Any podiatrists around?

[Percephone]

I have been told I can self refer back to the podiatry clinic however it will take 2 months and I'm hoping to get sorted before then!

I have orthotic insoles which were made due to me having over pronating feet, flat arches and sore knees. They are fine for walking in but when I exercise the soles of my feet are killing me. I'm talking fairly light impact exercise classes.

I have trainers which were supposed to be for over pronators. I have tried the insoles in them but it seems to hurt my feet more and it seems that the arch support becomes too hight. Without them my feet hurt too.

I'm thinking new shoes are needed. Was thinking of going to a proper running shop to get fitted.

What I'm not sure of is this: am I supposed to wear the orthotic insoles for exercise? They seem quite hard with no give in them. Or is it better to get fitted with a decent pair of shoes? If I wear the insoles for exercise is it better to buy shoes for a 'neutral' foot so that the arch support does not become too high?

Thanks for any advice, I need to lose weight and agony feet are sabotaging my efforts!

bump...

I went to the podiatrist last week for the same thing, flat feet, over pronating etc (been waiting for appointment since July!)
The podiatrist made me some insoles while I waited, she said I was to wear them in all my shoes, I wear trainers to work for comfort and she said I need to wear them in the trainers (they are running shoes)
I know what you mean, they have made my feet ache this week which she said they would as the muscles are moving differently, so I will persevere! Also have to do 50 (!) push ups onto my toes every day, going back in January.

Ok a few issues here: firstly when were you given the orthoses? It takes about six weeks to get used to them. You should gradually increase the amount of time you wear them. Exercising in them too soon can be uncomfortable.
What are the orthoses made of? Hard plastic or soft spongy material? Obviously the harder they are the more durable they are but the longer they take to get used to.
If they are still uncomfortable after 6 weeks then they need altering.
For trainers get a neutral shoe to wear your orthoses in.
I'm surprised the podiatry clinic didn't automatically book you back for a review after six weeks.

Hi, thanks for the responses. I've actually had the orthoses for 12 months. I was just wearing them in my everyday shoes for walking etc and have had no problems. It's just when I exercise that my feet hurt. I have only recently started using them in my trainers for exercise as I have just started exercising again 4 weeks ago. Mine are the hard plastic type. Maybe my shoes are the problem as I have trainers for over pronating? Should I get neutral shoes and try again?

Thanks again.

I had a telephone follow up about 6 weeks after I got them. Things were ok then as I wasn't exercising so I was discharged.

Yes definitely get neutral trainers and try again. Your anti pronatory trainers plus the orthoses are over compensating, excessively supinating isn't helpful and will cause a whole new set of issues.

Ok I will get myself some new trainers and see if that helps. Thanks for the advice!