orthotics don't work for my flat feet...now what? - Foot Problems Message Board

the kid · 02-16-2003, 09:34 PM

Hey everybody,

Been using orthotics for a 2 years and it has been getting worse lately. Well actually, it started about a year ago, but my doc suggested that I add another over the counter orthotic over the custom made orthotic that I had. It worked fine until now.

My big toe is hurting, especially the side of my foot.

I know I should go to a doctor but to what kind? Orthopedics or a podiatrist?

Please hELp! I dont want my condition to get worse

Thanks!

little_emt · 02-20-2003, 03:47 PM

Hi i had flat feet and my orthotics that was custom made for my feet didn't work vey good. I went to a podrist he is the one who prescribed the orthics, anyway they didn't work so he put me on oral anti- inflamatory meds. that didn't do much good so he tried some injection in my feet it helped some. Finally he did surgery. He ussauly does it on kids whose feet are still growing well i'm 17 so my feet has stoped growing. He inserted a metal cork like thing under the bone in my feet and lengthed my tendon. It helped for a while but i can't run or jump without my feet hurting. So goodluck

Piperdreams · 02-26-2003, 10:33 AM

Hi:

My husband has flat feet and the only shoes he buys and wears are Birkenstocks. He used to have terrible foot pain years ago and Birkenstocks were the solution to his flat feet. Of course, that does not mean that your foot pain will go away with Birkies.

BTW, I have the opposite problem. I have high arch and tried from expensive custom-made orthotics to OTC cheap-o ones. They made my foot pain even worse.

Piper

TPB · 02-26-2003, 10:55 PM

A podiatrist would be a great place to start. I am in the exact same boat you are, so I know what you're going through. Were you using custom made orthotics or over the counter models. If you do go to a podiatrist, make sure you bring what ever orthotics you are using. I wish you the best!!

quincy · 05-30-2003, 09:47 PM

Hi kid,

What is the reason you were prescribed orthotics?

Do you do sports? Do you stand on your feet all day?
Are you on any prescription meds?

Could you possibly have gout (toe pain)?

What kind of shoes do you wear? Any specific brand?

Are you male or female?

Ok enough questions for now....

Just need a bit more info -- I have been through the orthotic B...S... for the past 10 years. I've found a great compromise, but I still don't have a ton of foot options.

Bye for now,
quincy