• Thanks for stopping by. Logging in to a registered account will remove all generic ads. Please reach out with any questions or concerns.

Insoles - Cost of Orthotics

qor556 said:
Yes, their gel insoles work great...and they are moderately cheap, like 20$

Yea.. I'm not sure how well they work with boots, or if that would make a difference, but they do work well with running shoes.





Are you gellin'?
 
RossF said:
Are you gellin'?

Actually I did, bought a pair half way through BMQ last summer and have been using them until recently, had to switch to orthopedic insoles. I know a few guys who are using them also and have heard no complaints. They feel good on those long ruck marches... and yes I did use them in my running shoes too. Worked well.
 
I put my foot problems off to just "normal" pain, you know "mind over matter" when it got to the point where I thought both of my heels had been shattered I figured I should get some help. Off I went to a chiropractor, who does the exact same gait scan and fitting procedures as the podiatrist folks for 1/2 the price. Anyhow, ends up I'm horribly flat footed and had done extensive damage, to the point where we were talking surgery on both feet. I had custom orthotics made and knocked off a few pounds, and now my feet are mostly normal. So what's the point? If your feet are causing you pain, go see a medical professional before it's too late, it could end your career by buying those off the shelf insoles. These are the insoles I wear, you can get any kind, I have the cushioning for normal wear, the skate flex for hockey and the run flex for athletics.
http://www.theorthoticgroup.com/TOG-Products-CustomOrthotics.html
 
Dr. Scholls' gel insoles work very well, they have taken their fair share of beatings from me but have served me well, I've had a couple pairs of them, and will continue to wear them.
 
Okay I went to the Medics, and they gave me some blue insoles, lol and second skin for my huge a** blisters. 
Acid test comes tomorrow, going on a ruck march.  But they weren't bad for walking around in, they said if I'm still hurting come back and then they'll send me to the othopedist.
 
SOLE Custom Footbeds.  All the way.  I have used every manner of insole both in the Military and Law Enforcement, and nothing compares.  I even went so far as to get perscription orthotics after experiencing foot pain.  I gave the SOLE's a shot, and haven't looked back.  Heat molded to your feet, they are a custom fit.  Worth every penny at about $35.
 
As a member of the Regular Force (or a reservist on Class C service or Class B service over 180 days) you are entitled to 2 pairs of orthotic insoles every 18 months from the CF Health Services. Provided you have a medical condition that causes you gait to vary from the normal 5 degrees of pronation. High arches (as well as low arches and flat feet) is one of these conditions. If you are experiencing pain in your feet, you may want to go see a Medical Officer who can give you a referral to a foot specialist.
 
As a Chaplain.. I have to post this


http://in-souls.com/index2.html


Yup... these are the insoles you need... they'll do wonders for your spirit.
Don't know how they work on your arches...    ;D ;D ;D ;)
 
I have had my orthotics for a few weeks and love them!! I shelled out $350 and was reimbursed for all but $60.

I have been using them in my sneakers and love them!!!! My feet feel wonderful. Best money I have shelled out in a long time.
 
My problem is actually really, really simple. When I run without orthotics, get crippling shin splints. Run with orthotics, get extremely bad pains in my lower back.

What's a 19 year old with military aspirations to do? Seriously, anyone else experience anything like this or know how I might solve the problem?

I think if I run without orthotics, my shin splints will eventually go away when my muscles toughen up a little more. Besides, I can't wear orthotics in basic training anyways, I'm aware of this, but I was just wondering how I should go about getting my muscular strength and endurance up while running, and what would be the best bet.
 
R_Collins said:
My problem is actually really, really simple. When I run without orthotics, get crippling shin splints. Run with orthotics, get extremely bad pains in my lower back.

What's a 19 year old with military aspirations to do? Seriously, anyone else experience anything like this or know how I might solve the problem?

I think if I run without orthotics, my shin splints will eventually go away when my muscles toughen up a little more. Besides, I can't wear orthotics in basic training anyways, I'm aware of this, but I was just wondering how I should go about getting my muscular strength and endurance up while running, and what would be the best bet.

Step 1) get new orthotics.  Orthotics should help your feet, knees, hips and spine... and if made correctly, can do this weather you run or walk.

Step 2) wear your new Orthotics all the time.

Shin splints can cause serious damage, and usually get worse before they get better.


Before someone jumps on me for staying in lanes:  My father is a Pedorthist (they make orthotics).  I've worn orthotics since before I can remember, and I've picked up a lot from the old man while working in his shop...  Here's his website  WWW.EAPOD.COM (he gives military discounts and deals directly with VAC and Blue cross... [/shameless plug])
 
almost everyone on my BMQ wore orthotics, they would just keep them in the pair of combats they were wearing.

i dont see why your not allowed to, isnt it in the army's best interest to keep its soldiers in the best condition they can?
 
mckee19 said:
almost everyone on my BMQ wore orthotics, they would just keep them in the pair of combats they were wearing.

i dont see why your not allowed to, isnt it in the army's best interest to keep its soldiers in the best condition they can?

