Re: Orthotics

[Guest guest]

I am always so surprised that the massage therapist can explain and

find things other don't even know about.

As to the orthotics, my husband was having horrible problems (which

were probably increased because of his weight) and because there is a

Good Feet Store close to us, he decided he want to try them. So off

we go to the store -- closing time! --- but he went back the next day

and was fitted with a pair. That was in 2004, I think, and he only

wears New Balance or another similar brand -- Rockports, etc. Every

time he gets a new pair of shoes -- and that is when one pair is

completely worn out, almost. But he removes the insole of the shoe,

puts the Good Feet Store supports in the new shoes -- and he has

about three layers of these supports to help him. I should also

mention that he really flat feet, which is another problem. But he

swears by these! The next spring we were in California and the next

day we were going to visit the Herst Castle, which I knew would be a

lot of walking. Just so happened that where we were having lunch was

across the street was a Good Feet Store. Now, I realize, it is a bit

strange to see this white hair 60+ woman much of the time wearing

Chuck all stars in the brightest colors, but because had

liked the Good Feet supports and had been telling me to get a pair.

So, after lunch, across the street we went and I was fitted with what

the young man who did the fitting decided where what I needed. For

the rest of that trip, I wore those hot pink Chuck s and do not

remember any problems that also can extend up one leg in particular --

- left leg can become so painful when we go into one particular

Walmart, that I can barely walk past the area where the check out

area is. So, while we both paid several hundred dollars for these

supports, we are both still using them and I know when I am wearing a

pair of shoes that I did not put the Good Feet products in, I can

experience that awful pain. I don't know if a doctor were to refer a

patient to one of those stores, if insurance might cover them or not.

But is still wearing his and I have mine in one of my favorite

shoes. So, while the initial expense is high, the long term benefit

can really justify that price.

>

> I had my first massage in several years on Monday. After, the

therapist was showing me the area on the side of my right thigh that

is where IT band muscles are. I had burning, searing pain there

about 12 yrs. ago when I worked on my feet. The pain went away after

i quit working on my feet, but the area has always felt kind of numb.

> The therapist said that she could really feel how tight those

muscles were, and that possibly getting some orthotics would help.

> Having my arches well supported might ease the tension on this IT

band of muscle.

>

> So, my question is, orthotics are pretty expensive, so I'd only

have one pair. I guess I'd probably put them in my tennis shoes,

right? How long do they last? Can they be switched to other shoes

if needed? I almost never wear dressy shoes, so it's basically my

tennis shoes or a pair of Land's End mocs.

> TIA for your answers.

> Jeanne in WI

>

>

[Guest guest]

Jeanne,

Custom made orthotics can be expensive, like around $400 a pair.

But for the time being you can probably try a pair from the

store like at Wal-greens for about $12 a pair.

With my orthotics I can fit them in my Crocs, and several other

pairs of shoes including my tennis shoes.

Depending on how much you are on your feet they can last about 2

or 3 years sometimes 5.

Some insurance companies will cover the cost of custom

orthotics. I'm glad mine did when my Podiatrist told me I

needed them.

But I would recommend that even with trying the ones from the

store to see what you think to consult a Podiatrist to see what

they say about your arches. They can tell you whether you have

high arches or low arches.

Here's a good site that can tell you some more about orthotics:

http://www.podiatrychannel.com

Click on the section that says, " Orthotics " .

I'm in my 4th week of trying to break my orthotics in. I just

saw my Podiatrist today for another check-up and he asked how it

was going with them. You may notice some fatigue while trying

to break these in whether it's the store bought or the custom

ones like the ones I have. It's because they are trying to do

their job of correcting the problems that are going on with your

feet.

My first week with them was very rough and even though I still

hate them and having to wear them it's better than what I could

be told: that I need special braces for my feet like when they

thought I might as a kid. The reason I'm bringing this up is to

please be patient because it may send your fibro even further

out of control for a bit like it has mine.

