Seeking Guidance on Custom Orthotics for Firefighting
I’m a 26-year-old male who doesn’t smoke and isn’t on any medications, yet I find myself in a situation where I desperately need advice. Recently, I embarked on a new journey at a firefighting academy where we engage in a lot of running. This would normally be manageable, but I’m facing significant challenges due to my flat feet. When I run without specialized insoles, the pain is excruciating, almost as if something is slicing through the area between my Achilles tendon and ankle. My shins ache so intensely that even a gentle touch sends me jumping in discomfort. This struggle began in middle school when I lost the arches in my feet. Thankfully, custom orthotics from a podiatrist provided a solution back then, allowing me to participate in high school basketball and football without any pain. However, my orthotics were recently destroyed by my puppy just before I began my current training. As I prepared to start running, I sought out a new podiatrist in my new city. She assured me she could help and after a brief consultation, she took molds of my feet for the orthotics to help prevent them from rolling inward when I run. Fast forward two weeks and nearly 700 dollars later, the orthotics have arrived, but they’re nothing like what I had before. My previous pair acted like an artificial arch, fitting snugly and providing support by shaping my feet into an arch based on a custom cast. These new orthotics, however, are much bulkier, encasing my entire foot, and failing to provide the same support to my arches. Instead, they press against the sides of my feet. They feel cumbersome and seem to have an additional heel attached to them. I was advised it would take time to acclimate to these new inserts and to ease into them with short walks, progressively increasing usage. I’ve diligently followed this advice for a month but haven’t experienced any improvement. While it’s true my feet roll inwards less, it feels more like the weight is shifted because of the broad heel design rather than genuine arch support. My running technique has become labored and painful, requiring me to land heel-first, which has resulted in severe blistering on the sides of my feet and recurring aches in my knees and hips following runs. None of these problems existed with the prior orthotics. So, my primary concern is this: could the new inserts be inaccurately fitted, or are there various types of orthotics that might not be suitable for athletic activities? I have a consultation scheduled this week to review my experience with the inserts, and any advice you could provide would be invaluable, possibly even pivotal for my future in firefighting.
Answers (1)
3/23/2025, 5:50:43 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're facing a challenging situation with your new orthotics while training for firefighting. Your experience with flat feet and the discomfort from the current inserts need careful consideration. Let’s break down the key concerns and next steps.
Main Points
- Current Orthotics: The new orthotics may not be providing the support you need for your flat feet, potentially affecting your comfort and performance.
- Pain Management: You have been experiencing significant pain and discomfort, which can affect your training and overall well-being.
- Consultation Preparation: You're set to review your experience with the new inserts shortly, and it’s important to communicate your concerns effectively during this appointment.
Explanation
Orthotics can vary greatly in design and purpose. Properly fitting orthotics should alleviate pain by providing the necessary support to your arches and distribution of weight. It's concerning that you're experiencing symptoms like blisters and joint pain, which suggest that your current orthotics may not be well suited for your needs.
It is also important to recognize that not all orthotics are created equally; some are designed for different activities or conditions. The discomfort you describe, especially with heel-first landings and new aches in your knees and hips, indicates that your body might be compensating for inadequate support.
Next Steps
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Consultation Feedback: When you meet with your podiatrist, be specific about the discomfort, the lack of arch support, the blisters, and the pain in other joints. Bring notes if possible, detailing when and where you feel the pain.
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Consider Alternative Options: Ask about different types of orthotics, particularly those that focus on arch height and support. If necessary, inquire about a more athletic design or custom options that better mimic what you previously had.
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Gradual Adjustment: While it’s crucial to acclimate to new inserts, don’t ignore persistent pain. If the discomfort continues, voice this to your podiatrist; it might be an indication that these specific inserts are not suitable.
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Temporary Pain Management: Until you resolve the issues with your orthotics, consider using cushioned insoles and supportive footwear for light activities. Ice your feet and legs after running to reduce inflammation, and elevate them when resting.
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Strengthening Exercises: Engage in specific foot and ankle exercises to strengthen the necessary muscles supporting your arches. This can help improve overall stability and reduce pain during runs.
Your dedication to effective foot health is crucial for your ambitions in firefighting. Be sure to advocate for your needs during your follow-up consultation, as finding the right orthotics can significantly impact your training and overall performance. Let me know if you need further details or specific exercises to help with your condition!
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