CalgaryLynn
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2021
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I have walked quite a few Caminos - at a guess about 6,000 kms.With all this, I am wondering if anyone else has had experience with orthotics on the Camino and whether or not it has been beneficial?
I have problem feet, so custom orthotics are a must - however I force the podiatrist to make them both comfortable for me, and to fit my shoes. Otherwise you have to buy shoes that don't fit your foot, just to fit the orthotic.I thought I would share the particulars of my recent visit with a podiatrist. I am new to this walking long distances repetitively and thought a podiatrist might have some insight for me. I walked on Friday for 8 miles during my training and came home with a big blister on my little toe to show him.
I had surrounded my blister with a moleskin and covered with a bandage and he said immediately "Why didn't you drain it". He promptly put a small sliver cut on the roof and said told me to always drain, smear with antibiotic cream and bandage up. OK! Done!
He gave me some stretching exercises (which I should be doing now to prevent plantar's fasciitis) and a small ball to use to massage my feet and lower back at the end of the day. He also said I should be soaking my feet after every walk in Epson salts. Easy to do!
I also got a prescription for a pain relief gel to be used whenever I get painful feet and back. It is a compounded gel with diclofenac, gabapentin and lidocaine which can be rubbed in. Better than the Ibuprofen pills that are hard on the stomach.
He also told me I had flat feet so suggested I get a custom orthotic. I have been thinking of this as when walking longer distances I do experience some lower back pain.
With all this, I am wondering if anyone else has had experience with orthotics on the Camino and whether or not it has been beneficial?
For my grandson (13) who has flat feet, we used the type that are heated, put into the shoe, and you stand on them to mould them to your foot. ($85)
I agree, the insoles that come with shoes are really thin and offer next to nothing in the way of cushioning.I wonder what opinions people had about the sport store higher end insoles, Superfeet come to mind, or the more expensive of the Dr Scholls insoles. Dr Scholls even has a machine system available in some areas that you stand on, and then an insole from a selection of about 18 is recommended.
Dr. Scholl's Custom Fit Orthotic Inserts, CF 430 : Amazon.ca: Health & Personal Care
Dr. Scholl's Custom Fit Orthotic Inserts, CF 430 : Amazon.ca: Health & Personal Carewww.amazon.ca
TBH, I am almost always shocked when I take a pair of expensive runners or trail shoes and pull out the insole, to see how flimsy it is. I usually buy the Dr School "active" or "runners" insole to replace those.
Dr. Scholl’s Athletic Series Running Insoles for Men, Small, 1 Pair, Size 7.5-10 : Amazon.ca: Clothing, Shoes & Accessories
Dr. Scholl’s Athletic Series Running Insoles for Men, Small, 1 Pair, Size 7.5-10 : Amazon.ca: Clothing, Shoes & Accessorieswww.amazon.ca
Forum thoughts?
I dont remember what brand they are, they are blue in colour - we get them from specialty sports shoe shops, they heat them first, then slip them in your shoe hot, and you stand/walk in them for a while to mould them. He said they were very warm (he had socks on) but not too hot.I've never heard of those! That's great.
Sirage if you don’t mind sharing what type of insoles are you using? Would give me a good starting point. I have walked ~ 3,000 Camino kms however always on the lookout for improving equipment.I have walked quite a few Caminos - at a guess about 6,000 kms.
Getting the "right" insole was a game-changer and stopped me getting blisters, in conjunction with the "right" shoes and socks. Much money has been spent on shoes.
I didn't have luck with custom orthotics, but with up-market insoles.
And of course everyone is different so only your experience will find what works for your feet, with perhaps your experience based on ideas from this forum.
I personally LOVE Superfeet, got them at REI in the US. They had 3 styles at that time (a few years ago), for high arch, medium arch, and low arch, and I tried each of them in the store to find the right "fit", then picked shoes to go with them. I do have high arches, but apparently my arches are "average" enough that a OTC insert worked well. I suspect inserts are as personal as picking which backpack and which shoe works best for an individual.I wonder what opinions people had about the sport store higher end insoles, Superfeet come to mind, or the more expensive of the Dr Scholls insoles. Dr Scholls even has a machine system available in some areas that you stand on, and then an insole from a selection of about 18 is recommended.