Kristy

Co-Owner

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[Guest guest]

Jeanne,

I have been researching orthotics and other things for my Plantar Faciitis. I

can not afford them right now, but I think I found something better anyway. Go

to www.heelspurs.com and check out the Pinnacle Power Step inserts. They have a

good arch support and many rated them better then their $800 orthotics. They

are around $30. from AZ and I just ordered them.

Jill

Orthotics

I had my first massage in several years on Monday. After, the therapist was

showing me the area on the side of my right thigh that is where IT band muscles

are. I had burning, searing pain there about 12 yrs. ago when I worked on my

feet. The pain went away after i quit working on my feet, but the area has

always felt kind of numb.

The therapist said that she could really feel how tight those muscles were,

and that possibly getting some orthotics would help.

Having my arches well supported might ease the tension on this IT band of

muscle.

So, my question is, orthotics are pretty expensive, so I'd only have one pair.

I guess I'd probably put them in my tennis shoes, right? How long do they last?

Can they be switched to other shoes if needed? I almost never wear dressy shoes,

so it's basically my tennis shoes or a pair of Land's End mocs.

TIA for your answers.

Jeanne in WI

[Guest guest]

Those kind of things such as the Power Step is good if someone

doesn't have very complicated health issues when it comes to

their feet. But it might give clues if orthotics could help but

at a much cheaper level when it comes to price.

It's something I've learned over the last month and a half about

my own situation because my biggest intent of going to the

Podiatrist (besides some other issues he's trying to help me

with) was to get a measurement on my legs so that I could go to

the store to try and find the thing for my foot at one of the

stores. Turns out they didn't have what I needed at Wal-greens

and the other foot store: Foot Solutions had what I needed but

wasn't sure how to help because they had no way to know how much

of a discrepancy with my right leg compared to my left leg was.

So they told me once I get measured by someone to come back and

they would try to help.

Well, when I went to the Podiatrist for the first time (that was

in Feb) I learned that I had more complicated issues with my

feet than I previously thought which meant that what my Pain

Management doctor had in mind (the things from the stores like

Wal-Greens) would not be of help to me.

Kristy

Co-Owner

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

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[Guest guest]

Kristy,

I would imagine having two different length legs would be a problem......and

cause an enormous amount of pain! Orthotics would definitely be beneficial!!

Have they helped? I hope you have found much needed relief!

Plantar Faciitis is also another complicated foot issue. For those who have it

severely, it is unbelievably debilitating!! I have had major knee issues and

have had 8 knee surgeries and now need total replacement on both,

endometriosis, spinal cord syndrome (which means that I can be paralyzed with

the slightest trauma to my spine), degenerative arthritis in the spine,

osteoarthritis in the knees, spondoylosis, bulging discs, severe nerve damage in

the back, arm and hand, tunnel tarsal in both ankles, and blah, blah, blah

(doesn't it get old to list all the problems us fibro people have?) and my PF

ranks right up there in pain. Plus, all the limping makes everything else

worse. I developed it after I had double knee surgery almost 4 years ago. I

just had to have both knees done at once because my twins were 1 yr old and my

husband and mom could only get so much time off. To top it off, my surgeon made

a huge mistake and butchered both of my knees. Anyway, my recovery did not go

well, especially since it wasn't long before I was running after babies again

and picking them up. I thought my new foot pain was my fibro. I kept

mentioning it to my pain dr because the pain became so severe. About 3 months

ago, it came up in an appt that I have PF. PF? Why wasn't I told? I didn't

know much about it, how was I supposed to know? I'm not the freaking dr.!!

