Foot issues.. suggestions??

[Catlady711]

I have flat feet and my feet tend to 'roll' in to the inside in my shoes. I bought some Dr. Scholls arch support inserts that were advertized specifically for helping the rolling problem as well as an arch support and help with heel spurs (which I don't have yet).

My dr. says they are the best you can buy for that problem without going into the special shoes that cost $300 a pair and are custom made. I also buy the Dr. Scholls shoes with the same arch support built in. Between the two they help my feet alot. The insoles cost about $25 per pair (here anyways) and the shoes about $30 per pair (here anyways).

Other than that, a good foot soak, massage help. Also while you're working try stretching up on your toes every 15 minutes or so and shifting your weight back and forth between feet helps some.

Here's the shoes and insoles I use.

http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Scholls-Dyn.../dp/B000FKHHQA

http://www.shoesource.ca/mens_athlet...l#dr%20scholls (third shoe down the list called sidestep)

[columbine]

I agree that taking ibuprofen or naproxen (naproxen lasts longer) could definitely help, as could gel insoles (the ones marked "athletic" are good!) You might want to try shifting your weight, picking up your feet, and wiggling your toes frequently to help keep the circulation healthy. Make sure your socks are 100% cotton, and that your orthotics are up to date (sometimes they need to be redone as your feet adapt to varying circumstances). If your ankles are hurting, you might do better with boots that give your ankles some structural support. Stick with flat or low heels, cushy crepe or soft rubber soles, and get mentholated powder to put in your socks.

And if there's someone you can shanghai into the job, get a bottle of nice peppermint foot lotion and have them massage your feet at every opportunity! You can do it yourself if your knees and hips don't grump about it too much.

Love, Columbine

[jennielynn1970]

I did buy some insoles, but I didn't put them in the Easy Spirit sneakers I bought the other day. I put my orthotics in. I'm just wondering if maybe those are bad for me at this point because they are over 15 years old, and my feet have probably changed since then. I know it doesn't help that I'm overweight.

I know my feet pronate inward. My ankles are really crappy. I've fallen down stairs repeatedly. I've sprained my ankles just walking a flat surface. My one doctor wanted to do surgery about 20 years ago, to shorten the tendons that were stretched out, but I decided against it.

I'm going to see if I can get a pair of the RYKA sneaks that Tonya mentioned. They have some that are made especially for people who have flat feet, or feet that pronate inward, and they aren't too expensive. Cost is really a big factor for me at this point. I bought the Easy Spirit, and they were 39.99 on sale at Macy's. I have an older pair of them, but they were shot. I used to only ever buy Saucony sneakers, but I just couldn't afford them any longer. They fit my feet really well, and were great when I used to run every day. I can't believe I used to be that active and that thin... My body just is so out of shape right now, so maybe that is all linked together??

I will make an appointment with a podiatrist though. That is at least covered under my medical insurance. The one I used to go to is in really poor health and isn't practicing any longer, which is sad on both counts. He is a great guy, and a wonderful doctor. It's hard finding a new doc you like and can trust. I only ever went to the ER with my broken feet, so I never followed up with a regular foot doctor... bad I know.

I do try to stretch up on my toes while I'm standing there. I probably look silly, but I try to stretch when I can. I can't do anything about putting cream on my feet while I'm there. I get 15 minutes break only after 4hrs, and I usually try to sit for a little during that time.

I did buy a Dr. Scholls foot spa at Walgreens. It was only $29, and I thought, well, I can try to see if it helps. Not sure if it does. Didn't know if I should do heat or cold actually.

I'll have to try the doctor, try the Ryka shoes and see if I can hunt down some Aspercreme or something like that as well. I do take Ibuprofen at night before bed to try to help the foot ache.

[shais_mom]

my neighbor uses frozen water bottles and rolls them on the under side of her foot and heel.
my dad had some $$$$ insoles/orthotics from a dr they were getting really broken down was in a lot of pain in his hips and legs and last year went to Meijer's and they have a machine made by dr scholl's where you stand on it and tells you what kind of insoles you need. he got them for about $30 and swears by them.
http://www.footmapping.com/ try to see if you can find a place that has the machine
good luck!
I swear by New Balance tennis shoes altho am wearing men's nike now for work I need a good sturdy shoe for my weak foot.

dang - it looks like the only stores that have them are Meijer's and mostly in OH and Kentucky.

[jennielynn1970]

See, I'm thinking that maybe because my orthotics are about 15-20 years old, and I'm about *gasp* 100 lbs heavier now than I was back then, that these orthotics just can't stand up to what pressure my body is giving them.

I'm just so used to wearing my Naot sandals, and not wearing any shoe all summer, that maybe my foot is rebelling against that too.

There are a number of forces contributing to this, I think, and my body is pretty freaking unhappy about it right now, lol.

All I know is that my feet feel like someone ran them over from above the ankle, and I'm walking like a crippled, old, hobbling woman.

It's so not attractive.

[anna_66]

I'm a waitress and I've had many problems with my feet.

I've just recently been seeing my podiatrist again and he says feet change over the years and I was refitted for new orthotics. I'm also getting new shoes for work. They suggested these (I'm sure it's because it's what the office carries) http://www.aetrex.com/index.html
But I figured I'd try them out.

If I were you, I'd definitely be going to the Dr.

[columbine]

Yes, I bet your orthotics are out of date. Feet do change. Going to the podiatrist is definitely a good idea. And do consider boots; you can sometimes get nice brand-name ones on ebay, and boots with good ankle support can give you back some of the energy you're using up just keeping your balance.

Love, Columbine