Shoe issues. High arches, plantar faciitis, heel pain

[wolfyand1]

I had issues with heels on just about every shoe out there and got a pair of ECCO Hybrid 4 and they are just the best. THey have a removeable insole if you want, but I think the Euro sizing is better to dial in size. 

[kingbing]

If you’re interested in Footjoy, the best shoe they offer for high arches is the Tour X.  I believe there is a replacement for 2022, so the Tour X may be on sale.

[agolfman]

Been there, done that, have many T shirts.

 

Two things: read the blog from the Angry Orthodpod (https://angryorthopod.com) and start his stretching recommendations. 
 

Here’s the thing it has in common with golf. You’ll need to commit seriously to putting in the work and then do it regularly. It works, period. 
 

High calf stretching is the issue in many cases and those that don’t have success in stretching may not be doing it properly (just my own guess here). it was a game changer for me…good luck and please update us!

[agolfman]

I should add one more thing: stop walking around bare footed.  Find some slides with arch supports and wear them relentlessly.  I found that these alleviated a lot of the pain day in and out.  Hope your making some progress!

[extrastiff]

On 1/11/2022 at 9:59 AM, agolfman said:

I should add one more thing: stop walking around bare footed.  Find some slides with arch supports and wear them relentlessly.  I found that these alleviated a lot of the pain day in and out.  Hope your making some progress!

Respectfully, many believe that strengthening is far more beneficial than creating a crutch for the arch.  

 

https://www.medbridgeeducation.com/blog/2016/07/so-you-walk-like-a-duck-the-evolution-of-the-collapsed-arch/

“As a society, we are essentially slapping a Band-Aid on the symptoms of a collapsed arch. We are merely bolstering crumbling keystones with our padded shoes and custom orthotics. “

 

 

 

 

[Righty to Lefty]

You have to find shoes and solutions that help to retrain your foot to land properly while you also fix the body to help solve why it was landing improperly as you will need both to fix the issue long term.  I found a solution in the unlikeliest of places...tennis shoes....like literal tennis shoes for playing tennis.  This shoe literally changed my life and I will never buy another pair of running shoes ever again.  Tennis shoes provide way more support than running shoes and that makes sense when you think about the demands of each. A tennis shoe will need much more lateral support than a running shoe. 

 

The first thing these shoes did is ensure that my foot lands properly because of the camber on the back part of the heel. This was huge for me as my foot would usually land towards the outside of my heel and then roll onto the outside of my foot which was basically overriding my orthotic and causing stress on my ankles, knees, low back etc. and on up the chain.  The next critical part of the equation is shown here: 

These shoes have an extension to the sole that blocks the foot from rolling to the outside and this was huge for me as it completed the entire process where my foot was forced to land properly and also complete the rest of the step properly and this now allowed the orthotic to function properly.  I always closely monitor the wear pattern on the bottom of my shoes and now my shoes wear evenly across the sole and the same on both shoes whereas before my shoes would wear only towards the outer part of the sole. 

 

The downside to this is that there is a time where the body is getting used to this adjustment and my ankles, calves, and hips where trying to shift in to a better position and this can be quite uncomfortable.  Just like I remember the agony of correcting a pinched nerve I had in my back where the process to get everything back into proper orientation was just about as painful as the pinched nerve was if not more!  That being said once everything was back in place I feel so much better. Also remember that most of the time pain in one location is caused by a deficiency in another. I had to really grind on my calves and hamstrings before my foot pain went away fully.  My calves were so tight that they wouldn't allow my foot to strike the ground properly so also keep that in mind as you address the issue.  Best of luck. R to L

[Phabs]

On 12/5/2021 at 11:42 PM, extrastiff said:

Sorry the snark and reply turned me on, couldn’t help myself.....

 

Rollers, taped lacrosse balls? Acupuncture and Bands?

 

maybe u missed the part where I said strengthen, or never had a good physical therapist show you some weighted negatives for targeted high muscle atrophy. 
 

A weighted vest and a curb to stand on is Probably closer and cheaper that that cryo-thingymabob ur going to have to “move” towards before the end of your day. Ymmv. But If ur into throwing money at stuff, which you no doubt very much are after all the tricks you’ve invested in, I think you Will really enjoy the surgery. You’ll especially enjoy Paying the physical therapist a ton of money to show you exercises that you could’ve just done before the surgery.

