Sore feet

[IFjane]

Bat - where did you go to get your customized inserts? Were they expensive?

If you don't mind my asking, where are you located? Anywhere near Madison?

[Batbike]

Bat - where did you go to get your customized inserts? Were they expensive?

If you don't mind my asking, where are you located? Anywhere near Madison?

I live in Virginia, so not near Madison. I will tell you how it works here, but I have heard it is different in other locations. At least this MAY give you an idea of what to do ...

I first went to an orthopedic to check-out my feet. They gave me a referral to a physical therapist who specializes in sports medicine. It was the PT that checked my strength, flexibiltiy, muscular structure, etc., etc., and recommended the orthodics. As far as I know, the PT is the ONLY place in my town where you can get customized orthodics and it MUST be done with a doctor's referral for services. They cost roughly $300 (some insurance plans may actually pay for them!) and last about 3 years on normal wear (I use them ALL THE TIME, not just cycling) and I can move them from shoe to shoe. I did have them orginally set-up to fit my cycling shoes, which works fine when I transfer to my other athletic shoes (I needed them to be as thin as possible for cycling). If you used them JUST FOR CYCLING, they would probably last longer (guessing). They do make them for just one shoe -- you wouldn't transfer them -- but don't know if that would cost less/more/or same.

I feel it is well worth the investment -- we use our feet all the time and if they don't hurt or get tired, it sure helps the rest of the body not feel hurt or tired! I also feel it is like buying a couple pairs of expensive shoes, only you don't actually see the "shoe", you just get to feel it!

[IFjane]

Thanks Bat. Now I understand what you got. I have custom insoles that were made by a foot specialist, but they could not be used for cycling (they were made for an earlier foot problem that was eventually fixed through surgery). However, I am sure I could go back and get some made should I need them. For now my homemade remedy (see earlier post) is working fine.

Oh, and my insurance does NOT cover them.

[Batbike]

my insurance didn't pay for them either but i literally couldn't cycle without them, so it is money well spent!

[Batbike]

If you don't mind my asking, where are you located? Anywhere near Madison?

Sorry IFjane, did NOT realize you lived in Madison County, Virginia -- I was thinking Madison, Wisconsin! So, MAYBE I do live near you, but quite honestly I don't know where Madison County is (so probably not). I live in central part of the state -- Roanoke-Lynchburg-Richmond area.

[bike4ever]

Batbike - where in VA? I grew up in Roanoke. I plan on making a trip back home over the kids spring break and another the end of June for the Bike VA ride in Williamsburg.

[Cha Cha]

I got my orthotics from a podiatrist, and they were covered by insurance. They had to be ordered, but weren't custom made. Got them 6 years ago and they're in perfect shape, basically it's a hard plastic high arch support. I have very high arches which leads to neuroma in the toes (toes get numb) and they help so much.

The other thing that really helps is being sure I don't strap the shoes on too tight, particularly the strap over the toes. It feels weird, but a little wiggle room seems to be better.

I know this isn't quite 100% the same deal, but hope it's helpful to somebody out there, as I understand this is a pretty common problem for women.

And greetings from a native of God's Own Commonwealth (grew up in Norfolk, college in C'ville, family now in Yktown and Norfolk - I may contact you VA compatriots for info on where to ride in Tidewater when I'm there later, if that's okay!)

Here's to happy feet!

[bike4ever]

IFjane - I have a very close friend that lives in Rhodesville. I have been up/down Rt 29 for years. She's off of Rt 522. I love the Williamsburg area - done many rides around there. I've also done the Bike VA before and thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere.

[IFjane]

IFjane - I have a very close friend that lives in Rhodesville. I have been up/down Rt 29 for years. She's off of Rt 522. I love the Williamsburg area - done many rides around there. I've also done the Bike VA before and thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere.

bikemom - you're kidding! The world gets smaller and smaller. I work in Orange - about 9 miles from Rhoadesville. Know the area well because I'm up and down the road all the time - going from school to school.

[bike4ever]

IFjane - Wow - definitely a small world. When I'm traveling from Roanoke to Rhoadesville, I go through Orange. I've been there many times of the past years. My friends children attend Orange Co schools. I'll probably see her in June before/after the Bike VA ride.

[Batbike]

Batbike - where in VA? I grew up in Roanoke. I plan on making a trip back home over the kids spring break and another the end of June for the Bike VA ride in Williamsburg.

I live in Lynchburg area. Bike VA is a super ride!! I hope to do it one year!

[IFjane]

Sorry IFjane, did NOT realize you lived in Madison County, Virginia -- I was thinking Madison, Wisconsin! So, MAYBE I do live near you, but quite honestly I don't know where Madison County is (so probably not). I live in central part of the state -- Roanoke-Lynchburg-Richmond area.

Bat - I'm about 2 hours north of Lynchburg, straight up Rt. 29! Between Charlottesville & Culpeper. Come up on May 19 for the 20th annual Tour de Madison - great ride, beautiful scenery and (as I told KayTee) you get a spiffy t-shirt.

Bikemom - it's good to connect with a former VA resident. You will enjoy Bike Virginia - riding in Williamsburg is great - it's flat!

[Batbike]

Bat - Come up on May 19 for the 20th annual Tour de Madison - great ride, beautiful scenery and (as I told KayTee) you get a spiffy t-shirt.

Please share with us the link for this ride! I definitely want to look into riding it. Maybe even get a small group of riders to come with me! THANKS!