It's been almost 4 years and it's just now coming up? Come to find out, the

longer you have it, the worse and trickier it is to treat. I went to a

Podiatrist and it is a really bad case. She said 4 years is an eternity to wait

to have it treated! She's not sure anything can be done except surgery because

it has been so bad for so long. Plus, because I stretched them too hard, I

wound up with the tarsal tunnel syndrome in both ankles which might also need to

be operated on. I've had 20 surgeries....I don't want anymore. Right now, I

need a total of 7 MORE surgeries for all my issues. I just can't handle it

right now. I have spent hours and hours researching PF so I can get it under

control. The Pinnacle Power Steps are supposed to be very effective. They are

not your typical Wal-Mart shoe insert. Many Podiatrists sell them out of their

office and even recommend them over orthotics. At least the ethical ones who

want more than money from orthotics. Especially for people with PF who can not

tolerate a hard orthotic. I've seen many reviews on many websites from people

with all sorts of foot issues that have had better success with the Power steps

than their expensive custom orthotics. They have a very good arch support. I

definitely would recommend anyone with foot problems to try them first over

orthotics since so many of us are financially strained. If they don't work,

you're out 30 bucks and can move on to the orthotics or even the Foot Solution

Store like someone else recommended. I'm also saving up for the night splints

(like I don't have enough trouble sleeping as it is) and a couple other things

that might be helpful. I also ice them a couple times a day. I'm not one to

fall for cheap, quick fixes. I really researched this. Everywhere I went, the

Power Step kept being mentioned........I'm tired of literally crawling to the

bathroom in the morning and the end of the day. It doesn't feel very good on my

bony, damaged knees! I received them last night and I haven't tried them yet,

but my initial thought is......why in the Hell are they so hard? I really need

them to work.....I have HORRIBLE insurance that will NOT cover orthotics. I had

to pay for the appt with the podiatrist completely out of pocket!! These have

to work!!!!!!!!!!!!!! in AZ got hers last night also, so hopefully we'll

both be feeling better soon!

As far as my mom's Birk's.....I have no idea. Does it make a difference? By

the way, I've had fibro for years, but was able to function pretty well. That

all changed when my mom had violent seizures and died right in front of me and

my twins.......my fibro became unbearable after that.

Jill

Re: Orthotics

Those kind of things such as the Power Step is good if someone

doesn't have very complicated health issues when it comes to

their feet. But it might give clues if orthotics could help but

at a much cheaper level when it comes to price.

It's something I've learned over the last month and a half about

my own situation because my biggest intent of going to the

Podiatrist (besides some other issues he's trying to help me

with) was to get a measurement on my legs so that I could go to

the store to try and find the thing for my foot at one of the

stores. Turns out they didn't have what I needed at Wal-greens

and the other foot store: Foot Solutions had what I needed but

wasn't sure how to help because they had no way to know how much

of a discrepancy with my right leg compared to my left leg was.

So they told me once I get measured by someone to come back and

they would try to help.

Well, when I went to the Podiatrist for the first time (that was

in Feb) I learned that I had more complicated issues with my

feet than I previously thought which meant that what my Pain

Management doctor had in mind (the things from the stores like

Wal-Greens) would not be of help to me.

Kristy

Co-Owner

__________________________________________________________

You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total

Access, No Cost.

http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text5.com

[Guest guest]

Jill,

I share one other illness with you: endometriosis so I

empathize.

As for the orthotics and if they are helping don't know yet.

I'm still trying to break them in. I go back for another

follow-up in a month to see if an adjustment needs to be made to

the orthotics. At that time we'll discuss whether or not my

shoes will have to be redone in that the lift goes on the

outside of my shoe instead.

Also, at that time (and depending on what happens with this cyst

I have going on one of my ovaries) start discussing another

surgery I will need for my right ankle. Because it is now

apparent I can't avoid it. Don't know how long we can delay it

but we'll see.

Sorry about how your mom died.

Yes, it matters on the Birkenstocks because with the cork kind

those are the ones that are best for the feet and not the

plastic ones. Interesting isn't it?

We all need to be able to do our research to find the option

that is best for us.

Kristy

Co-Owner

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total

Access, No Cost.

http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text5.com

[Guest guest]

Kristi,

If the lift can be in your shoe does that mean you get to switch it from shoe to

shoe? I really hope you find relief with your esthetics. I can imagine that

your issue would constantly keep your firbo in a flare!