 

OK I promise that’s the last I have to say as long as you promise not to be so alluring when you reply

So what strengthening can you do for this? Calf raises etc?

[extrastiff]

On 1/16/2022 at 12:21 AM, Phabs said:

So what strengthening can you do for this? Calf raises etc?

Yes, but My physical therapist recommended that if pain is present, negatives are a safer option to start. So when it comes to calf raises, you would go up on both feet, at whatever speed, but then lower down on one foot as slow as physically possible. Like, millimeter slow(on a block or stair so can lower past parallel). Medium effort every day, rather than one intense workout then taking a day off. Body weight should be sufficient, but can add weighted vest if it’s available. Not necessary. Once pain is gone, then can progress to single leg calf raises and negatives. 
 

There are other workouts with bands and such, but much more complicated. I’d assume therapist would only recommend them if goal is high level/competitive athletics. The calf negatives potentially will deal with arch pain after week or two depending on severity.
 

There are many that recommend occasionally walking barefoot in the house, and other things, But I’ve never had a therapist recommend that to me personally so I cannot relay any recommendations there. 
 

Every physical therapist I’ve worked with Has recommended that I stay away from orthotics and things of that nature, their reasoning being the same as the article I posted earlier. It is a crutch, not a fix. They also recommended that I make sure my “drop” (basically the distance of my heel to the ground) is consistent throughout my footwear. Having basketball shoes with a significant amount of cushioning And drop, and then switching to flip-flops, was basically causing some issues. They suggested that if my foot was very strong it would be less of an issue, but may still causing some issues. I have since switched to astral zero drop shoes, And I wear them pretty consistently throughout my activities

Edited January 17, 2022 by extrastiff

[crazygolfnut]

I have flat feet which have hurt for years and after stepping in a hole while walking on the course one day, I went and had two sets of custom orthotics made.  I was in a boot and rehab took about two months.  One orthotic stays in my everyday show and the other I use in my golf shoes.  I have about 6 pair of Footjoy golf shoes and never wear the same shoe two days in a row.  The orthotics have really helped. 

[golfinrig24]

I have the same issues high arch and walk heavy on heels and planter fasciitis. 

I found switching to the FJ TOUR S was the best move along with my custom orthotics. I find the heels are deeper and I can lock my heel in when I tie them up When my heel doesn't slip my day walking is better.

 

[gents15]

On 12/4/2021 at 5:18 PM, naws-golfer said:

 

Never tried Ecco, but Im Down to try anything, except maybe sketchers. Actually right now I’d try anything.

 

If a pair of Sketchers could take 5 strokes off my game and cure all my foot and back pain permanently, I still wouldn’t wear them, the cost is just too high. 

[DeacLaw05]

I have had issues with plantar fasciitis the past couple of years.  I like to walk the majority of my rounds as well, so finding the right pair of shoes was an issue.  The stability of the FJ Premiere series does OK for me, but the easiest walk is in the FJ Hyperflex.  The Stratofoam footbeds in those make them like walking on pillows.  Thinking about adding a pair of the Stratos since they use the same tech.

[grat702]

I'm a podiatrist and yes I also recommend Brooks shoes.  For golf I wear Ecco.  Not saying other brands won't work.  Also IMO the best OTC insert is called Powersteps (can get off Amazon for $30).  Make sure you take the existing inserts out of your shoe and put the new one in.  Custom orthotics are great but can get pricey, I have all my patients try the OTC before going for customs though.

 

[grat702]

BTW anyone with plantar fasciitis or heel pain should get good shoes and the treatment that usually works is stretching.  Sounds simple, dumb, but usually works (sometimes steroid injxn or oral steroid to go along with the stretching).

Here is a link to a website with the stretches, the first 3 are the best.  Also the very first stretch, with the towel, do that in bed before you even put your feet to the ground.

 

https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.plantar-fasciitis-exercises.ad1503

[naws-golfer]

On 1/31/2022 at 10:08 PM, grat702 said:

BTW anyone with plantar fasciitis or heel pain should get good shoes and the treatment that usually works is stretching.  Sounds simple, dumb, but usually works (sometimes steroid injxn or oral steroid to go along with the stretching).

Here is a link to a website with the stretches, the first 3 are the best.  Also the very first stretch, with the towel, do that in bed before you even put your feet to the ground.

