Flat feet - new orthotics..HELP!
Posted , 3 users are following.
Hello all, I am new to the group, but not new to having flat feet. I am a 51 yr old woman and had flat feet as far long back as I remember with (according to me) no major issues.
But of late – like for the last 5-6 months I have developed pain (pain that kept me awake at night) in my left calf muscle. Several visits to physiotherapist did not help much. Doctor ruled out varicose veins even though I can see some raised veins at the point of calf pain.
Long story short… went to a specialist shop to buy compression socks and the person freaked out seeing my flat feet and said that I have really huge pronation and should not walk even a few steps without supportive custom made orthotics, and that all my foot/leg pains are due to flat feet. So that spooked me no end (not least because I am overweight and want to avoid any further foot/back issues) and I got new insoles made. Received the new insoles/orthotics yesterday and have been using it for almost a whole day.
I know it is very new, but they really do not feel right – my feet feel swollen, shoes are tight and I feel as if my feet are tilted outwards. And on top of that I have a low grade migraine since morning (it is around 1430 at my place).
Is it normal to feel like this, and do I just need to get used to the insoles? I don’t want to cause more problems. Should I start with store bought insoles before going over to custom ones?
Please help!
0 likes, 3 replies
hilaryanne Pra_Adoni
Posted
you should only wear insoles for a few hours a day when you first get them. You need to build up over a couple of weeks. You normally need shoes half a size bigger and most of the time you would wear in a flat lace up shoe. Shops love telling people they have excessive pronation - if your feet are not giving you pain then no particular need for insoles unless doing a lot of running. your flat feet may well l just be compensating for pelvis, hips etc. Only a podiatrist doing gait analysis and a foot scan can tell you whats what. Did you have that? Were your insoles machine made after a foot scan where you had sensors attached to shoes?
What does podiatrist think about calf muscle? With flat foot calf muscle can be v tight did he check on a slant board? you can stretch calf muscle with dedicated exercises if so and if that doesnt work with minor surgery. usually podiatrist will follow up after a month or so. But main thing, go v slow on insoles. Custom insoles best, shop bought ones should be banned. Also, concentrate on losing weight. if no success get a referral to an orthopod to get leg checked out
Good luck from someone in UK who has flattest feet ever.!
Pra_Adoni hilaryanne
Posted
Thank you for your reply!
I did none of the things you mentioned... I just went to a shoe lab (where they sell special shoes and make custom orthotics / insoles). The lady (I guess podiatrist) asked me to stand on a mirror to see where the foot was touching the surface i guess and another flat surface probably was a kind of electronic device - looked like black mirror / glass which probably measured the foot pressure points. Not sure, but after I stepped off, it showed a kind of diffused bluish-greenish light (like when you switch off TV, it takes like a second or so to fully switch off). Then she made molds of my feet. She did measure my legs and said that one was 1 cm longer than the other. But when I mentioned it to my colleagues they said that the way she measured sounds odd (she measured from belly button to top of ankles). As this was first time for me, I have no idea how it is usually done.
Today was my second full day, and by the evening my feet did feel tired / swollen. I am using my "usual" shoes (yes, I do use flat/laced shoes), but they do feel a tight fit and not a good fit. I guess I need to buy new shoes. Probably I need to bring a spare pair of shoes for work to change into - atleast for a couple of weeks.
By the way, I am wondering if you get / got any other aches / pains in the beginning? I had this low grade migraine the first day, today it feels more like nerve / muscle pain mainly in hands, neck and arms. Dont know if its connected or not...
And finally, yes (s..i..g..h) have to loose weight 😃 but that is a medium long term goal. What with me also struggling with all the vagaries of menopause and all. Its not funny entering the 50's!
Once again, thank you!!
hilaryanne Pra_Adoni
Posted
well, what you had was a static measurement of pressure points not any measurement of the way you walk which is called computerised gait analysis. From the measurements the insoles can be milled automatically. what u had is more old school and cheaper. Podiatrist may be skilled at making insoles from eye, pressure points and skill in moulding with your foot in a correct position but this is not gold standard. i imagine she has offered follow up? Do youeven need insoles? You in USA? you need board registered PODIATRIST they are v highly qualified.
Unlikely headache related but you will get other slight niggles as your feet adjust to insoles. If they are uncomfotable after a month then they need adjusting, this is usually included as part of fee you have paid. But, I reiterate, you may need to see an orthopaedic surgeon if your general practitioner does not know what problem is and calf muscle doesnt improve . Let me know if you need any more explanation or help at any time
Take care
HILARY