Does Anyone Here Have Custom Made Shoe Insoles? Or Know Much About Them? - Foot Problems Message Board

doglover · 03-27-2007, 03:49 PM

A few years ago, I was having pretty bad foot pain. It was plantar fasciitis which was most likely caused by my high arches and poor shoe support.

I went to the doctor and he made me custom insoles to use and they were a big help.

In the last couple of weeks, the pain is back with a vengeance and I am hoping to change the insoles that I have. I pretty much stand up all day, so it is a pain having to walk around all day. I have also started doing my stretches and such to relieve the pain.

The insoles that I have now are made of a very hard material that is like what you make a cast out of (for a broken limb). They are hard with no padding on them. Plus, they are only about 1/2 to 3/4 of the shoe size. So you only get support on the heel and the arch.

I am trying to decide if I should get a custom insole from a local shoe store (FootSmart) or go back to the doctor to have them made. I do not know if the doctor can make them with padding on them or if they can make them that are full length. The local store will make them to match your step, arch and can put padding and full length for the shoes.

SInce I have never had custom insoles from a store, I am not certain if they are worth the money. The price I was quoted was about $250 for them. I do not know if I can use insurance at the shoe store, but am fairly certain that I can use my medical expense account to pay for them.

Does anyone have any experience with these insoles or know anyone that has had them?

Thanks

tootsie:) · 03-27-2007, 04:45 PM

Recently, I had bunion correction surgery and I asked my podiatric surgeon what he thought of the orthotics that you buy from the franchise "Good Feet", I think it was called. He did not recommend them at all. Perhaps you could go see a podiatrist and ask if you could have a full length, cushioned orthotic made for you. These should be covered by your medical insurance for sure, I would think.

doglover · 03-27-2007, 05:36 PM

Thank you for the advice. I will try that as well.

tchr4u · 03-27-2007, 06:11 PM

I had custom orthotics made for my flat feet. Insurance didn't pay anything...mine cost $320. Mine are not hard material though. They aren't soft either...kind of in between. I think you should see a doc before making a decision.
I will tell you that I found no relief with my orthotics and was disappointed especially after spending that much money on them. I went ahead and scheduled surgery.

Rosegarden · 03-28-2007, 07:13 PM

My custom orthotics are very, very hard too, and with plantar fasciitis, the hardness does not help. I tried to make them softer by putting a Dr. Scholl's insert on top of the orthotic, and then I had one of those foam rubber powder puff things that you get in the cosmetic section and put it in the heel of the shoe on top of the Dr. Scholl's. It feels a little softer and doesn't seem to change the position of my foot much. I'm sure podiatrists would not approve.

I got the Iso Arches from Footsmart for my slippers. They are ok. I also got that boot which can be worn at night to keep the foot at a 90 degree angle. It's uncomfortable and hot, and I could not wear it. I stand most of the day on a hard floor, so I sympathize with you.

The thing which has helped my PF is a visit to a massage therapist. She worked on my foot a lot, and while it is not cured, it is much better. I try to massage it just like she did using soap and water or lotion. I've wondered about accupuncture.