Question about orthotics, plus custom vs ..?

[applecrisp]

This past summer I was fit for orthotics for my sneakers (turns out that I'm flat footed, and it messes up my foot dynamics etc).

The orthotics for my sneaks cost me $200 (they are not full length -- don't know if that's common), and not covered under my insurance.

Since then, I had foot surgery in September (bunion etc) and still having some pain (occasional). Doc feels its due to my foot dynamics/how I pronate -- not from foot surgery. I'm still not sure about that, but that's one reason why I want to give orthotics a try. I'm trying to wear my sneakers when I'm home (vs being bare foot). My sneakers have so much mesh that its too cold out to wear them outside. But even if I could wear them in the cold, can't always wear my sneakers. I do like how the orthotics give me some support in my sneakers. I've been noticing some foot pain when I'm walking around in boots/shoes etc (not tight or narrow type shoes). I haven't done that much walking the treadmill so can't really tell if the orthotics help me pan wise (since my foot surgery). I am going to amp up the walking on the treadmill to see.

He says I should really get orthotics for my everyday shoes (since the ones that I have are too big/thick).

The custom fitted orthotics for dress/everyday shoes thru my doc cost $400, and I get a bit of a discount since I've bought orthotics through him already (his receptionist said maybe $50 ish, not sure why I couldn't get a more precise price).

So are the custom orthotics the way to go? It would seem that it would be the best way to go since its custom fitted to my feet vs off the shelf. Are there places to get them that might be cheaper (other than thru docs)?

I see orthotics at stores, and the price ranges from cheap to $90 ish.

I don't want to scrimp on the money and buy cheapo one's if they 1) don't help with the ocassional pain, and 2) the orthotics purpose is to help with the arch issues and how it causes probs with my toes (bunions etc).

Saving $$$ not smart, if its going to cause probs.

I don't get why my insurance doesn't cover them -- its not like its for vanity. And, theoreticaly, it could help prevent possible foot probs in future (which of course would cost more than the orthotics). Grrr.

Many thanks for any input.

[VictoriaL]

I'm sorry that I don't have any advice for you, but I am also waiting for someone to reply to this!

I bought inserts for the sneakers I wear at home, and also a pair that I interchange between the two pair of shoes I wear when I am not at home (each pair are the same style, different color, so the inserts fit in both)

They were around $20 for the pair for both, and I find that I have significantly less pain in my feet than I used to. But I was wondering if the customs would provide total pain relief.

Isn't it annoying how many preventative things the insurance companies will not cover?

Interestingly, my running shoes do not have any inserts and I am fine when I wear them.

But, unlike you, I have not needed surgery so my foot problems are not as bothersome.

I wonder, if you post your question on the Other Stuff forum, it may elicit more responses.

[Terri_A]

I use inserts by Superfeet. I, too, am flat footed and pronate. They've helped a LOT and then come in different sizes, etc for different types of shoes. You can order them through amazon.com.

[applecrisp]

Victoria --- I can't tell you how ticked I was to find out that the orthotics wasn't covered in my insurance. Already spent $200 for ones for my sneakers, and a pair for my work shoes would be a bit less than $400 (if I go thru my doc).

Terri --- Thanks for the info on that brand. Turns out that a store a few blocks from me carries them --- I am going to speak with them tomorrow.

Still not sure what I'm going to do. So as I sit here typing (wearing my sneaks with my orthotics, since I'm trying to be good and not walk barefoot) -- I just had that burning feeling in my foot, at one bunion. Oh, that I got operated on in September. :rolleyes: And, some other assorted foot issues. I am going to make yet another appt with that doc.

If anyone else has as input, I'm all ears.

Many thanks.

[green1]

I had some made by my doctor as well. Out of pocket I spent over $400. Yikes! I pretty much wore them out and needed a new pair. I walked into COSTCO one day and they had a custom orthotic station. The employee inputed some physical information and scanned my feet. Shy of two weeks later, I received a call to pick up my new orthotics. They are identical in feel to my $400 plus orthotics. The only difference is the covering on the top. I am completely satisfied with them! Cost was around $89. And Costco allows for returns if not completely satisfied! I am not sure if all Costco locations have the orthotic station, but it is definitely worth the time if you can find one.
Good luck!

[applecrisp]

Green1 -- Too bad I'm not a member of Costco. But I will have family check if their local store offer it. Thanks for the tip.

Terri A -- My local shoe store has a bunch of different styles of the Superfeet. I was thinking of trying the "black" style since it says they are slim, ultra-light support and designed for dress shoes etc. since I have custom orthotics for my sneakers. Do you have the black ones (that are full size of the foot) or ??

I think I have this right that you are a "shoe person" -- do you wear the orthotics in most of your shoes or just your super casual ones? I was glad to see that I can get my money back from my store if I'm not satisfied with the orthotics.

I've been having some knee pain, that I'm thinking might be related to my feet etc., or maybe my knees are just getting old. So now my foot and knees hurt (not all the time but enough to bother me). :rolleyes: Calling my doc again next week and try to figure out why my foot is bothering me, and is it related to my foot surgery that I had 5 months ago? I know he is going to push "his orthotics" since he gets $$ from that.

Thanks,

[green1]

I wear my orthotics with any closed up shoe (closed toe and closed back). That includes all my heeled boots, pumps, athletic shoes, etc. I can't use them with sandals. I just make sure I wear sandals with a lot of support. My orthotics are very thin. I believe they are called "fashion" or "dress" orthotics.
Hope this helps.

[applecrisp]

Thanks Green1 (just noticed your tag line under your name :D).

I'm going to try the Superfeet Orthotics tomorrow -- they are super thin too. I had a pair of Dr Scholls Orthotics on today.... altough not full size, and thinner than my custom orthotics, definitely had some thickness/padding which I imagine would take up too much space in regular shoes. I had them in boots.

Thanks for the info.

[green1]

I forgot to mention that I usually go up a 1/2 size with my orthotics (Dr. made and COSTCO made). Some people like to remove the footbed of the shoe and insert their orthotic. I don't. I think it gives me that much more support.

[MealsMadeWLove]

The most effective orthotics, however, are custom-made devices that are crafted to meet the specific needs of a particular individual. Custom orthotics are created using an impression of the foot called a cast, which duplicates any misalignments in foot structure. Using the cast and computer technology, technicians in an orthotic laboratory design a device that balances out deformities and corrects misalignments.
The finished orthotic is placed in the patient's shoe to support the foot and eliminate abnormal foot biomechanics by keeping the foot properly aligned. Depending on the patient's needs, the orthotic may have padding to cushion the foot and make it more comfortable.