16 replies to this topic

[VelociRaptor]

Hey Guys,

I have been trying to wear in my orthotics for the last 6 - 8 weeks now but still have some issues with blisters on the arches of my feet.

I have no problems walking with them in, but when I start running it takes about 5 minutes before the friction builds up to a stage that it starts producing blisters.

How long does it normally take for the feet to toughen up? I understand that it is probably the first time ever that the arches of my feet are actually in contact with any part of the shoe so the skin is probably very soft.

Should I just try and run through the blisters, or give them time to partially or fully heal before running in the again?

The first time I tried to run through the blisters, the skin stayed damaged for about 3 weeks.

At what stage do I get back to the ortho and find out if they need adjustment? They don't feel uncomfortable to wear and only cause issues when I run.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

[blair]

I don't remember how long it took me to get callouses on the arches when I started using orthotics but I'm pretty sure it was a lot less than 6 - 8 weeks though.

I didn't just put up with it either. I would put band-aids on the affected areas to prevent further running and I probably continued to use band-aids for some time after I really need to.

BTW, I just noticed this is your first post. Welcome to CR

Edited by balri, 06 September 2007 - 12:21 PM.

[tismith]

I had the same problem with mine. I went back and had them adjusted twice by my podiatrist, and combined within about 2-weeks regular running with them I was a'ok.

--Toby

[Running Angel]

Just got orthotics for the first time and no issues with blisters at all so far. My pod wants to see me in a month to check fit etc. I would go back sooner rather than later.

[brizza]

blisters are caused by movement and means that your orthotics need adjusting-briz

[blair]

Of course, I completely forgot that I did go back for a follow up appointment at which the pod adjusted them.

Having said that, though, I am pretty sure I still got blisters after the adjustment.

I have now been using them for over 12 months without any problems.

[Cato]

I had the same problem when I first wore my rigid orthotics. I started to get blisters on the arches of my feet.
my orthotist made a small adjustment plus he also fitted a type of smooth blue fabric on the top which enabled them to slip against my sock without causing blisters. I wear the rigid orthotics every day however I found that with all the punishing you give your feet training for a marathon that occasionaly I might get a blister after a long training run.
So I had a pair of full length soft orthotics made for my runners only. They are used to replace the in sole, so effectively each time I buy a new pair of runners I pull out the insole and insert the soft orthotics. I have also had the orthotics made with a fair amount of cushioning compound on the heel to reduce the impact on my poor old ageing back.
Hope this is of some help.

Cato

Edited by Cato, 06 September 2007 - 02:55 PM.

[DuncanTheIncredibleDivingHorse]

This is what I did:
1. Remove orthotics from shoe.
2. Throw orthotics in the bin.

Not saying you should do the same (necessarily), but if you're still having problems after 6-8 weeks then something's wrong.

[BLUEBOY]

i would go back to your pod, and get an adjustment.
i wear orthotics after the first 3 weeks they were fine.

i went back to my pod and had a adjustment. no worries since.

try taping your feet as well.

[TFive]

My orthotics are back with the podiatrist for adjustment - I got an enormous blister from on my right foot. So now I have achilles tendonitis of the left heel and a blister on the right foot. The irony is that I was told if I had gotten my orthotics earlier I wouldn't have the tendonitis ! I hope they are OK when I get them back as I'm at the stage of wanting to bin them also. They seem like a lot of hassle.

[walshy2]

i have orthotics and had the same problem

went back straight away, got them adjusted and they are fine now. Dont wait it wont improve..the blisters are a sure sign they need adjusting

[walshy2]

Hi running girl

I too have suffered through Achillies Tendonitis. went to the Pod, rested, did lots of stretching and got orthotics.

I was a little sceptical at 1st, but have been using them for 3 months and still stretching.

My tendonitis is gone, I am used to the orthotics to the extent I would not bin mine as I know it would surely bring back my tendonitis

hang in there if u can

rgds

[Princess Odette]

heeeyy ... i have orthotics n have that problem too. even with my new ones. i told my physio about it but it's still giving me blisters. happens after about 8km. the skin under my feet are not tough. maybe cuz i dont go barefoot. yeah i'm a princess after all

i've been taping the arches on my feet everytime i run over 7k for over 2 years now.

these new orthotics aren't as bad as my old ones though. i also found that after a while, the tape residue that gets stuck on the inside of my feet were causing me worse blisters. so i bought new ones

[VelociRaptor]

I have decided to stop messing around and go see my Ortho. I have an appointment on Tuesday afternoon, he says they probably just need some re-adjusting. Will let you know how I go.

Cheers for the advice

[DECIM8]

Why dont u look at your shoes, most likely youve got no instep and your foot is sliding back and fwd in the shoe.

Try these..
New shoes - correctly fitted (after gettin orthosies)
Thorlo socks or similar brand (anti blister, sweat absorb)
New layer on your orthotic
Elasto plast on your feet before running.
Lace locking procedure to shoes to prevent movement.
Running orthotics.
Walking barefoot to harden the feet up.

Hope it helps..

[TFive]

walshy2, on Sep 6 2007, 08:16 PM, said:

Hi running girl

I too have suffered through Achilles Tendonitis. went to the Pod, rested, did lots of stretching and got orthotics.

I was a little sceptical at 1st, but have been using them for 3 months and still stretching.

My tendonitis is gone, I am used to the orthotics to the extent I would not bin mine as I know it would surely bring back my tendonitis

hang in there if u can

rgds

I have my orthotics back after being adjusted and have them in my new Brooks Trance, so I'll persevere and see how things go.

[VelociRaptor]

Went for a run with the adjusted orthotics and it seems to have made quite an improvement. Did 2km without any knee soreness and only some slight rubbing on my left foot. My arches where still a little raw from my previous run but they didn't seem to get any worse.

The shoes I have are only about 300km old and are Brookes runners. The pod said they would be fine. I do wear thorlo socks. Just looks like they needed a slight adjustment and I can also feel my arches starting to harden up a bit. Will slowly add some more time and distance too my runs and should be fine in a week or two.