Mandylubug Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 So, my husband has a weird foot. He had surgery two years ago on his knee. He learned that during his stride, he rolls his ankles inward and the shape of the top of his foot is more angled than the average foot. He was given inserts to wear. He likes the support of the inserts but they actually make the sides of his feet hypersensitive and painful at times while running or working. IF he doesn't wear inserts, not only does his arch ache and burn while running, the top of his foot feels overly strained and sometimes pops, especially if he is hopping out of a cargo bin of a plane (ramp agent at airport) He had a specialist while he was in the Army tell him to buy just "any ole insert" and that would do it. However, with his foot issues, his history of knee surgery and his desire to run, we are seeking a way to customize his shoes in addition to potentially adding inserts. He hasn't seen a specialist since he left the military on disability. We aren't sure if he should be evaluated again and by which form of specialist, or if he should find some form of custom shoe option?! Opinions and suggestions appreciated :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 Do you have any running specialty stores near you? There are usually people there that are really good at evaluating your stride and picking out shoes that will correct any problems. Some even have you run on a treadmill and video you!!! If you don't it would probably be worth driving a distance to go to one. It sounds like he needs a motion control shoe, but I can't be sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandylubug Posted July 16, 2012 Author Share Posted July 16, 2012 Do you have any running specialty stores near you? There are usually people there that are really good at evaluating your stride and picking out shoes that will correct any problems. Some even have you run on a treadmill and video you!!! If you don't it would probably be worth driving a distance to go to one. It sounds like he needs a motion control shoe, but I can't be sure. Not sure what running specialty stores are near. I will google. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandylubug Posted July 16, 2012 Author Share Posted July 16, 2012 ok, I found some that do the gait video tracking. However, it says if you require orthotics while running that you should wear them during the visit... SOOO I suppose we have to start there? Who knew feet were so complicated? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lolly Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 (edited) 1. He really shouldn't run. He probably knows that though. 2. Inserts help and hurt. It sounds like he probably needs custom inserts, and probably some physical therapy to help build the muscles to a level where he can walk/run more properly. My dd went through this and it helped her tremendously. Her muscles were built more where they shouldn't be, and less where they should be more. (That doesn't sound like it is going to make sense if you don't already know what I mean!) 3. Odd suggestion, but I really suggest him tossing the inserts and trying Vibram 5 Finger shoes. When you wear them, you adjust your gait. He should start out walking in them and wearing them whenever possible. He should wait a while to run until he has time for his stance and gait to adjust to the shoes. When your toes can spread, you walk differently. It will go a tremendous way to stopping the rolling when he can spread that little toe out to the outer side. They are absolutely amazing. 4. I am not a doctor or physical therapist or anyone who should know anything about feet and knee problems. I am just an overweight middle aged woman who was unable to walk any distance whatsoever for 2 years until I started wearing these fabulous shoes. I no longer have pain in my ankles, knees, or lower back. It is absolutely astonishing. Edited July 17, 2012 by Lolly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amo_mea_filiis. Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 3. Odd suggestion, but I really suggest him tossing the inserts and trying Vibram 5 Finger shoes. When you wear them, you adjust your gait. He should start out walking in them and wearing them whenever possible. He should wait a while to run until he has time for his stance and gait to adjust to the shoes. When your toes can spread, you walk differently. It will go a tremendous way to stopping the rolling when he can spread that little toe out to the outer side. They are absolutely amazing. :iagree: I can't afford the vibrams, so I just started going barefoot when possible, and using really thin flip flops when I need something on my feet. For the first time in a long time, my left foot doesn't hurt when I go to bed! I would (if possible) try to find a physical therapist to work with him that doesn't push inserts/orthotics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandylubug Posted July 17, 2012 Author Share Posted July 17, 2012 1. He really shouldn't run. He probably knows that though. 2. Inserts help and hurt. It sounds like he probably needs custom inserts, and probably some physical therapy to help build the muscles to a level where he can walk/run more properly. My dd went through this and it helped her tremendously. Her muscles were built more where they shouldn't be, and less where they should be more. (That doesn't sound like it is going to make sense if you don't already know what I mean!) 3. Odd suggestion, but I really suggest him tossing the inserts and trying Vibram 5 Finger shoes. When you wear them, you adjust your gait. He should start out walking in them and wearing them whenever possible. He should wait a while to run until he has time for his stance and gait to adjust to the shoes. When your toes can spread, you walk differently. It will go a tremendous way to stopping the rolling when he can spread that little toe out to the outer side. They are absolutely amazing. 4. I am not a doctor or physical therapist or anyone who should know anything about feet and knee problems. I am just an overweight middle aged woman who was unable to walk any distance whatsoever for 2 years until I started wearing these fabulous shoes. I no longer have pain in my ankles, knees, or lower back. It is absolutely astonishing. well, he was told he was allowed to run. His knee surgery was to remove Plica. The instructions were to not run hills, avoid stairs, etc. but he was free to run on soft surfaces and tracks that have the rubberized material on it.. So that is what he has been doing. He is also not running for an hour straight daily like the military had him. He is misbehaving and doing bleachers :/ and running two miles three times a week. The bleachers is the exact motion he isn't supposed to be doing. He is stubborn. In addition to those two miles, he is jogging high knees beside me while I do c25k. He has a very active job jumping in and out of planes cargo bins, etc.. so I am sure it is all compounded. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandylubug Posted July 17, 2012 Author Share Posted July 17, 2012 :iagree: I can't afford the vibrams, so I just started going barefoot when possible, and using really thin flip flops when I need something on my feet. For the first time in a long time, my left foot doesn't hurt when I go to bed! I would (if possible) try to find a physical therapist to work with him that doesn't push inserts/orthotics. interesting. He says it feels like his foot is going to crack in two across the top of his foot and around to the arch when he wears flip flops or does much barefooted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amo_mea_filiis. Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 interesting. He says it feels like his foot is going to crack in two across the top of his foot and around to the arch when he wears flip flops or does much barefooted. I was in massive pain for the first few weeks! My feet are still not nearly as strong as they should be, but getting better. I can walk to my car (street parking) without looking like I'm on hot coals. He'd be best off getting a therapist or Dr behind him (none of mine agreed before I started) because of his history. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itsheresomewhere Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 Barefooted is a no no for anyone with serious knee issues or has had surgery on them. My old ortho would lecture you about it. I get my shoes custom made through nike. It runs about 150ish a pair and is so worth it to me. I get extra padding where I need it and everything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie G Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 Dh was born with some missing bones in one foot/ankle. Military duty was tough and when he got out, the Navy doctors warned him he'd be walking with a cane by age 40 unless he was very careful. He does NOT go barefoot at all, and wearing the right shoes and being mindful to replace them often is a huge help. A podiatrist can help you with the inserts and can also help knock some sense into him about what he can and cannot do. Dh has a lot of the same issues yours does as far as the rolling, and it's easy to get to the point that everyday activities hurt. Then he goes through a session of physical therapy and gets back on track. Really, a podiatrist is a good place to start, and hopefully the doc can provide some exercises to strengthen and improve his walk. Inserts and proper shoes are a must but there is often more than that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandylubug Posted July 17, 2012 Author Share Posted July 17, 2012 Barefooted is a no no for anyone with serious knee issues or has had surgery on them. My old ortho would lecture you about it. I get my shoes custom made through nike. It runs about 150ish a pair and is so worth it to me. I get extra padding where I need it and everything. good to know! We are researching some custom shoe stores in Atlanta. I am starting to think he needs to get in with a "civilian" ortho since he hasn't seen one in over a year. His feet are hurting him and he needs to protect his feet and knees. He is 30 and fit, not overweight and this limit to his lifestyle is really upsetting for him. Naturally, it is why he was medically discharged and he accepted that fact. He has to do something to get back to what he loves to do :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK_Mom4 Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 DS16 has the strangest feet..... very flat, non-existant arch and his feet roll in at the ankle when he walks barefoot. He sees a Podiatrist (in his case a pediatric one, but they have these for adults) - medical doctor that specializes in feet and ankle issues. The doctor makes him custom inserts molded to fit his feet. These have made a huge difference - DS has gone from hating even walking around a store to being able to run for miles and do biking and hiking. Insurance pays for the custom orthotic inserts (not cheap). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandylubug Posted July 17, 2012 Author Share Posted July 17, 2012 Dh was born with some missing bones in one foot/ankle. Military duty was tough and when he got out, the Navy doctors warned him he'd be walking with a cane by age 40 unless he was very careful. He does NOT go barefoot at all, and wearing the right shoes and being mindful to replace them often is a huge help. A podiatrist can help you with the inserts and can also help knock some sense into him about what he can and cannot do. Dh has a lot of the same issues yours does as far as the rolling, and it's easy to get to the point that everyday activities hurt. Then he goes through a session of physical therapy and gets back on track. Really, a podiatrist is a good place to start, and hopefully the doc can provide some exercises to strengthen and improve his walk. Inserts and proper shoes are a must but there is often more than that. thanks for the recommendations. He never saw a podiatrist and only saw an Army Orthopedic Surgeon. We really truly didn't know which specialist is the correct one for him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandylubug Posted July 17, 2012 Author Share Posted July 17, 2012 DS16 has the strangest feet..... very flat, non-existant arch and his feet roll in at the ankle when he walks barefoot. He sees a Podiatrist (in his case a pediatric one, but they have these for adults) - medical doctor that specializes in feet and ankle issues. The doctor makes him custom inserts molded to fit his feet. These have made a huge difference - DS has gone from hating even walking around a store to being able to run for miles and do biking and hiking. Insurance pays for the custom orthotic inserts (not cheap). good to know eta: I am sure all plans vary but good to know something to research Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandylubug Posted July 23, 2012 Author Share Posted July 23, 2012 update: DH went to a Podiatrist today and has plantar fasciitis. They gave him shots in is heel to help relax them relax and taped them. He is on his way to a specialty shop to pick up the correct insoles for his feet. He has also been told a style of shoe to get but we can't afford it right now. He will get them next pay period, I am sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wintermom Posted July 23, 2012 Share Posted July 23, 2012 (edited) A running specialty store will have various types of shoe inserts available. There are gel inserts that look really comfy. You need a shoe that the insert comes out, though. A decent running shoe will do this, a cheapo probably shouldn't be used by your dh anyway. Orthodics are custom made and are more expensive, though they may be covered by your health care. For a highly irregular foot, I'd go to an orthodics guy just to hear his recommendation. There are more parts of the foot that can cause real pain besides the arch and sole. Re-reading your original message, it sounds like your dh needs a motion control shoe more than an insert. If he pronates a lot during running, this type of shoe will help control that. Go to a running specialty store that knows how to fit running shoes properly. Edited July 23, 2012 by wintermom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie G Posted July 23, 2012 Share Posted July 23, 2012 I hope he feels better soon. I hear those shots are painful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itsheresomewhere Posted July 23, 2012 Share Posted July 23, 2012 update: DH went to a Podiatrist today and has plantar fasciitis. They gave him shots in is heel to help relax them relax and taped them. He is on his way to a specialty shop to pick up the correct insoles for his feet. He has also been told a style of shoe to get but we can't afford it right now. He will get them next pay period, I am sure. I had that. Frozen tennis balls are great. Just freeze and roll it around with your foot. It feels so much better. The shots didn't do crap for me but maybe they will work for him. I hope he finds relief. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.