind either way because they solved the problem!  I've used them for maybe 5 years and I   my inserts! 

BTW, dolphins, it took the months of wearing my inserts regularly before the PF pain disappeared.  I was told that it's because what happens are micro-tears which simply take time to heal on their own. 

[Abby Normal]

I got plantar fasciitis this summer and it sucks.  I bought the Aline insoles- they hurt like hell for a few weeks- but now I can't do without them.  They helped so much.  They do run about $80 a pair, but that is a lot less than having custom orthotics  made.  I wear only good shoes, that the insoles fit in. I don't need to wear the night brace anymore, but mornings can still be painful if I don't stretch before I get up.  It's a long recovery process.  

[ilovedolphins]

Nov 12, 2013 17:41:14 GMT -5 Rocky Mtn Saver said:

Nov 12, 2013 17:28:44 GMT -5 dannylion said:

You will need to see an orthopedist who specializes in foot problems or a podiatrist to get a prescription for the orthotics.  The doctor will make sure the prescription is designed to address the problems of your particular feet.  The doctor should then be able to tell you who can make those orthotics locally. 

I went to a podiatrist and was diagnosed with Plantar Fasciitis, but I ended up getting some orthotic inserts at Good Feet that have worked wonders!  I don't know if they're the same cost as the ones the podiatrist prescribes, but they weren't cheap.  But I don't mind either way because they solved the problem!  I've used them for maybe 5 years and I   my inserts! 

BTW, dolphins, it took the months of wearing my inserts regularly before the PF pain disappeared.  I was told that it's because what happens are micro-tears which simply take time to heal on their own. 

Do they have the inserts in the Good Feet store? 

[ilovedolphins]

I haven't bought any new shoes yet - the $60 was for the foot splint, heel cushion and insoles.  I do need to buy a more expensive pair of shoes but I don't know about buying a pair over the internet.  I have been wearing cross trekkers from Payless for the last 16 years at this workplace and my feet have never hurt until this condition started.

[Rocky Mtn Saver]

Nov 12, 2013 17:52:36 GMT -5 ilovedolphins said:

Nov 12, 2013 17:41:14 GMT -5 Rocky Mtn Saver said:

I went to a podiatrist and was diagnosed with Plantar Fasciitis, but I ended up getting some orthotic inserts at Good Feet that have worked wonders!  I don't know if they're the same cost as the ones the podiatrist prescribes, but they weren't cheap.  But I don't mind either way because they solved the problem!  I've used them for maybe 5 years and I   my inserts! 

BTW, dolphins, it took the months of wearing my inserts regularly before the PF pain disappeared.  I was told that it's because what happens are micro-tears which simply take time to heal on their own. 

Do they have the inserts in the Good Feet store? 

Yeah, I stopped by and they did some measurements and we tried a couple pairs out to find a good fit. 

She warned me that I'd feel like there's an egg in my shoe at first. I started wearing them in 15 minute increments increasing to full-time. They weren't cheap, but I've been very happy with the result. I can go without wearing them for a few days, but then my feet begin to miss that beautiful egg in my shoe!

[Abby Normal]

You can't buy shoes over the internet (yet).  Go find some nice supportive running shoes that fit your feet well.  That will help, but for the fasciitis, you'll probably still need some time of insole.

Have you seen your doctor?

[Rocky Mtn Saver]

Nov 12, 2013 17:54:39 GMT -5 ilovedolphins said:

I haven't bought any new shoes yet - the $60 was for the foot splint, heel cushion and insoles.  I do need to buy a more expensive pair of shoes but I don't know about buying a pair over the internet.  I have been wearing cross trekkers from Payless for the last 16 years at this workplace and my feet have never hurt until this condition started.

I just use the inserts in regular shoes.  I've had to buy a size bigger to allow room for the inserts as well as trying to buy more shoes with straps or closed shoes so as to be able to wear the inserts.  But other than that, I didn't change my shoe needs or use anything at night.  Well, so far, at least! 

[Rocky Mtn Saver]

Nov 12, 2013 17:56:44 GMT -5 Abby Normal said:

You can't buy shoes over the internet (yet).  Go find some nice supportive running shoes that fit your feet well.  That will help, but for the fasciitis, you'll probably still need some time of insole.

Have you seen your doctor?

I do also recommend the good supportive running shoes, whatever you decide. 

[ilovedolphins]

I have been to my doctor and she just gave me exercises to do and told me to ice it.  A friend told me about a Good Feet store in Denver but I can't decide if I should go or see how the Dr. Scholl's inserts work.  I have Friday off so I will see how they are working by then.

[Rocky Mtn Saver]

Nov 12, 2013 18:08:59 GMT -5 ilovedolphins said:

I have been to my doctor and she just gave me exercises to do and told me to ice it.  A friend told me about a Good Feet store in Denver but I can't decide if I should go or see how the Dr. Scholl's inserts work.  I have Friday off so I will see how they are working by then.

Honestly, I tried Dr. Scholls inserts before I coughed up the money for the good inserts.  The cheapies didn't do squat for my problem. 

[ilovedolphins]

That is good to know.  I do have a feeling that I will have to make the trip to look at shoes and insoles on Friday. 

[ilovedolphins]

Rocky Mtn Saver - I am going to pm you.

[Abby Normal]

Nov 12, 2013 18:11:09 GMT -5 Rocky Mtn Saver said:

Honestly, I tried Dr. Scholls inserts before I coughed up the money for the good inserts.  The cheapies didn't do squat for my problem. 

Nor mine.  Spend the money. If you spend that long on your feet a day, it will be worth it.