Dr. Scholl's Custom Fit Orthotic Inserts, CF 430 : Amazon.ca: Health & Personal Care
Dr. Scholl's Custom Fit Orthotic Inserts, CF 430 : Amazon.ca: Health & Personal Carewww.amazon.ca
TBH, I am almost always shocked when I take a pair of expensive runners or trail shoes and pull out the insole, to see how flimsy it is. I usually buy the Dr School "active" or "runners" insole to replace those.
Dr. Scholl’s Athletic Series Running Insoles for Men, Small, 1 Pair, Size 7.5-10 : Amazon.ca: Clothing, Shoes & Accessories
Dr. Scholl’s Athletic Series Running Insoles for Men, Small, 1 Pair, Size 7.5-10 : Amazon.ca: Clothing, Shoes & Accessorieswww.amazon.ca
Forum thoughts?
Seems like an orthotic that molds to your foot might add some cushion, but it wouldn't provide any correction. The orthotics I got from my podiatrist corrected a problem in my feet (a raised section under the forefoot to prevent metatarsal pain). That being said, I still ended up wearing my chaco sandals on the Camino far more often than my shoes.Anamiri: [[For my grandson (13) who has flat feet, we used the type that are heated, put into the shoe, and you stand on them to mould them to your foot. ($85)]]
I agree that insoles that are sold in trail runners are lousy. I pull them out and put in SuperFeet insoles (berry or the newer trail type women specific). I have used SuperFeet for 20+ years in all my hiking shoes - first in the heavy backpacking boots I started with and now in trail runners - Altra Lone Peak 5.0 at the moment. They work perfectly for me. With proper fitting shoes, socks and use of Foot Glide - no blisters in years of walking/hiking.I wonder what opinions people had about the sport store higher end insoles, Superfeet come to mind, or the more expensive of the Dr Scholls insoles. Dr Scholls even has a machine system available in some areas that you stand on, and then an insole from a selection of about 18 is recommended.
Dr. Scholl's Custom Fit Orthotic Inserts, CF 430 : Amazon.ca: Health & Personal Care
Dr. Scholl's Custom Fit Orthotic Inserts, CF 430 : Amazon.ca: Health & Personal Carewww.amazon.ca
TBH, I am almost always shocked when I take a pair of expensive runners or trail shoes and pull out the insole, to see how flimsy it is. I usually buy the Dr School "active" or "runners" insole to replace those.
Dr. Scholl’s Athletic Series Running Insoles for Men, Small, 1 Pair, Size 7.5-10 : Amazon.ca: Clothing, Shoes & Accessories
Dr. Scholl’s Athletic Series Running Insoles for Men, Small, 1 Pair, Size 7.5-10 : Amazon.ca: Clothing, Shoes & Accessorieswww.amazon.ca
Forum thoughts?
Thanks for that. He did say to bring in my boots and he would fit the orthotic to the boot. I asked him that question as I don't want to buy other boots. Mind are nicely broken in.I have problem feet, so custom orthotics are a must - however I force the podiatrist to make them both comfortable for me, and to fit my shoes. Otherwise you have to buy shoes that don't fit your foot, just to fit the orthotic.
Good to know being as you are from the same city and medical professionals tend to hang out together and influence each other. My podiatrist said he would fit the orthotics to the boots as well.I use custom orthotics and have for years. My new ones, for my pilgrimage on the Levante this fall, are different from previous models: thick and soft and trimmed to fit in my camino boots. Yesterday, I was out for a walk wearing the boots, and was amazed both at how comfortable they are with the othotics, now well broken in, and how fast and light I felt, walking. I am not afraid of the distance that I shall have to walk on tarmac, beginning the Levante. These boots, with the new orthotics, feel well designed for walking on a hard surface. The rest of my gear is being assembled, but comfortable and sturdy boots, with made-to-measure othotics, were my first item designed and assembled for a very long walk.
