Post
by RBFC » October 30th, 2012, 11:17 pm
A competent othotics examination should include a physical exam, gait analysis (on a treadmill), measurements of leg length, etc. and end with casting your foot to properly form the orthotics. While "standard" podiatric shoe inserts are hard plastic, I've found that the best ones are made from foam rubber of different durometers. These "variable density" inserts provide a reasonable amount of cushioning while standing and doing other low-plyometric-load activities. When running or jumping, the foam compresses progressively until it is virtually solid and prevents over-disruption of the bone structure due to impact. Standard hard plastic orthotic inserts feel like you are standing on a pool ball, even when at rest. Standard orthotics from a podiatrist typically cost $400-500 per pair, while my progressive inserts cost $295 including the examination/fitting and up to 6 sets of inserts for different shoes. The inserts were even custom-gauged as to firmness depending upon the activity level when wearing each pair of shoes. So, my dress shoes are not quite as firm as my athletic shoes, etc.
The previous poster was correct in that orthotics are often purchased at chain pharmacies, etc., and no exam or detailed fitting is included. This is not a successful approach. I know that I was almost crippled with plantar fasciitis, and can now run (4 miles today) without any pain. The gentleman who created my orthotics is a master's degree physical therapist who teaches at our state university. He does the orthotics as a booming side business, his clients being many high-level athletes and doctors who appreciate his thoroughness. So, in my opinion, properly-designed and fitted orthotic arch supports can help to correct many orthopedic ailments. I've seen many videos taken of patients on treadmills demonstrating the improvement in gait, hip level, knee position, and pronation/supination when properly fitted inserts are used.
POSE running helps to reduce skeletal shock load of the running stride by reducing the "braking" alignment of the leg when the foot lands. A simple way to picture the end result is that you are "toppling forward" with each step and using the recovery to just barely get the next leg "under" you, so that you are continually just on the edge of falling forward. Stress forces are not transmitted backward through the skeleton, since the force in that direction becomes much lower.
I hope that this information helps you. Remember to get a good exam first, and that you should understand exactly what physical things are occurring as you step (and which problems are causing the pain/injury).
Lee
Age:61 Ht: 186 cm Wt: 102kg
