Orthotics
#309629 - 06/22/07 06:23 PM
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Flipada
Reged: 03/02/06
Posts: 1026
Loc: West Michigan, USA
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Does anyone use them? Do they really help? I have back pain and a family history of back issues. I have flat feet and lower and middle back pain and have for years. During my pregnancy, I had sciatica which has gotten better post-baby but has not disappeared. I feel like an old woman. I can't walk very far without pain in my back and knees. My chiropractor has suggested the orthotics but it'll require me to wear them ALL THE TIME and I'm not sure I can make that commitment unless of course, I know they'll really work.
Anyone have experience with them?
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Flipada - IBS-C "It's a gas, gas, gas"
**Lauren**
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Re: Orthotics
#309769 - 06/25/07 10:15 AM
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Debby
Reged: 11/05/03
Posts: 460
Loc: Cleveland, Ohio
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Hi - I have not tried them personally but I work at a therapy center where kids come to get PT and OT. I see orthotists all the time fitting kids for braces, inserts etc. They do work. I would also recommend a Physical Therapist involved, they can make a recommendation to an orthotist about what to order. Or if you are seeing an orthopaedic doctor even better. The orthotic company comes right to where I work and sees patients with the therapist.
Anyway, find out if your insurance will cover. They often do if you have a prescription with a medical dx written on it.
Good luck!
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I have had 2 pairs of custom orthodics made for me, and both increased my back pain. But I am the only one that I know that could not wear them. A lot of my friends have them, and they said they gave them instant relief. So it might be worth a try!
They are very expensive (my last pair was $425), and my insurance company did not for them this time. (The other time, a different insurance company paid half the cost.) I did end up getting a refund for this second pair because of my problems with my back. So you may want to ask if they have a guarantee (if you're not satisfied with them after a certain timeframe, can you get your money back.)
I have degenerative disc disorder (bad L4 & L5), have problems with sciatic, and my foot problems are numerous (flat feet, I pronate or turn my feet to the side when I walk, and I had plantar fasciatis and tarsal tunnel syndrome, a nerve condition---both of which I had surgery for in Sept.)
If you do get the orthodics, they recommend only wearing them for a short period (like 30 minutes) each day until your body adjusts to them. One big downside to them is that they usually can only be fitted in an athletic (or athletic-type) shoe. Some of the running shoe companies, such as New Balance, now have some sandals that you can slip them into, but they're not the most attractive shoes. You can't wear them in the cute summer sandals like most women are wearing in the summer (but I can't wear those anyway!!!) So I don't know how important that is to you.
I don't mean to discourage you, just trying to pass on my experience. I know everyone is different. If you're willing to spend the money and time getting used to them, you might want to give them a try.
Good luck! I know how painful back problems and sciatica can be! I spent all weekend on Aleve because of back pain.
Let me know if you have any other questions. Many people swear by the orthodics they have. I wish I could wear them!!!
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I was fitted when I was about 6 years old, currently I am 36. I wear them constantly, in slippers at home, I mean ALL the time. I pay about $350 for mine, I get them from the foot doctor, I get the hard ones because the soft ones break down to quickly for me. I LOVE mine although they do make shoe buying difficult. Yo won't be able to wear heels and its hard to find shoes that aren't too grandma looking, no offense to the grandmas of course! I say give them a try, they make a big difference for me!
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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Re: Orthotics
#309812 - 06/25/07 04:33 PM
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Flipada
Reged: 03/02/06
Posts: 1026
Loc: West Michigan, USA
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I know my insurance will pay for one pair...thankfully. I also heard that they have the athletic ones and ones made for dress shoes. I dunno...maybe I'll wait to do it until summer's over when I HAVE to put the sandals away. It might be worth a try though. I have not only the sciatica but other back pain. My hips are off causing one leg to be shorter than the other. I also have arthritis in my knees. Like you, because of the flat feet, they turn inwards causing all sorts of problems. Okay...maybe in the fall....thanks for your help!
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Flipada - IBS-C "It's a gas, gas, gas"
**Lauren**
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Yeah, the grandma shoes will be a bummer. But if it will relieve me of my back pain...it'll be worth it. I guess. 
