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Sock Doc WorkshopsZero Drop and Sock Doc have put together a top ten list of why you should avoid orthotics if you really care about your feet – actually if you care about your entire body. Caveat: some extreme foot deformities or injuries may require the assistance of orthotics. But c’mon, for millions of runners and walkers? There’s nothing natural about these artificial accoutrements. Much like the 10 Reasons Not To Stretch, some of these are valid reasons not to wear orthotics, and some are just plain funny, (at least we think so). Please read the main article, Are Orthotics Really Ever Necessary?, before you go nuts with some angry comments.
- Your HMO covers the cost of orthotics despite their inability to ever allow you to run pain-free. How can you pass up these savings?
- Along with stretching, you have read that the best way to stay injury-free is to have a running shoe with additional internal support so that your feet are well-protected.
- You stand on a concrete or wood floor all day long and some unenlightened foot doctor or television infomercial convinced you that hard flat surfaces will wreck your feet and lead to leg and back pain.
- You’re interested in dampening or desensitizing your nervous system and if the orthotics prove so successful, you hope to speed this non-kinesthetic progress by wearing oven mitts when you are at the computer.
- If you are on the short side, your vanity won’t allow you to wear elevator lifts, so you settle for the several millimeters advantage from orthotics.
- You read online somewhere that the new carbon graphite orthotics are lighter and more aerodynamic than those “old wooden models.”
- You’re almost sure you saw a cheetah wearing a set of tree-bark orthotics on some Animal Planet show and since they’re the fastest animal in the world…
- Orthotics were found in the fossil record 5,000,000 years ago.
- (For triathletes) Would you show up for a bike ride with kiddie training wheels?
- Your back aches so you spend all day in a back brace; so why not wear a foot brace when you have foot pain?
Dr. Stephen Gangemi "Sock Doc"
I'm a board-certified chiropractic physician and clinical nutritionist with a passion for true natural health care. I implement dietary & nutritional therapies, exercise & movement practices, and lifestyle changes along with manual therapy techniques to help the body heal and prevent illness and injuries.
Brian says
I hope you saw this today, I’d love to hear what you think. http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/08/why-runners-get-injured/
Sock Doc says
That’s actually from last week, and I have a comment in there on the NY Times page:
“Runners get injured for a variety of reasons, some which Gretchen briefly mentioned such as a poor diet and too much training. But ultimately it all comes down to the biomechanics of the runner, or any athlete for that matter, as the biomechanics are significantly influenced by those very factors – diet, training, and what you wear, (or don’t wear) on your feet.
Muscle imbalances occur when your body is under too much stress. If you’re training too hard or too frequently with inadequate rest, if you’re under too much stress at work or home, if your diet is loaded with refined foods, or if you’re wearing shoes that alter mechanics, then muscle imbalances result and pain and injury follow.
So minimalist-type shoe and barefoot runners will still get injured if they train improperly and live their lives under too much stress, but often they are taking just one more injury-provoking factor out of that injury-prone equation – that of poor footwear.”
Bethany says
Hi there. The information on your site is very enjoyable to read. I have been suffering from sesamoiditis in both feet for about 10 months, after running hill sprints. I have always been active, and I had picked up running and CrossFit the last 4 years…so exercise was not new to me. I have seen three doctors who have all diagnosed sesamoiditis, tight calves, and high arches. I have been told to never walk barefoot, to take ibuprofen and ice, physical therapy, to stretch my calves, and the last doctor did a cortisone injection and prescribed custom orthotics. I have tried OTC orthotics, modified insoles, dancers metatarsal pads, and now these custom orthotics. With every insert I have tried, I have had an increase in foot pain. My sesamoids may feel better for a bit, but another part of my foot starts hurting. I have also had back, hip, knee, glute pain throughout this experience. I would love to learn your perspective on sesamoiditis.
Dr. Stephen Gangemi "Sock Doc" says
Check out the videos and info on plantar fasciitis and the posterior tibialis muscle.
Craig collins says
I have chronic foot promblem s was told to wear orthotics every kind imagine able rigid semi ridgid told I have ridgid flat foot but I have a arch when I pull foot out of shoe barefooted very flat but I seem to be more stable standing bare footed hard floor does not feel the best but currently outside ankles perineal tendons get very sore standing and walking which is a good footwear ridgid shoe
Will says
What about those diagnosed with osteo-arthritis? Most of these reasons seem like quaint little jokes. Now, granted, I would love to walk about pain-free without the orthotics, but they have thus far been a true godsend! And, I’m only 39.
