A somewhat simple podiatric question....

[DiRTyBuNNy]

for all the podiatrists out there. I've discoved that my left foot over pronates while my right foot is fairly neutral (compared to my left). My only real question is what can I do about it? I do have some issues with knee/foot/lower back pain and before I started really running/training I never thought anything of the pain. Do I need to get insoles (do I wear just one?) or should I go for a pair of "stability type" shoes next time I buy a pair for running (and what do I do in the mean time). I know a lot of you out there are some pretty serious runners and I wanted to know what your take on the situation is and if you've got any suggestions.

I'd love to be able to afford orthotics but they are not covered under my insurance and with a new baby there's no way I can afford them without insurance. Thanks.

--Mr. DB

(btw, more background..I'm 6'4"/260lbs and seem to have a fairly normal arch other than the fact that when my left foot pronates it virtually eliminates the arch in that foot.)

 

[JimB.]

You might start by visiting a "real" running shop (as opposed to a store that just sells running shoes) to see if there are some models of shoes & inserts that may help.

I had HORRIBLE pain in my right foot (after a torn plantar fascia), to the point I felt like someone had been beating on the sole of my foot with a 2 x 4.

A guy at a highly recommended shop up in Jacksonville spent over an hour working with me to find some shoes that would work for me, and it was worth every second I was there.

You may have to dig around to find the right place, but it should be a good start.

 

[drdelsol]

Don't know if this is much help. but can't tell much without seeing. You need a gait analysis, from a good running store is fine. There are several things that could be causing the difference.

Custom insoles would probably help and can understand not having the $250-300 for them. Stability shoes would help the left but might aggrevate the right. If you get over the counter insoles wear both.

You previous lower back, knee pains-Which side or both?
It's possible the cause could be a limb length discrepency with the difference in the foot strike trying to compensate for that. Lower back pain leans toward that but there are so many other causes for that also.

JMHO- try the otc inserts to get the over pronated foot up, possibly a small heel lift right side, you'll know quickly if the lift is wrong but nothing beats visualization and the gait analysis.

 

[DiRTyBuNNy]

Don't know if this is much help. but can't tell much without seeing. You need a gait analysis, from a good running store is fine. There are several things that could be causing the difference.

Custom insoles would probably help and can understand not having the $250-300 for them. Stability shoes would help the left but might aggrevate the right. If you get over the counter insoles wear both.

You previous lower back, knee pains-Which side or both?
It's possible the cause could be a limb length discrepency with the difference in the foot strike trying to compensate for that. Lower back pain leans toward that but there are so many other causes for that also.

JMHO- try the otc inserts to get the over pronated foot up, possibly a small heel lift right side, you'll know quickly if the lift is wrong but nothing beats visualization and the gait analysis.

I actually get knee pain in both knees at the same time (when I get pain). I'm trying to sock away some money to buy some real running shoes at the local running store and have them really take a look at me and go from there. Thank you for the information.

--Mr. DB

 

[windwalker]

I actually get knee pain in both knees at the same time (when I get pain). I'm trying to sock away some money to buy some real running shoes at the local running store and have them really take a look at me and go from there. Thank you for the information.

--Mr. DB

DB what size do you wear?

Dave

 

[DiRTyBuNNy]

DB what size do you wear?

Dave

Normal street shoes is 13 so I'm guessing that means I may need to go to a 14 with my running shoes (but that's up to what the experts tell me).

--Mr. DB

 

[windwalker]

Normal street shoes is 13 so I'm guessing that means I may need to go to a 14 with my running shoes (but that's up to what the experts tell me).

--Mr. DB

Well my friend I have a bunch of barely worn size 9.5 shoes. I went through a lot before I found my current choices. For walking you want a different kind of running shoe. I wear racing flats, my current favorites are Mizuno revolvers and NB 790 trail racing shoes.

http://www.racewalk.com/defaultRW.asp

Look under equipment.

http://www.thewalkingsite.com/shoes.html


The best prices are at:

http://www.runningwarehouse.com/

On the discounts put in WISHD then hit enter so you get 15% off when you order.

You can go to a running store and get fitted but then buy on there from now on.

Are you a walker or a run/walker?

Dave

 

[DiRTyBuNNy]

Well my friend I have a bunch of barely worn size 9.5 shoes. I went through a lot before I found my current choices. For walking you want a different kind of running shoe. I wear racing flats, my current favorites are Mizuno revolvers and NB 790 trail racing shoes.

http://www.racewalk.com/defaultRW.asp

Look under equipment.

http://www.thewalkingsite.com/shoes.html


The best prices are at:

http://www.runningwarehouse.com/

On the discounts put in WISHD then hit enter so you get 15% off when you order.

You can go to a running store and get fitted but then buy on there from now on.

Are you a walker or a run/walker?

Dave

Right now I'm pretty much a walker...I don't really have any plans to be come a run/walker..I enjoy walking a lot more than running...

--Mr. DB

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

See if you can buy sneakers at a running store that allows you to return them.

I would go for the more stable shoe for the weaker foot. If it causes problems in your neutral foot, you may have to go unconventional and where 1 neutral and 1 stability. But only as a last resort.

I overpronate.

I've tried inserts and for me, my feet rebel. They like their natural state and don't want any additional assistance to create arches that are not there. So I go for a stability shoe just so that the sidewall of the shoe holds up. (discovered this while training for my first marathon and for the first time in my life, found a pair of shoes that I did not cause the sides to collapse).

If the over pronation is serious, you can try a motion control shoe. I tried these for a while, but I find stability to more often be most comfortable.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Normal street shoes is 13 so I'm guessing that means I may need to go to a 14 with my running shoes (but that's up to what the experts tell me).

--Mr. DB

Yes, you always go a half to full size larger.

I wear a 10 street shoe but an 11 running shoe.

The shoe needs to accomodate your swelling feet. Wear the exact same size and you will feel the pinch in your feet as your training progresses. Also, you might get toe pain b/c as your foot swells, the toe wall that you couldn't touch when you tried out the shoes, now jams into your toes at mile 10.

If they don't suggest a bigger size, I would find a different store with someone who knows running.

Width is also important--you don't want your shoe to be too narrow. I wear an 11 W (I think D with but can't remember--been a while since I have purchased running shoes).