 

https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.plantar-fasciitis-exercises.ad1503

Finally, someone helpful!

 

I did get some ecco's and tried them today. Really comfortable, a step up indeed

[Shilgy]

Unlike the old Jordan commercial….it’s not the shoes.  As you guessed it is the insoles.  These are the best I’ve found for plantar issues.

 

 

[Nihonsei75]

On 12/5/2021 at 12:02 AM, wallymann said:

Try Icebug footbeds, replace OEM insoles. I go with the high arch option. They do the business.

 

https://icebug.com/icebuginsoles

I just got 404'd, will do a search. 

[caniac6]

On 1/31/2022 at 10:01 PM, grat702 said:

I'm a podiatrist and yes I also recommend Brooks shoes.  For golf I wear Ecco.  Not saying other brands won't work.  Also IMO the best OTC insert is called Powersteps (can get off Amazon for $30).  Make sure you take the existing inserts out of your shoe and put the new one in.  Custom orthotics are great but can get pricey, I have all my patients try the OTC before going for customs though.

 

Not Plantar Fasciitis, but Peroneal Tendonitis. I wear ASICS Gel Kayano off course, and Ecco Biom H4 on the course. I have an appointment to get fit for orthotics this week, and wonder if it’s worth it. I really prefer to walk, but have been riding do to my foot and the heat. The foot feels ok when playing, but really hurts on side hill or other severe lies.

[bluedot]

Opinion from a 73 year old who walks almost all rounds, was a runner for 50 years, and has had plantar fasciitis in both feet as well as Morton’s neuroma.

 

Shoes are about the fit for your particular foot.  I can wear Ecco and ASICS; I can’t wear Nike or most FJs.  That’s about comfort.

 

But there is NO shoe that will help with conditions like plantars or Morton’s; that is 100% a matter dealt with by therapy and orthotics.  If you have those conditions, stop hoping that a particular shoe will fix it; that won’t happen.  Whether you use OTC orthotics like Super Feet or Sole, or go to a doctor to be custom fit, that and PT are the path forward.

[Bad9]

19 minutes ago, bluedot said:

If you have those conditions, stop hoping that a particular shoe will fix it; that won’t happen.  Whether you use OTC orthotics like Super Feet or Sole, or go to a doctor to be custom fit, that and PT are the path forward.

 

Preach on brother! The PT is the most important IMHO.

[geesecougar2]

See a podiatrist and get custom orthotics. If needed, walk in a walking boot for two weeks to let it heal. 

 

That's what I did and it solved my terrible plantars. You might need to get new shoes that fit with the orthotics, not sure if that's a positive or negative lol

[grat702]

19 hours ago, geesecougar2 said:

See a podiatrist and get custom orthotics. If needed, walk in a walking boot for two weeks to let it heal. 

 

That's what I did and it solved my terrible plantars. You might need to get new shoes that fit with the orthotics, not sure if that's a positive or negative lol

This is the way

Edited July 22 by grat702

[VNutz]

I'm just about out of my plantar fascitis, having dealt with it for about the past year+. Mine came on slowly last spring, which I attributed simply to my feet feeling tired and sore from being on my feet many more hours than normal in coaching, and likely in bad shoes. Once I realized what was happening it was too late. From the time I started treating it until now has been 12 months, with the first 4 months being the worst. I'd say since the New Year I've been progressing steadily to the point I no longer consider it now but still feel it occasionally.

 

I did not consult a doctor because it wasn't something that hindered my life too much, just more of a nuisance. What was useful, for me, was to be aggressive with it early on. I did the ice treatment nightly, did calf/foot stretches with rubber bands, and even bought an overnight brace similar to a sleeping boot. Once I got to a point where the pain was no longer increasing I was less aggressive and simply let it heal its way back. One of the bigger things for me was changing up my daily shoe rotation. No more nice but uncomfortable work shoes, and was allowed to go to a softer sole which made a ton of difference. I do think getting rid of shoes that are old that have lost their cushion is crucial, as is replacing worn insoles. 

 

I realize my case was likely mild, but there is hope. Eventually one day you don't even think about it anymore, and then you realize you're done or almost done. Best of luck to all. It's hard to understand how much you under appreciate simple health until you get to a spot where every step brings pain.