What is the alternative? I enjoy hiking, and my job involves a LOT of walking…
You could cut about 7 of these reasons for mere silliness… and the rest of us would appreciate some honest and intelligent information…
Sock Doc says
Yes Will, a lot of the top 10 list is just for fun, of course, but not all of them and the main post re:orthotics is 100% serious. But I guess you didn’t think that post was honest and intelligent info either, sorry to waste your time.
Good Times.. says
Awesome sense of humor! I was prescribed orthotics as a child and as I get older I have become more and more skeptical of them. Ironically enough, it was a chiropractor who got me started down this long road of misery with all of the foot wear modifications (well intentioned of course). I’ve been experimenting with minimalist shoes and I think that after I have some time to strengthen and adjust that it’ll be the way to go!
Thanks for all the free info sock doc!
Daniel says
Hi There,
I sort of agree with Will in regard to this issue. I was born with very flat feet which gave me a lot of back and knee pain but I still struggled on with 8 years of school boy rugby, and other sport. The only thing that gave me some relief is a rigid orthotic, however jogging as an exercise still hurts me quite a lot so I cycle and hike and I have literally spent over 10K -15k on shoes and orthotics over the years.
The issue for me is no-one with all their fancy degrees and years at college really has any idea how to treat the issue of flat feet, there are so many mixed opinion and I have spent thousands of dollars going to podiatrists who dont have much of an idea past orthotics.
So sock dock what is the answer for me and everyone else with flat feet – Orthotics or Natural? If natural are there any exercises a person can do to strengthen their arch? have you seen anyone recover from flat feet?
I would appreciate your input!
Sock Doc says
This is my article on flat feet: http://www.drgangemi.com/2012/03/flat-feet/.
If anyone out there has actually corrected their FF with orthotics then I say congratulations – you’re a modern-day miracle.
Ron Willson says
My feet started breaking down in Sept. 2012 and were fully broken down to painful flat feet by the end of October. Orthotics, both shoes and custom molded inserts, have been a great relief. Not a cure, and still painful, but will postpone the transition on to braces. If I were to go natural, I’d be in braces in about 3 months or so. There are exceptions to your mantra, actually quite a few of us, and you should at least acknowledge that yes, there are some circumstances where orthotics are actually necessary.
Sock Doc says
Ron, I do that. You should read more than just this one post which is really just some orthotic sarcasm.
NanKat says
Well looks like my closet full of insoles that have not worked~I have Morton’s N. surgery on both feet and left foot twice still came back on the left foot~ I also have a fused ankle on the right leg from a car accident in 78~I wear Birkenstocks in the house which have taken the pain away from both feet and cured Planter fas. in left foot! I want to try to do what you suggest but kinda scared to get the pain back ~I have been wearing Birkenstock inserts for several months in my running shoes which feel awesome but now I have had tailbone pain lately. Do you think I would benefit just wearing my asics without the birk insert~ I really think your right ~my old Orthopod did not like junk in the shoe either his words not mine. I just fear the morton pain! I love to walk and man it hurts without anything~~Thanx
Sock Doc says
Please read this; thanks!
https://sock-doc.com/sock-doc-questions-comments/
Henry says
After 70 years of pain and orthodics due to flat feet, got rid of the orthodics as well as the pain.
Mansi shah says
Hello,
My 3 year old son has flat feet. Often complains of feet pain also leg pain. Is that due to flat feet. Can u suggest me a perfect matter where I can find answers to all the dos and donts. And what can I do more to help him at this early age
Sock Doc says
See here for more info: http://www.drgangemi.com/kids/healthy-active-barefoot-kids/
Melody says
Hi, I’m 13 years old and was thinking of getting insolses so that my feet would stop running all of my shoes. They always bend outwards, my mum has the same problem.
What do you think?
Dr. Stephen Gangemi "Sock Doc" says
I am not a fan of insoles as you can see by reading the many (orthotic) articles on this site.
Mike says
What about gluten-free orthotics. Are they helpful?
Dr. Stephen Gangemi "Sock Doc" says
There’s a marketing idea!
Frank jeffries says
Many have been aided by properly made orthotics. Watch what you say Doc, your making Chiropractic look stupid as many of us use foot orthoses with happy clients. Check your ego, your saying foolish things, I thought you were a gym trainer or something not a Doc when I first started reading your comments.