The gel is a compounded product made specifically for back and feet pain. Side effects are dependent on percentage of drug compounded in the gel. The amounts are on the lower end. I am comfortable with his suggestion.That gel is serious stuff, gabapentin in particular has the potential for some nasty side effects and is usually prescribed only for serious nerve pain, not for just acheing feet. Lidocaine is a topical anaesthetic and again seems like a serious drug for a relatively minor problem. Unless you have serious structural foot problems I'd be asking why the podiatrist prescribed it.
Thanks for that but we did discuss exercises and he gave me some exercise suggestions. I am a yoga enthusiast. The cost is certainly worth considering as they are not cheap but if I get something that helps with the lower back pain and will be fitted to my comfort level, it would be beneficial.Overall I would be quizzing the podiatrist as to why they have prescribed a serious drug for nerve pain, why they recommend custom orthotics rather than off the shelf (could it be that they will make more profit?) and why they have not pointed you at exercises for both your feet and your core muscles since those are critical to comfortable walking.
I have been using Voltaren cream for years. It is now available in US without prescription. Do check with your physician before using.Nobody can really tell you whether orthotics would be beneficial for you, only if they were helpful for them.
Blisters are a matter of both opinion and position. I tend to drain them and then use a hydrocolloid dressing such as Compeed. Don't try to remove a Compeed type dressing or it will tear off the delicate skin over the blister, let them come off of their own accord.
That gel is serious stuff, gabapentin in particular has the potential for some nasty side effects and is usually prescribed only for serious nerve pain, not for just acheing feet. Lidocaine is a topical anaesthetic and again seems like a serious drug for a relatively minor problem. Unless you have serious structural foot problems I'd be asking why the podiatrist prescribed it.
Orthotics again are a totally individual thing. For some foot problems they are very useful, but because they change the way you move they can also cause problems with other joints, in particular your hips and lower back. Use them initially with care and awareness to see how you adapt to them. If they don't seem to suit, go back to the podiatrist and get them changed or adjusted. There are some very good off the shelf orthotics available if you just have moderate, simple flattened feet and I would ask the podiatrist about those before you spend a lot more money on customs. It may be that custom orthotics would work well for you but it's worth exploring the possibilities first.
Lower back pain is often greatly improved for doing exercises to improve your core strength. I'm a big fan of pilates for that, yoga often emphasises flexibility without the underlying strength needed to support that additional flexibility.
Overall I would be quizzing the podiatrist as to why they have prescribed a serious drug for nerve pain, why they recommend custom orthotics rather than off the shelf (could it be that they will make more profit?) and why they have not pointed you at exercises for both your feet and your core muscles since those are critical to comfortable walking.
Maybe. But there can be very great differences in approach and they don't all agree with each other!medical professionals tend to hang out together
But that mixture is not Voltaren cream where the active ingredient is diclofenac, it contains several very potent drugs. It may be appropriate for the person concerned but it's worth checking with the prescriber why they think that something like that is appropriate.I have been using Voltaren cream for years. It is now available in US without prescription. Do check with your physician before using.
I didnt have high expectations of them either. The guy in the shop asked us to go in the morning when they had more time, and they do a full gait analysis etc, and selected the best shoes for his feet. The whole process took ages.Seems like an orthotic that molds to your foot might add some cushion, but it wouldn't provide any correction. The orthotics I got from my podiatrist corrected a problem in my feet (a raised section under the forefoot to prevent metatarsal pain). That being said, I still ended up wearing my chaco sandals on the Camino far more often than my shoes.
Formthotics - A New Zealand brand - NZ makes some good outdoor stuff.Sirage if you don’t mind sharing what type of insoles are you using? Would give me a good starting point.
Personalized Orthotics are a must if prescribed by a podiatrist. I did two Caminos of about 1000 km each and wore my orthotics faithfully which helped prevent prevent certain kinds of foot problems. Scheduled REST DAYS are critical for foot healing. I had major problems with my feet ( Shin splints and infected blisters requiring antibiotics) on my first Camino (Frances). It’s only when your walking apparatus gives up on you that you value it. Right now, I’m preparing for a third Camino in September. Heel Spurs ( Plantar fasciitis injury ) are seriously threatening my ability to engage in this third Camino. I feel quite disheartened.I thought I would share the particulars of my recent visit with a podiatrist. I am new to this walking long distances repetitively and thought a podiatrist might have some insight for me. I walked on Friday for 8 miles during my training and came home with a big blister on my little toe to show him.
