Best type of orthotics?
(5 discussions)
Since being diagnosed with a Morton’s neuroma 2 years ago, I was fitted with 2 pairs of orthotics (by 2 different podiatrists). Now 3 months post-op, my foot & ankle surgeon sent me to yet another orthotics place. After 6 weeks of frustration, with the pedorthist not being able to get the adjustments to work, I’m so discouraged. How do we know what orthotics materials are right for our feet? All 3 pairs are different, yet for the *same* foot problems! And insurance won’t pay for mine, which are about $200/pr.P.S. – I also have arthritis in the post-op foot, and had worn orthotics with no major problems for 20+ years. Any help is greatly appreciated!
5 comments
Vivian Abrams PM
I personally do not necessarily put people in orthotics after neuroma surgery. Are you wearing them because of your arthritis?
Gail
Thanks for responding. Yes, I’ve been wearing the orthotics for my arthritis (and fallen arches in the right foot–which also had the neuroma surgery. I think the surgeon recommended orthotics for that reason, plus he prescribed a softer material on the balls/toes portion for my post-surgery neuroma *and* for a neuroma I have on my left foot–to give me more metatarsal support. I had x-rays taken last week, which show that I’m walking wrong on my right foot–putting lots of pressure on the 3rd and 4th toes. It’s not known how long this has been going on, so he prescribed adding a lateral support in my right orthotic. I had been wearing 3/4-length hard leather orthotics for 20+ years, for the arthritis. Then I got the neuroma, and was switched by two podiatrists to soft, full-length ones. What is the reason you don’t always recommend orthotics for post-neuroma surgery patients? Also, what type of orthotics do you recommend for me, with arthritis + post-surgery neuroma in one foot and a neuroma in the other? Thanks.
Gail
(Note: I’m resubmitting this, since I may have clicked on the wrong followup post.)Thanks for responding. Yes, I’ve been wearing the orthotics for my arthritis (and fallen arches in the right foot–which also had the neuroma surgery. I think the surgeon recommended orthotics for that reason, plus he prescribed a softer material on the balls/toes portion for my post-surgery neuroma *and* for a neuroma I have on my left foot–to give me more metatarsal support. I had x-rays taken last week, which show that I’m walking wrong on my right foot. It’s not known how long this has been going on, so he prescribed adding a lateral support in my right orthotic. I had been wearing 3/4-length hard leather orthotics for 20+ years, for the arthritis. Then I got the neuroma, and was switched by two podiatrists to soft, full-length ones. What is the reason you don’t always recommend orthotics for post-neuroma surgery patients? Also, what type of orthotics do you recommend for me, with arthritis + post-surgery neuroma in one foot and a neuroma in the other? Thanks.
Vivian Abrams DPM
As you have probably figured out the selection of an orthotic and the materials can vary from doctor to doctor. Different areas of the country, where one trained, what lab is used all contribute to the choice made. In Texas where I practice, I have not made a leather orthotic for many years. It does not seem to hold up long in the heat. Many years ago when I was a student in New York, we had to learn to make both leather and rigid orthotics. Of course we all griped about it then, but I can to understand that there is no cookie cutter answer to orthotics. To answer why I do not use orthotics for post neuroma surgeries is that if ayt all necessary, a shock absorbering material may be all that is necessary. I have used Silipos and Viscopeds which are silicone pre-fab inserts. In your case, you should assess what materials seemed to work best for you and discuss this with your doctor. You might try having a top cover of a soft shock absorbing material such as plastazote, pelite, puff, spenco to name a few. Underneath, you might use what worked for you in the past. Good luck.
Gail
Thanks for your additional insight. I’m pretty sure my latest orthotics are made from plastazote. I will keep on trying to get my feet to feel somewhat normal.It’s so nice of you to have a forum like this where people can get some assistance. Thanks for taking the time to do this! I wish I lived in Texas and could see you.