Tailor made prescription insoles?

[Jelly-bean16]

A few weeks ago after a run my ankle swollen up. I left a 3 day break then ran again and same thing. I left a 5 day break then was going to do a short run but part way could feel pain so stopped. I’m so disappointed as had gone from couch to just over 10K and was just starting to really enjoy it. I happened to see a foot and gait analysis stall at a summer fayre and she said I have uneven hips and shoulders. I’ve booked an appointment and will probably need to do exercises and buy expensive insoles. I was wondering whether anyone else has and whether they work? The alternative seems to be no more running.

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Hello! Welcome to the forum!!!

I can't answer your question except to say - wait and see!

Also, it would be sensible to see your GP about this.

A break from running to recover from an injury does not mean you have to give up running forever. Think about other activities you might like to do to maintain some fitness - swimming, cycling, etc.

Good luck xxx

[Jelly-bean16 Marathon in reply to roseabi]

Thank you. Running is so convenient as can do whenever and wherever. I’m off on holiday shortly so think swimming will be the short term alternative- hopefully the pool won’t be too packed. Good idea about seeing the GP. Thanks.

[Couchpotato2 Marathon]

I did the same thing as you and went to see the chiropractor and they just recommended some £6 insoles for everyday shoes. After manipulations my hips were aligned again. Let us know how it goes for you.

[Jelly-bean16 Marathon]

Thank you. It seems like the insoles this chiropractor advises on are made especially and I think they will be a lot more than £6 😬. I guess will have to see and if too expensive perhaps I need to try a different chiropractor. Thanks.

[mrrun Ultramarathon]

My body was completely out of synch which affected the hips and the uneven weight distribution injured first my left knee and then the right ankle. Gait analysis and proper shoes with tailor made insoles worked for me perfectly. I haven't been injured for nearly 2.5 years and have completed my first marathon with no physical side effects (pains or strains) at all. The insoles cost around £120 and were made in a specialist sports lab. No other insoles worked for me because my feet were awkwardly aligned so cheap shoe shop pair (£10 or so) made no difference. Small investment for long term gains, if you look at it that way.

[Jelly-bean16 Marathon in reply to mrrun]

Thank you! Can I ask are the insoles for normal shoes or do you wear when you run, or both? I was thinking that I just need them for running. Is inspirational that you’ve completed a marathon as I was starting to wonder whether I will ever be able to run far. Thank you!!

[mrrun Ultramarathon in reply to Jelly-bean16]

No, just for running. They supplied me with their simple standard pair for walking (no charge and they both do the job.

[Jelly-bean16 Marathon in reply to mrrun]

Great, thanks. I’m hoping I have the same success so I can continue running although I guess this break is going to set me right back but fingers crossed at least I’ll be able to keep running. Thanks.

[mrrun Ultramarathon in reply to Jelly-bean16]

Setbacks of any sort are perfectly normal. They may be results of injuries or simply fatigue caused by excess training (l needed and still do need a break from whatever training l put myself through in the run up to the marathon). However, for as long as you are running, and running whatever distance at whatever speed, and running at least a few times per week - you're good, this isn't competition, this is meant to be fun that will improve your health and well-being so forget immediate targets and simply relax, take your time and think long term, no rush. One day the changes will amaze you.

[Jelly-bean16 Marathon in reply to mrrun]

Thank you. Hopefully I’ll come back fine after a rest and with the right insoles can get back up to 10K and beyond. 👍

[Boxcar Half Marathon]

I was in your position last summer. I had posterior tibial tendonitis and was worried that running would be over just as I had got going! I went to a sports podiatrist and now have insoles for running. They've done the trick as far as my ankle is concerned (along with physio to heal & strengthen it).

However the podiatrist did a gait analysis & picked up that the problem was caused by my knee turning in. I passed this info to the physio who identified this came from restricted movement in my right hip. I'm balancing running with strength work, pilates, physio exercises & stretches. I'm considering seeing a chiropractor too to see if they can help even me out.

[Jelly-bean16 Marathon in reply to Boxcar]

Sounds like there is a lot that you needed to do but you’re doing it all and still running. It’s great to hear people have been in my position and that insoles together with other things like strengthening works.

I’m on holiday then will see chiropractor when I return then I’ll have to wait for insoles to be made. I gather it’s not a good idea to run again until I get those. Fingers crossed I’ll come back as I was just starting to enjoy it as was getting easier.