I had surrounded my blister with a moleskin and covered with a bandage and he said immediately "Why didn't you drain it". He promptly put a small sliver cut on the roof and said told me to always drain, smear with antibiotic cream and bandage up. OK! Done!
He gave me some stretching exercises (which I should be doing now to prevent plantar's fasciitis) and a small ball to use to massage my feet and lower back at the end of the day. He also said I should be soaking my feet after every walk in Epson salts. Easy to do!
I also got a prescription for a pain relief gel to be used whenever I get painful feet and back. It is a compounded gel with diclofenac, gabapentin and lidocaine which can be rubbed in. Better than the Ibuprofen pills that are hard on the stomach.
He also told me I had flat feet so suggested I get a custom orthotic. I have been thinking of this as when walking longer distances I do experience some lower back pain.
With all this, I am wondering if anyone else has had experience with orthotics on the Camino and whether or not it has been beneficial?
Personalized Orthotics are a must if prescribed by a podiatrist. I did two Caminos of about 1000 km each and wore my orthotics faithfully which helped prevent prevent certain kinds of foot problems. Scheduled REST DAYS are critical for foot healing. I had major problems with my feet ( Shin splints and infected blisters requiring antibiotics) on my first Camino (Frances). It’s only when your walking apparatus gives up on you that you value it. Right now, I’m preparing for a third Camino in September. Heel Spurs ( Plantar fasciitis injury ) are seriously threatening my ability to engage in this third Camino. I feel quite disheartened.
I completely agree! I was very surprised to find how much I personally benefit from them. I think that they are vastly oversold and are unnecessary for most people (especially given the price).I’m less than 100% convinced that all custom orthotics are strictly necessary
I have walked thousands of miles in Superfeet thin insoles (Multiple pairs...they last around 600 miles). They are incredible. I would highly recommend them. Im surprised your Dr. didnt prescribe a larger pair of shoes/boots to address the blister malady.I thought I would share the particulars of my recent visit with a podiatrist. I am new to this walking long distances repetitively and thought a podiatrist might have some insight for me. I walked on Friday for 8 miles during my training and came home with a big blister on my little toe to show him.
I had surrounded my blister with a moleskin and covered with a bandage and he said immediately "Why didn't you drain it". He promptly put a small sliver cut on the roof and said told me to always drain, smear with antibiotic cream and bandage up. OK! Done!
He gave me some stretching exercises (which I should be doing now to prevent plantar's fasciitis) and a small ball to use to massage my feet and lower back at the end of the day. He also said I should be soaking my feet after every walk in Epson salts. Easy to do!
I also got a prescription for a pain relief gel to be used whenever I get painful feet and back. It is a compounded gel with diclofenac, gabapentin and lidocaine which can be rubbed in. Better than the Ibuprofen pills that are hard on the stomach.
He also told me I had flat feet so suggested I get a custom orthotic. I have been thinking of this as when walking longer distances I do experience some lower back pain.
With all this, I am wondering if anyone else has had experience with orthotics on the Camino and whether or not it has been beneficial?
I have boots that are a size larger but when I put my foot down, with flat feet they expand. He did recommend "new balance" but I am very comfortable in my boots. Walking ahead of time is revealing my hotspots so I can take appropriate measures to protect those spots.I have walked thousands of miles in Superfeet thin insoles (Multiple pairs...they last around 600 miles). They are incredible. I would highly recommend them. Im surprised your Dr. didnt prescribe a larger pair of shoes/boots to address the blister malady.
I found that in previous footwear, I got blisters on my baby toes after a few days on the camino, even though they never appeared as hotspots during training, and I thought the shoes were perfectly comfortable. I now use a wider shoe which allows full wiggling and spreading. If you are prone to getting those baby toe blisters, you might want to tape the toes from day one - I always hoped that 'this time' I wouldn't get them, but I always did after several days with the narrower fit.Walking ahead of time is revealing my hotspots so I can take appropriate measures to protect those spots.