I did a 10 minutes on 10 minutes off rotation for ice every night when I got home.  That and a lot of ibuprofen during the first few weeks. The only reason I asked about the Dr is that mine checked for a fracture because of how bad it was.

[Deleted]

I have plantar fasciitis as well.  I went to my podiatrist and had a really painful series of shots. Those of you have not had then have NO IDEA of how painful the shots are.

Then he cut some orthotics for me.  These weren't custom orthotics, but I also only paid my $20 co-pay to receive them.  they really, really help.  But now that my flex account has been refilled, I want custom orthotics.  The ones he cut really, really help, but I would like to wear real shoes again.  I pretty much solely in athletic shoes.  I have had to beg off from the last two graduation ceremonies because I can't wear anything other than athletic shoes.

Go to a specialist and buy the custom orthotics if you can afford them.

[pinkbow832]

I had a physical therapist a few years ago who was a runner and had severe plantar fasciitis.  She swore by her Dansko clogs and said that even though they looked a little orthopedic (she was pretty young), they were worth wearing because they were the only shoes that didn't cause her pain.  I would definitely recommend visiting a Good Feet store or visiting a specialist, but for now you can at least get an idea of prices by doing some online searching.  www.zappos.com/dansko-women-shoes~2?zfcTest=sis%3A0

I like to cook a lot and get very bad foot pain when I'm standing for long periods, so I've been thinking about trying a pair.  Maybe I should add some to my Christmas list

[Sharon]

I have suffered from plantar fasciitis also.  I wore New Balance tennis shoes for a couple of years to work.  Actually I still wear them frequently to work.  The walking shoes come in all black so they don't look to much like tennis shoes.  New Balance also has a line of shoes that are dressier.  The name is Aravon.  I have found they have the padding etc that I need.

It also helps that when I am sitting at the computer I roll around a golf ball with my foot.  That helps massage the foot and loosen up that tendon.

[sbcalimom]

I've tried the Good Feet and the custom orthotics.  My custom ones were about the same price as the Good Feet ones but they worked so much better.  I have multiple issues going on with my feet so the Good Feet ones weren't cutting it.  My sister though is able to wear the Good Feet ones (and even the cheaper version) and they really help her.

Two summers ago, I actually bit the bullet and got two pairs of sandals made with my orthotics built into the sole of the shoe.  They were ridiculously expensive but they were worth every penny because I wear them all summer long.  I'm hoping since I got two pairs they'll last longer (since I don't wear them every day) and I can get 5-7 years out of them.

Either way, getting custom orthotics made and actually wearing them has fixed my foot, knee, and back pain tremendously.  Expensive but worth every single penny I've spent and then some.

[Deleted]

Nov 12, 2013 19:49:12 GMT -5 pinkbow832 said:

I had a physical therapist a few years ago who was a runner and had severe plantar fasciitis.  She swore by her Dansko clogs and said that even though they looked a little orthopedic (she was pretty young), they were worth wearing because they were the only shoes that didn't cause her pain.  I would definitely recommend visiting a Good Feet store or visiting a specialist, but for now you can at least get an idea of prices by doing some online searching.  www.zappos.com/dansko-women-shoes~2?zfcTest=sis%3A0

I like to cook a lot and get very bad foot pain when I'm standing for long periods, so I've been thinking about trying a pair.  Maybe I should add some to my Christmas list

My regular Dr swears by the clogs too. She couldn't believe it that I found a pair at my local Goodwill which looked like they had never been worn. $8!

[yankee]

Having had plantar facitis and currently working on eliminating it I highly recommend doing a google search on it. 

I have high arches and the insoles.  That helps.  But the thing that is REALLY helping to ease this is the leg stretching. 

The facitis comes around when there is an abnormality in stride.  

For me, I have found, when I haven't exercised & Stretched appropriately the facitis acts up. 

I have VERY tight hamstrings and Glutes.  Believe it or not, I firmly believe this is the cause of the onset of the facitis.  

I do the basic Yoga Plank stretch for glute stretch.  I make sure the hips flexors are stretched.  Then I make sure to elongate the achilles tendon, & do  a stretch to the front calf muscles.  

Alot of this is online.  

Standing for many hours is probably tightening you hams & quad muscles.  

[Deleted]

I had plantar fascitis.  Six months of limping around and trying inserts from the store and I finally went to see a podiatrist.  He gave me a cortisone shot in my heel and custom inserts and the very next day, zero pain.  It was weird because I had to almost tell myself not to limp. LOL  That was 10 months ago.  I still wear the inserts to prevent it recurring because I have high arches, but so far so good.  Not even a twinge.

He also instructed me to never walk barefoot for the couple months after the shot to allow for healing.  The only time I didn't wear shoes with the inserts during this time was when I was in bed or the shower.  Normally I'm stocking footed at home.

[Works4me]

Count me in as one who only wear good shoes in order to avoid foot pain - fell in love with my first pair of Dansko's in 2002 and never looked back. Other brands I like are BeautiFeel, Merrill, and even Crocs. The cool thing is once you know your size and which styles fit, you can find them at great prices on Amazon, eBay, and other places online. Just ordered a new pair of Mary Jane type low heals to wear with leggings and jeans - original price was $130, sale price at Nordstroms is $100 and got them new from Amazon for under $50 including shipping.

It did take me a while to change my shoe wardrobe over. Also, I love the fact that fashion is just a bit "nerdy" looking right now.

ETA - Bonny - those Dansko's for $8 are a wonderful find!

[BeenThere...DoneThat...]

...Birkenstocks... hands down...