Hallux Rigidus/ Custom Orthotic insoles

[DiamondSmiles]

Been a painful few months on delivery with problems with my big toe. Have now been diagnosed with Hallux Rigidus and recommended to have some custom orthotic insoles made for me.

Just wondering if anyone has experiences good or bad with custom made insoles and also, and i think I'm sure what the answer is going to be, did podiatrists/doctors think Royal Mail footwear wasn't up to the job ?

[jessicarabbit]

It's the start of arthritis of the toes and it's a bitch. Catching it early is your best defense. I'm on 6 monthly steroid injections and spending 130 pound a pair of specialist walking shoes. If you nag the NHS eventually you can get orthotics made for you but basically you just need a set off Amazon with some form of strengthening reinforcement around the big toe area to reduce the amount of bending the toe does. Also get your own shoes again either some thing with a rocker sole is quite good or mountain boot style shoes that have very little 'give' in the sole. If you can wear them comfortably DMs are good but I get blisters from them so have to buy more expensive style trainer type hiking / running shoes. Also be prepared to replace every 6 months if you walk as much as we do the inserts and shoes will need replacing regularly. I was told RM shoes were garbage and part of the reason I'm in the state I'm in. So ditch them quick and spend out. Get a GP note and you can claim 35 back from RM for your own shoes. In the last 12 months I have been told by several doctors and nurses that they cannot believe how much we walk and have I considered another job. The final option for me will be fusion surgery but hopefully I can last a few more years before I get there

Good luck

[koolishy67]

Own shoes make difference to me tried all insole even from NHS made to measure but didn't make difference

[DiamondSmiles]

It's the start of arthritis of the toes and it's a bitch. Catching it early is your best defense. I'm on 6 monthly steroid injections and spending 130 pound a pair of specialist walking shoes. If you nag the NHS eventually you can get orthotics made for you but basically you just need a set off Amazon with some form of strengthening reinforcement around the big toe area to reduce the amount of bending the toe does. Also get your own shoes again either some thing with a rocker sole is quite good or mountain boot style shoes that have very little 'give' in the sole. If you can wear them comfortably DMs are good but I get blisters from them so have to buy more expensive style trainer type hiking / running shoes. Also be prepared to replace every 6 months if you walk as much as we do the inserts and shoes will need replacing regularly. I was told RM shoes were garbage and part of the reason I'm in the state I'm in. So ditch them quick and spend out. Get a GP note and you can claim 35 back from RM for your own shoes. In the last 12 months I have been told by several doctors and nurses that they cannot believe how much we walk and have I considered another job. The final option for me will be fusion surgery but hopefully I can last a few more years before I get there

Good luck

Thanks very much for your response, much to ponder.

[Postie3232]

My friend owns a ski shop in the town I live in. About 2 years ago, they got a custom insole fitting machine which scans your feet and produces insoles based on your size. He recommended I should try them since I walk so much at work.

Since getting fitted with these insoles, I have had ZERO foot or leg pain in the last 2 years. I would have often had foot problems from the job but these insoles completely changed everything. The insoles you are wearing are just as, if not more important than the shoe itself.

Would highly recommend any postie to try something similar if they can find it.

[DiamondSmiles]

My friend owns a ski shop in the town I live in. About 2 years ago, they got a custom insole fitting machine which scans your feet and produces insoles based on your size. He recommended I should try them since I walk so much at work.

Since getting fitted with these insoles, I have had ZERO foot or leg pain in the last 2 years. I would have often had foot problems from the job but these insoles completely changed everything. The insoles you are wearing are just as, if not more important than the shoe itself.

Would highly recommend any postie to try something similar if they can find it.

Thanks, you have given me hope that my customs will help when they arrive!