I have been using Spenco inserts for years (more reasonable than custom). Spenco Original for every day use and MAX for hiking - https://spenco.implus.com/ Also available on Amazon. In addition, use an old tennis ball underfoot to stretch the plantar's fasciitis. And do Calve stretching exercises for the Achilles tendon.I thought I would share the particulars of my recent visit with a podiatrist. I am new to this walking long distances repetitively and thought a podiatrist might have some insight for me. I walked on Friday for 8 miles during my training and came home with a big blister on my little toe to show him.
I had surrounded my blister with a moleskin and covered with a bandage and he said immediately "Why didn't you drain it". He promptly put a small sliver cut on the roof and said told me to always drain, smear with antibiotic cream and bandage up. OK! Done!
He gave me some stretching exercises (which I should be doing now to prevent plantar's fasciitis) and a small ball to use to massage my feet and lower back at the end of the day. He also said I should be soaking my feet after every walk in Epson salts. Easy to do!
I also got a prescription for a pain relief gel to be used whenever I get painful feet and back. It is a compounded gel with diclofenac, gabapentin and lidocaine which can be rubbed in. Better than the Ibuprofen pills that are hard on the stomach.
He also told me I had flat feet so suggested I get a custom orthotic. I have been thinking of this as when walking longer distances I do experience some lower back pain.
With all this, I am wondering if anyone else has had experience with orthotics on the Camino and whether or not it has been beneficial?
Yes, I walked today with tape on my baby toes and it made a big difference, also I redid the laces to expand the toe width. Much more comfortable walk with no blisters today.I found that in previous footwear, I got blisters on my baby toes after a few days on the camino, even though they never appeared as hotspots during training, and I thought the shoes were perfectly comfortable. I now use a wider shoe which allows full wiggling and spreading. If you are prone to getting those baby toe blisters, you might want to tape the toes from day one - I always hoped that 'this time' I wouldn't get them, but I always did after several days with the narrower fit.
I will have a look at those. Those are the two exercises my podiatrist suggested to me. Calf stretching and also bending the stretched leg to lift the heel to stretch the PF. I have a massage ball that I started using. Also I have been using the Epson salts for 20 minutes in hot water after every walk. Amazing on feet, takes away the inflammation and just feels really good after a soaking.I have been using Spenco inserts for years (more reasonable than custom). Spenco Original for every day use and MAX for hiking - https://spenco.implus.com/ Also available on Amazon. In addition, use an old tennis ball underfoot to stretch the plantar's fasciitis. And do Calve stretching exercises for the Achilles tendon.
Hey! Thank you for the information! I have an appointment in a few weeks with a podiatrist for custom orthodontics, I had a pair previously (over 10 years ago) and they were a huge help! Especially as my right foot causes me more issues than my left so the customs are built to each foot vs. the store bought ones. Of course they are not cheap so I tried some other options first. I was still having pain in my right foot so rather than stress it anymore, I am going to see about getting a new pair made. I think I will be happier in the long run. I suppose it depends on whether you can find a solution without having to have customs made. Unfortunately, I could not. Buen Camino.I thought I would share the particulars of my recent visit with a podiatrist. I am new to this walking long distances repetitively and thought a podiatrist might have some insight for me. I walked on Friday for 8 miles during my training and came home with a big blister on my little toe to show him.
I had surrounded my blister with a moleskin and covered with a bandage and he said immediately "Why didn't you drain it". He promptly put a small sliver cut on the roof and said told me to always drain, smear with antibiotic cream and bandage up. OK! Done!
He gave me some stretching exercises (which I should be doing now to prevent plantar's fasciitis) and a small ball to use to massage my feet and lower back at the end of the day. He also said I should be soaking my feet after every walk in Epson salts. Easy to do!
I also got a prescription for a pain relief gel to be used whenever I get painful feet and back. It is a compounded gel with diclofenac, gabapentin and lidocaine which can be rubbed in. Better than the Ibuprofen pills that are hard on the stomach.
He also told me I had flat feet so suggested I get a custom orthotic. I have been thinking of this as when walking longer distances I do experience some lower back pain.
With all this, I am wondering if anyone else has had experience with orthotics on the Camino and whether or not it has been beneficial?
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