You are allowed to...  No one said you're not.  Infact, both VAC and DND (through blue cross) pay for Othosis as prescribed by your MO (Class C / Reg F only).

For the Reservists, you can try to claim orthotics, but it's a bit of an up hill battle.


Either way, orthotics should cause you no pain, running or otherwise.

 
RHFC_piper said:
You are allowed to...  No one said you're not.  Infact, both VAC and DND (through blue cross) pay for Othosis as prescribed by your MO (Class C / Reg F only).

Long term Class B are provided with orthotics as well.  Also, if you have a lower extremity injury attributable to service, you may be entitled regardless of your class of service.

For the Reservists, you can try to claim orthotics, but it's a bit of an up hill battle.

Most provincial health plans will cover prescribed orthotics.  If not, you can always submit the cost on your income tax return and at least get something back.
 
Haggis said:
Long term Class B are provided with orthotics as well.  Also, if you have a lower extremity injury attributable to service, you may be entitled regardless of your class of service.

Most provincial health plans will cover prescribed orthotics.  If not, you can always submit the cost on your income tax return and at least get something back.


I didn't know about the class B bit, but injuries due to service do entitle you to a lot... I know that from direct exp. ;)

As for provincial health care plans; There's a lot of red tape and bureaucracy, and not all orthosis are covered.  "Orthotic" is a very generic term; there are many different types for many different conditions and health plans can be very picky about it.  There's a lot to it, and I'm not going to go into all the details, but it gets murky when Doctors and medical technicians try to deal with bureaucrats and government insurance agencies. (my folks deal with that crap on a daily basis and I get to hear about it weekly... )

Either way, it's all much easier if you get a prescription for the orthosis. Then it's an official medical correctional device, and not just a comfort item (the difference can cost you a lot of $$$)

 
Funny, I got mine prescribed by a podiatrist who used this foam brick thing to shape my orthotics, which were then sent in as a mold. I don't see how they could have been made incorrectly. I'll try running with specific running shoes purchased from the Running Room before I cry foul and get new orthotics.

And just so you know, the shoes I used the orthotics in are actually the same running shoes (brooks I believe...) provided by the military. I received them on my attempt at ROTP last summer and hadn't used them until I started running lately.
 
R_Collins said:
Funny, I got mine prescribed by a podiatrist who used this foam brick thing to shape my orthotics, which were then sent in as a mold. I don't see how they could have been made incorrectly. I'll try running with specific running shoes purchased from the Running Room before I cry foul and get new orthotics.

And just so you know, the shoes I used the orthotics in are actually the same running shoes (brooks I believe...) provided by the military. I received them on my attempt at ROTP last summer and hadn't used them until I started running lately.

NEVER scrimp on shoes.  Even the best made orthotics will fail you in crappy shoes.  And, as RHFC_piper said, wear them all the time.  If you need 'em to run, then you need 'em to walk, too.
 
R_Collins said:
Funny, I got mine prescribed by a podiatrist who used this foam brick thing to shape my orthotics, which were then sent in as a mold. I don't see how they could have been made incorrectly. I'll try running with specific running shoes purchased from the Running Room before I cry foul and get new orthotics.

That's how my father makes them too... but there's much more to it than just cast, pour and mold.. corrections have to be made.  My father uses a computer system to analyze gait and motion of the foot and then corrects the posture of the foot, gradually, by making corrections in the shape of the orthotic.

You should be able to take your orthotic back to the Podiatrist and have them adjust the orthotic based on what you tell them and a better analysis of your gait and posture. 

You shouldn't get shin splints from running if you're wearing a corrective orthosis, and you should definitely wear the orthosis if you feel pain in your back with out it. 
The shin splints are your body's way of telling you something is slightly out of alignment in your gait. Back pain is a good indication of a more serious misalignment which could be occurring anywhere from the hips down.
The orthotics may just need a simple adjustment.

R_Collins said:
And just so you know, the shoes I used the orthotics in are actually the same running shoes (brooks I believe...) provided by the military. I received them on my attempt at ROTP last summer and hadn't used them until I started running lately.

Try getting running shoe specifically designed for running, with extra depth to accommodate orthotics;  New Balance and Saucony are good for depth and are great for running... lot's of ankle support, traction, balance and soft soles. 
Shin Splints can also be a sign of poor ankle support and/or a rigid shoe. If you're really concerned with comfort during a run, and want to continue running, I'd suggest investing in a decent pair of running shoes... try the orthotics in them and go from there.
 
Back
Top