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Flipada - IBS-C "It's a gas, gas, gas"
**Lauren**
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Re: Orthotics
#309816 - 06/25/07 04:36 PM
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Flipada
Reged: 03/02/06
Posts: 1026
Loc: West Michigan, USA
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I'd be getting this through my chiropractor. Is it really necessary to see a specialist?
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Flipada - IBS-C "It's a gas, gas, gas"
**Lauren**
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I don't personally know anything about them, but I was reading in my SELF magazine the other night that store-bought orthotics can also be quite effective and cost a lot less. It's in the May issue, page 114.
Anyway, the store-bought ones they show are Trim-to-fit insoles for $35 from Superfeet.com . You can always give those a try if you want.
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Christine
Those who can do; those who want it done better teach.
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Flipada
#309867 - 06/26/07 07:01 AM
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BL
Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 3522
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I forgot to tell you that your new baby girl is precious!!!Congratulations!
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Flipada - IBS-C "It's a gas, gas, gas"
**Lauren**
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Re: Orthotics
#309869 - 06/26/07 07:41 AM
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Flipada
Reged: 03/02/06
Posts: 1026
Loc: West Michigan, USA
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Thanks, Christine. Definitely something to think about! 
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Flipada - IBS-C "It's a gas, gas, gas"
**Lauren**
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Over the years, I have been fitted by various types of professionals. I Have been fit by chiropractors, foot specialists and actual medical suppliers.
The one word of advice I have to offer, be sure they MOLD your foot sitting down. If they have you stand up in a mold, it changes the form of your feet. I don't have any connective tissue between the bones in the tops of my feet and when I stand, my feet go flat and turn. The orthotics fitted when I stand in a mold, NEVER EVER fit right and my feet still hurt.
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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Good advice. Thank you!!
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Flipada - IBS-C "It's a gas, gas, gas"
**Lauren**
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Quote:
One big downside to them is that they usually can only be fitted in an athletic (or athletic-type) shoe. Some of the running shoe companies, such as New Balance, now have some sandals that you can slip them into, but they're not the most attractive shoes. You can't wear them in the cute summer sandals like most women are wearing in the summer (but I can't wear those anyway!!!) So I don't know how important that is to you.
I disagree!! I have orthotics, and I wear Naots all year round, and they make some really cute sandals. You just have to find ones that have a removeable insole, and most Naot sandals do. I absoltely LOVE my Naots! So comfy.
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Lisa, IBS-C (Vegan)
Stable since July 2007!
Mommy to Rhiannon Marie (Dec. 13, 2008)
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I've had orthotics for about 4-5 years now. I had really bad foot pain because I have flat feet. I can't do much walking without them now. If I walk around the house barefoot for too long, I start to feel pain in my back and knees. I also have back problems; I had a diskectomy (L4/L5) three years ago, so I am very careful about my feet! If my feet are uncomfortable, or my hip/leg alignment isn't right, it will hurt my back. Like I posted below, I buy Naot sandals and clogs, and I absolutely LOVE them. They can be pricey, but they have a removeable insert that I can replace my orthotic with and they last forever. Their sandals are cute, too! Right now I have three pairs of Naot sandals and two pairs of Naot clogs (for fall/winter). I have one pair of orthotics I wear with sandals and another pair that I wear with my clogs and tennis shoes.
It helps with the pain, so it's definitely worth it!
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Lisa, IBS-C (Vegan)
Stable since July 2007!
Mommy to Rhiannon Marie (Dec. 13, 2008)
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Re: Orthotics
#310101 - 06/28/07 03:51 PM
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Flipada
Reged: 03/02/06
Posts: 1026
Loc: West Michigan, USA
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well that's encouraging. Thanks!
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Flipada - IBS-C "It's a gas, gas, gas"
**Lauren**
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Re: Orthotics
#310102 - 06/28/07 03:52 PM
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Flipada
Reged: 03/02/06
Posts: 1026
Loc: West Michigan, USA
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Very cool. I'll check it out!
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Flipada - IBS-C "It's a gas, gas, gas"
**Lauren**
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