Dr. Stephen Gangemi "Sock Doc" says
There’s no ego. Hopefully you read the articles on this site and understand why orthotics work, and what patients “benefit” from them. I am actually trying to make chiropractic, and those in the healing arts look SMART and educated, and respected by doing what we are supposed to be doing – healing our patients naturally and getting them to move well again naturally, not with artificial supports that alter proprioception, mechanoreceptors, and kinesthetic sense.
Brian says
You are “actually trying to make chiropractic, and those in the healing arts look SMART and educated?” Wow.. you, sir, have just done the opposite. The problem with chiropractors these days is that they think they have the answer for everything. My last visit to a holistic chiropractor involved him lightly tugging on a few areas of my feet and arms, a brief massage, and a bill for $150. I feel that Chiropractors are simply looking for new ways to sell snake oil. Most of them are a bunch of hacks. The only one I really trust anymore is an old school chiro who still isn’t afraid to adjust the spine, and tells his patients to move and stretch as much as possible. So… Sock Doc… cut the crap. Chiro isn’t the answer to everything. And, if you are really telling people that it is… you are doing a fraudulent disservice to your patients. A good pair of well-fitted orthotics are very beneficial to many people.
Sylvia says
What if you only wear orthotics at the gym (cardio: Zumba and cardio kickboxing, elliptical)? I wore wrong shoes (thin Nike runners and women’s flats) in gym and outside 2 years ago for a month and my feet were messed up. Took 2 months to feel better (can’t recall if it was arches, calves, etc.). Eventually, I got medical orthotics for the gym when I didn’t have pain anymore (not that I recall), but wore very old running shoes for 2 years, and with trial and error got new gym Asics runners, but arch was achy so I put in the orthotics. Got New Balance cross trainers too, but they’re not comfortable enough for kickboxing.
Do you think I ruined my feet from wearing old runners and/or orthotics too long? I just bought Superfeet orthotics for the cross trainers. I don’t wear orthotics in everyday shoes, but do like them cushioned. Sorry for long details, but think gives better understanding.
Dr. Stephen Gangemi "Sock Doc" says
There are no exceptions. Please read the other “serious” articles regarding orthotics on this site!
Scott Keim says
I have been suffering from “flat feet”, fallen arches , not sure on correct terms after talking to chiropractors, doctors,etc. . I’m 54, type 2 diabetic (no insulin), 6 2′, 180#. Always been active, LOTS of roadwork from boxing. NOW it KILLS me to be on my feet for more than 4-5 hours a day! Been moving freight for 30+ years, VERY physical job. ANYTIME I have to carry heavy objects or I step on something that is not on level ground it sends a shooting pain all the way up my leg to my back. I have tried every insole I could find. Nothing helps. PLEASE HELP! Scott in Montana
Dr. Stephen Gangemi "Sock Doc" says
Hi – sorry the closest I’ve got a sock-doc trained doc is in ID: https://systemshealthcare.net/find-a-practitioner/
WILLIAM W RICHARDSON says
I WAS BORN WITH FLAT FEET! I’M EXPERENCING PAIN IN MY ARCHES NOW AND DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO!
Chris says
Doc, I’ve been reading your articles about plantar fasciitis, orthotics and going barefoot. I’m 6-2, 235lbs and a 51 yr old Army Veteran. My feet are a mess! My aches collapsed on me in 2007 during my deployment to Iraq. Not fun when you’re wearing all that kit(55-65 lbs of armor, ammo and water). I now overpronate. I wear motion control shoes or supportive shoes with orthotics. Most of the time with no relief. I’ve tried zero drop shoes and they make my feet feel worse. I have a podiatrist who gives the opposite advice you recommend against. One thing I don’t really see you address is the over pronation. Now that my body has compensated I don’t think there is a corrective action for the pronation. So what is a guy to do? Listen to a chiropractor or my podiatrist? You’re both opposed to each other in opinion and treatment and I’m damn tired of my feet always aching. Help!
Dr. Stephen Gangemi "Sock Doc" says
Well you gotta go with what you think is going to work best for you. I obviously think that the more you add to your footwear the worst things will be. You can’t go right from orthotics and foot support to zero drop – that’s a recipe for disaster. Follow the advice I give on this site and give it time. Slowly transition a little bit each week. You’ve still got the years to correct your feet now or be hobbling around like a grumpy old man in pain all day wearing his corrective braces with a walking cane.