Sore Archs? What's up?

[KnottedYet]

I'm not a Dr, but I pretend to be one on message boards....

Do you use Superfeet or other stiff-hindfoot/soft-forefoot insoles? They only cost $35 or so, and I've found that our patients who have new arch pain can usually clear it up with Superfeet or Spectrum Stabilizers.

Superfeet are the easiest to find. They have a couple different footbed profiles (designated by color of the top fabric). I'd recommend going to a running store or other specialty store where they can try the different footbeds on you and they have someone who knows feet. A good fitter will look at your bare feet and watch you walk, then watch you stand on the footbeds on the bare floor, then watch you walk with the footbeds in your shoes.

You wear them in all your shoes. There are 3/4 length stiff-hindfoot insoles for dress shoes, too.

Since these critters are HARD, you will want to give your feet a chance to get used to them. (wear them 1 hr the first day, 2 hrs the next, etc until you feel comfortable) They will put your feet into a functional position, which means the muscles that were taking a vacation (and letting your foot collapse a little) will suddenly have to start working again. Depending on how slack they are, your feet could get tired. Like a footsie-workout. So could muscles in your hips/butt. Don't be surprised!

Neutral insoles (like Superfeet) will make your feet stronger. But they may get tired first.

If you have a true structural disfunction (as opposed to muscular, for which you should see a PT if it continues) you will need custom corrective orthotics which run about $375 at the clinic where I work.