Insoles

[BookishVibes]

I have Lupus but this question isn't strictly related to a Lupus symptom, so I hope that's okay.

I had a stress fracture in my foot a couple of years ago and the MRI scan showed arthritis in certain places too, although on a future scan this seemed to have disappeared, which was weird. I was also told I had flat feet/dropped arches and was given insoles to wear.

I want to change the insoles as I understand you should change them at some point and I've had these about a year and a bit now but also the ones the hospital gave me are "firm" and I think sometimes they make the soles of my feet hurt and even my knees and calves. Can anyone recommend any good ones? I've looked in places like Boots and Amazon but reviews are so mixed I don't know which ones to get and also I don't want to get the half soles ones, as apparently they slip around in your shoes.

Thanks so much 😊

[Carcrashgal]

you are absolutely right that they need replacing, and a decent podiatrist will be able to sort you out - and custom-fitted insoles will help far more than any bought off a shelf. If friends can't suggest one locally, your GP or practice nurse should be able to recommend some. A podiatrist chin of my husband, meeting me for the first time, asked if I'd always had one leg shorter - I didn't even know I had! But I had developed excruciating pain in my hip, which led to one chronic pain doc telling me I was quite bright enough to get any surgeon to agree to any procedure I'd read about which might help but what was the point as lupus meant I'd always suffer from chronic pain !!!! But this podiatrist , just by looking at my gait, then my feet, worked out that my hip was out of joint and with one swift, horribly painful move, put it back into position, then made me orthotic soles right then and there (at least we'd finished lunch!) He basically taught me to walk properly again. Took a while, but he was a marvel. So I have the utmost respect for podiatrists. Good luck - I hope you find one soon.

[Paprika60 in reply to Carcrashgal]

Hi Carcrashgal,

Your podiatrist sounds amazing! You are very lucky! Where are you located and could you give me his name please? My husband has one leg short and I haven't been able to sort him out and would love to help him. He has already been to two different podiatrists and no help. I am in west London but perhaps your podiatrist could recommend where to go if he is not nearby. I would very much appreciate it. Many thanks!

[Carcrashgal in reply to Paprika60]

I'm in East London - I don't know if my guy is still working, as he wasn't far off retirement when I met him, but I will make enquiries and let you know. Kevin was able to sort my leg/hip because I'd had that hip propped up on a sandbag for 14 hrs during a complicated op (which no one had seen fit to mention to me when I started to complain of pain! It was a chance comment that alerted me) - and it had become dislocated. But you lose nothing by checking it out, right? And even if he 's no longer working, there will be others. More when I can.

[Paprika60 in reply to Carcrashgal]

Thank you very much! I will look forward to hearing from you!🤗

[BookishVibes in reply to Carcrashgal]

Wow, that's amazing! Thank you so much for that suggestion, I'll definitely look into it! X

[Redlady9]

I second what Carcrashgal says. I suffered with plantar fascitis for years until a podiatrist fitted me for the right insoles. You are entitled to a new pair once a year. I do wear the 1/2 insoles as I find the full ones cramp my toes and you get used to wiggling them into the correct position in your shoe. If they don't stay put it's because your shoes aren't supportive enough. I was also advised to wear shoes that are adjustable across the instep, either laced or velcro fastening. Good luck with your search, painful feet are 😖. x

[BookishVibes in reply to Redlady9]

Thanks so much for the tips and especially around the half soles. I didn't know that about if they don't stay put it means the shoes aren't supportive enough! X

[BeeManShrop]

Hi BV I had plantar facilititis years ago and a very good phisio recommended a make called Pro 11. They have both 3/4 length and full sole but the full sole tends to cramp your toes.

If you can find some shoes that have removable soles like those made by Merrells, you can slip the 3/4 Pro 11 under this sole and it keeps it in place.

I have been using Pro 11 for some years now and they are very good in giving your foot arch support. Both my wife and my daughter now also use them.

There are several suppliers on Amazon OR you can try ebay as an alternative. They are only about £7 a pair incl postage so an all round good deal.

As an example try looking at the following link:

amazon.co.uk/PRO-11-WELLBEI...

Good luck

[BookishVibes in reply to BeeManShrop]

Fantastic, that's really helpful! Thanks so much! X

[BeeManShrop in reply to BookishVibes]

Another tip. -- Think about which shoes you wear most of the time -- they are the ones to have the Pro 11 in. Also if you spend a lot of time in the house then you may need them in your slippers too.

All the best.

[BookishVibes in reply to BeeManShrop]

Fantastic, that's really helpful, thanks so much