11 replies to this topic

[doobies]

Hi all,

I have recently returned back to causal running after 2 years on the couch. Previously I use to run around 6km's 5 days a week. At the time when I stopped I fortunately had no injuries.

Before commencing running again I decided to go see a POD and found a recommended sports pod in melbourne. I got fitted and brought home my brand new orthotics in a new pair of empires. (i apparently over pronate)

My concern is after running about 500M my feet feel as though they are about to explode. My feet start aching as though they have are being strangled.

The only way I can avoid the pain is to put on my shoes almost without tying the laces.

My question is, are the orthotics causing this pain, do I simply have fat feet or is this normal when returning to running. Currently im 90kg & 170cm

Any help or hints from people whom have experience the same problem would be appreciated.

[NotSoSeriousAl]

doobies,

You shouldn't be in pain after running for such a short distance. Orthotics are meant to reduce pain and injury!

I would say that at the very least you need return to the podiatrist for a follow-up. And, if he/she is not able to adjust them to your liking, seek further advice elsewhere. I can't recommend anyone in Melbourne, but Darryn Sargant from Peak Podiatry in WA was fantastic for me , and a phone call for a referral to someone local might be worth trying.

FYI, I've been running with orthotics for a bit under a year now, to deal with pain in the arches of my feet (plantar fasciitis). When first fitted (by a local, non-sports-specialist podiatrist), they did the job, but were uncomfortable in my running shoes (Gel Nimbus). A few months later, I saw Darryn Sargant: he took video of my running and walking action with and without the orthotics , trimmed them, and recommended a different type of shoe (Asics 2110/2120's). This made a huge difference.

Regards,

Al.

[Jason M]

It needs to be remembered that when you start using orthotics you are RE-ALIGNING everything in your lower limbs. Because you have been running "incorrectly" for want of a better term for so long before hand, your tendons and muscles have adapted to this so-called incorrect style. Now that you changing it, these tendons, ligaments and muscles must adapt to the new demands. Therefore, there will always be a period of discomfort when you start using orthotics, but it should not be excessive.

Talk with your podiatrist, and explain what you are experiencing and they should be able to tell you is to be expected or not. Remember a good podiatrist will have follow up appointments, it is an ongoing process not just here's your orthotics and off you go.

[DrJH]

Why did you try to fix something that wasn't broke?

[B+]

Get a recheck with your pod.
walk in them a lot before you run in them, as your arches will feel very "pushed against" by your fittings.
When you start running do only short distances until your feet adjust
Not being rude but lose some weight, at 90kg and 170cm your legs and feet and having to support plenty.
What did you weigh previously prior to stopping running when you were injury free?
Why did you decide to get orthotics now? a question from Dr JH post..
Maybe you are in the wrong shoe type to compliment your orthitics.
Remember so pronation is both desirable and essential to running.

[BoneyChic]

Hi Doobies,

That sounds like the pain I was experiencing when my physio recommended orthotics for me after experiencing ITB problems after my first half marathon last year.
I got the orthotics home and inserted them in my shoes. The next time I ran, which was only a recovery run of about 60 mins I was limping home. I rang the store where I bought my shoes (The Athletes Foot) and asked them whether my shoes (Brooks Adrenaline) would accomodate orthotics. They assured me that Brooks shoes do work with them.
He then asked me whether I had removed the original inner sole. It may sound silly, but no one had mentioned that to me. I removed the inner sole and re-inserted my orthotics and to this day I have had no problem with my shoes or orthotics.



Bones

[scurry711]

I would have thought your Pod would have explained all this to you. It took some time for I was able to run any length in my orthotics, it was a period of gradual build up. Good luck.

[Phoenix]

My experience: I've gone through 2 pairs of orthodics over the last 10 years or so. On both occassions, it has taken quite a while (8-12 weeks) for my feet to feel comfortable with the sensation. Also on both occassions my legs have felt worse before they felt better.

I run religiously with brooks Adrenaline without any problems.

[brizza]

have you tried running without them?

[doobies]

Hi all,

thank you for the feedback.

I probably didn't explain myself properly.

When I started running about 5 years ago I was 95kgs and had developed an injury to the inner lower leg near my achilles (pardon my human anatomy - got no idea what the area is called.). I stopped running for about 8 months and did other exercises to lose weight. When I commenced running again my injury had healed and I was about 78kg. I was running consistantly and had no injuries until I broke both arms in a stupid self-inflicted accident which stopped me from running. I had been on the couch since.

When I decided to get off my behind and start running again (which was a month or so ago) to avoid a repeat of what happened the first time around, I decided to go see a pod recomended by a friend. He said it was due to overpronation that I had first developed the injury.

I read these forums for some shoe choices and asked the POD about the empires. he said they would be the most appropriate shoe with the orthotics. So I opted for some custom orthotics with the shoe selection.

I was thinking that the pain is just my foot gettin use to the extra support, however I went for another run last night and my left foot was fine, but my right arch felt like it was going to explode.

I'm going to try running without them for a week and see how I feel. If no success i'll go back to the pod.

thanks again for the advice guys.

[Jason M]

Make sure with consultation with your pod that the orthotics are sitting correctly in your shoes (based on your comment about the pain in the right arch), sometimes they shift.

You have already paid a lot of money for the assessment and orthotics. It is the podiatrists job to help make sure the orthotics are working correctly. Were there any follow up visits sheduled? Are they included in the initial cost? I'm not sure just running without the orthotics for a week or so is such a good idea, afterall, of course it will feel good without them, thats what you were doing before. In my opinion it will be a waste of time and money already spent with the podiatrist.

[courtlylove]

I recently had orthotics fitted and it took a good few weeks of gradually building up the time before I felt comforatble in them. Now it is uncomfortable without them as I found out yesterday ... I forgot to take them to put into my soccer boots when I was refereeing two games back to back - my feet and legs felt really strange afterwards.

CL