Doesn't endo suck? It seems like when other conditions are involved with firbo

people, it tends to be an extreme case. That is what I have found. I can't

just have PF, it has to be severe, I can't just have a bad back, I have to live

in constant fear of the slightest trauma paralyzing me. It's the same with

everything else including my endo. It was always really painful and difficult

to deal with, but eventually became unbearable. I decided against the

hysterectomy every dr. was pushing on me. I had an uterine oblation instead. I

had my second surgery on my endo tissue at the same time. It was wrapped all

around my organs and all the way up to my lungs! No wonder the pain hit me to

the floor screaming. That was almost 4 years ago. Endo surgery usually only

lasts from 1 to 2 years, but mine has only come back mildly. Probably because

of the oblation.....and my periods no longer put me in bed. They used to last

for 12 to 15 days and be miserable. Well, no more!! I've only had mild ovarian

cysts since then too. I used to wind up in the er for cysts that were multiple,

grapefruit size on each ovary. I've had emergency surgery about 4 times for

that. I'm grateful to have at least had that under control for a while now.

How long have you had it? Do you get cysts a lot?

What's wrong with your ankle? Too much strain from your leg issue? I'm

surprised you don't have back and knee issues!

Jill

Re: Orthotics

Jill,

I share one other illness with you: endometriosis so I

empathize.

As for the orthotics and if they are helping don't know yet.

I'm still trying to break them in. I go back for another

follow-up in a month to see if an adjustment needs to be made to

the orthotics. At that time we'll discuss whether or not my

shoes will have to be redone in that the lift goes on the

outside of my shoe instead.

Also, at that time (and depending on what happens with this cyst

I have going on one of my ovaries) start discussing another

surgery I will need for my right ankle. Because it is now

apparent I can't avoid it. Don't know how long we can delay it

but we'll see.

Sorry about how your mom died.

Yes, it matters on the Birkenstocks because with the cork kind

those are the ones that are best for the feet and not the

plastic ones. Interesting isn't it?

We all need to be able to do our research to find the option

that is best for us.

Kristy

Co-Owner

__________________________________________________________

You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total

Access, No Cost.

http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text5.com

[Guest guest]

Jill,

Sorry I missed this the other day. I'm answering from the group site

as it is easier to do it this way at the moment.

The lift is on my right orthotic because my right leg is the one that

is shortened. I can move the orthotics from one shoe type to

another. I go back in 4 weeks to see how things are going to see if

adjustments need to be made to the orthotics, and if so he will send

them off for adjusting and then try again.

As for my ankle I have a tight Achilles tendon that ties in to a

problem I've had since childhood. In addition to my current long

list of health problems of the last 10 years including the endo and

fibromyalgia I also have issues with Cerebral Palsy. It's mild but

it still creates problems for me. Because of the tendon issue it has

affected my right knee. It causes my knee to lock backwards (I would

have to look at the correct term).

As for back issues I do have some although it doesn't cause me a

great deal of pain. As a result of the MRI I had done in Jan I was

diagnosed with mild scoliosis and bulging discs. But I've had more

issues with my hip on the left side which could tie in to some degree

with the shortened leg.

For most of the past 30 years I've had no problems painwise from this

shortened leg issue but some of the issues I have now could play in

to it, even in the female area making me think my endo is acting up

every time when it may not be.

With this tendon issue being so tight as a result of the CP I had to

have surgery for it nearly 30 years ago and will need to have the

surgery again. He told me sure, I could wait a lot longer but if I

do wait much longer (and he gave me the warning signs of what would

happen) I would then have problems with the front of my foot that he

would have to correct surgically.

And unfortunately for me with the way my overall pain threshold is

(this issue with my pain threshold was caused by the endo and waiting

so long to get it diagnosed at the time, and that was 10 years ago)

being so messed up now I can't wait a long time for surgeries when I

need them. I have to have it done right away because the longer I

wait the more damage I do to myself. So the same is going to have to

be with the ankle issue. I can't wait a long time.

And yes, the endo is really something else but I find that with the

help of both medicine and surgery (as needed on the surgery) I can

keep it in check.

Kristy

Co-Owner