Heel Pain

[Guest]

I just developed plantar fasciitis about 4 weeks ago. Contributing factors include high arches, a tendency to pronate, and a fairly active lifestlye where I jog and walk about 9 miles a week plus one step aerobics class and one mile of lap swimming. My podiatrist says I need orthotics and I believe him but I am not convinced that I need to spend $800 for the super-custom version made with video imaging of my gait. There are over-the-counter orthotics that might solve my problem just fine. I also suspect my podiatrist makes money off of the remedies he prescribes for me and is therefore biased in his opinions. Help me decide! Is there anything I can do to explore less expensive orthotics before taking the $800 plunge? Or should I skip the cheap stuff and go right for the super-custom?

Appreciating any help. Thanks so much.

[Guest]

I am wondering what you ended up using? Custom or store brand. My experience with the store brand was not good although like you said the price of custom made was crazy. I do not have the money for the customs and continue to try and use the best store brand there are. There was a German brand called Tasco that I have gotten recently and was referred to a brand named Spenco...all around the $30 area.
[quote] I just developed plantar fasciitis about 4 weeks ago. Contributing factors include high arches, a tendency to pronate, and a fairly active lifestlye where I jog and walk about 9 miles a week plus one step aerobics class and one mile of lap swimming... [/quote]

[Anniefoot01]

Don't believe these podiatrists. I had two differnt orthotics made and they made my feet hurt more than I started out with. I felt like I was walking on concrete and my feet were in excruciating pain. Do yourself a favor and invest in a good tennis shoe, such as Addidas brand, or buy a pair of Croc shoes. You can buy Crocs at Crocs.com The shoe works wonders for people like us. Good luck.