Dr.Oster I resently purchased a pair of brooks walking shoes, a 9 narrow. The problem is the stock inserts allow to much pronation. I am going to purchase some over the counter inserts. I don't know which inserts to consider ? I was thinking of just trying some DR. Scholls or should I go back to the shoe store and buy some expensive inserts ? Lastly I read on a internet site that Capi inserts are highly recommended by Drs.
Any ideas ?
Harry
PS. Should I be concerned that my feet are narrow when buying inserts ?
Thank You.

Hi Harry.

Best bang for your dollar is going to be PowerStep Inserts. PowerSteps are available in many stores or you can purchase them from us on-line.

I use PowerSteps a lot in practice because they're an affordable, semi-rigid insert. Really good product.

Now if you want more support, you can go a step further into a carbon graphite insert but I think that might be a bit more than you want to get into for starters.

Jeff

Are those the best off the shelf orthotics? I also found SuperFeet and some New Balance orthotics.

Today, I am going to a FootSolutions store and they make their own orthotics from a foot scan. They say this is better than the cast you would have done by a podiatrist. They say it is more acurate. True?

Good question.

The best insert really depends upon what you're trying to accomplish. What I mean by that is that you have to try to match the right purchase with the right patient and medical problem. Just like anything else in life, one size solution doesn't fit all.

I've found that PowerStep Inserts are a great, inexpensive solution for many folks. What I like about them is that they're easily fit into most (not all) shoes and provide semi-rigid support. That's a lot different from a gel insert that's only for cushion (not support). Plus the price is right. So if I can get the same support from a PowerStep that I can from an Rx orthotic, and still save my patient hundreds of dollars, I think I've provided a good service.

The other adult inserts that we offer on Myfootshop.com are specialty inserts. For instance, Pedag Comfort Inserts are a support system for a metatarsal pad. They're a great solution for forefoot pain like capsulitis and Morton\'s neuroma.

Our Carbon Graphite Orthotics area stock version of an Rx orthotic. These work well for those folks who need a bit more support than what can be offered by The PowerSteps. I'll often use the Carbon Graphite shells in my office to act as the base for an orthotic and I'll add a top cover to finish them.

So what's the best insert? I think you can see that there's not only the medical problem, but also materials that make up the insert that need to be considered. Just be careful. I see so many folks come into the office who have tried a $4-600 dollar experiment with arch support from stores who have limited knowledge of what they're actually selling. Prescription means just that; a support that is custom made for your medical problem and designed to specifications specific to the problem....not an out of the box solution. Any stock product ought to cost you less than $50.

Jeff

Thanks Dr. Oster!

I was at Foot Solutions and I want relief so bad I was ready to plop down the $279 for the Foot Solutions orthotics.

One thing I read, is that a good podiatrist will not only take a cast of your foot, but also as you said...consider materials (even though some are under the opinion that all prescription orthotics are stiff plastic, etc)and also consider any adjustments needed to the orthotic to help correct a situation such as pronation, etc. I think the Foot Solutions people were just saying I have VERY high arches and I over-pronate.

They were going to take the shape of the foot via the scan and send it in to their lab.

I have had three doctors tell me my arches are very high....although the outer side seems to be collapsing. The medial arch is probably 1/2" - 3/4" than anyone I know. I tried Super Feet and New Balance orthotics and my arches tower over those. I was told I am off the chart high.

I have been trying wrapping the arch for extra support.

Maybe this is part of the pain, tingling and numbness I have. I have my nerve testing tomorrow. It is weird, because the pain and tingling can go over the ankle and up the leg!

Thanks for the help.

-Rich

Rich,

Just be careful. I know you're looking for a solution, but you can throw a lot of money into orthotics and just end up disappointed. Best thing is to have a guide. Someone who can help you make informed choices about what an orthotic is specifically to accomplish rather than try this one or that one.

Jeff

I am in just in somuch pain and discomfort I can't stand it! I don't see the podiatrist till next Friday and that will be another two weeks till I could get orthotics. Depressed...

I found this..
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_5/orthotics-the-criteria-of.shtml
What about this Doctor's Orthotics?
http://www.drkiper.com/understanding_orthotics.html

Go slow and make good choices. Be sure that your doc can help you make good choices.

Jeff