I'm after a bit of advice. Sorry to bore you with all the details, but can anyone relate to this? I am thinking of Hannah mainly, as from what I have read, we seem to be going through similar problems foot-wise.
I got my hard, custom made orthotics about 3.5 weeks ago. I have tried to break them in gradually, but the left foot that was already suffering (swollen ankle, extreme tenderness in the underneath arch etc.) is not coping well with the new devices.
The right foot (that is badly flat and pronating/hypermobile etc) seems to be coping pretty well, and the pain level is what I would expect really.
At worst, I have to take the orthotics out, as it is too painful to walk (mainly the part where I bend the foot, and as I say, the lumpy painful tissue under the arch). By evening I always have a swollen ankle, but there is obviously a problem there anyway - I keep tearing tissues I think.
The pain extends up to the knee, with little spasms and jabs, and I wake up in the night with bad calf cramps. My achilles is also very painful, especially when walking downstairs. I think the whole of the back of my lower left leg feels 'pulled' and very tight. There are lumps in the arch which I believe may be scar tissue, and it is excruciating (but helpful?!) when my boyfriend massages my foot and finds the spot! At the weekend, I had to take Nurofen, as I was away from home and walking/on my feet more than normal.
How can you tell whether the pain is from the orthotic device, or because of hypermobility/other foot problems? I did suffer these symptoms before getting the orthotics, but was hoping the gadgets would address and minimise these symptoms rather than exacerbating them! I seem to be worse!
On the positive side, some off the shelf orthotics (well, arch supports really) from Scholl for about £36 seem much more helpful (they are not hard, but nice and supportive under the arches) and bearable. I wear these instead of the orthotics if I can't face them!
I realise that I have such exreme problems (according to the podiatrist, I am 'unique'!) that I have to have corrective devices rather than just arch supports from Scholl. Not only have I inherited hypermobility, but I also have my father's excessive pronation and flat footedness. This has resulted in ankles, toes etc that are far too flexible, and feet that badly roll inwards, impacting on the knees, hips and back.
Has anyone any advice about how much pain to put up with? I have rung the podiatrist and am going to pop in at the end of the week. She thinks the orthotics may not be right, and might need adjusting, but a part of me thinks that because they are comfortable for a certain amount of time, that it is just the state of my foot that needs addressing (and if so, who is going to help me with that? If the orthotics don't help those symptoms then what will? An operation?)
Any ideas gratefully received! Along with thoughts on what to wear in the garden in Summer, as I am getting fed up with trainers, boots and heavy shoes! I have always worn flip flops (hence problems have come to light), sandals and things that give my feet an airing!
