Question:
I have hindfoot varus which resulted in ankle surgery for a torn peroneal brevis tendon. My surgeon recommended orthotics to help prevent future problems. Would you recommend the heel wedge or the lateral sole insert?
Thanks
Answer:
Think of rearfoot varus being broken down into two categories. We describe these categories as compensated (flexible) or uncompensated (rigid). Although part of your rearfoot varus can be at the level of the ankle, there's a joint just below the ankle called the subtalar joint that is the primary spot where inversion (rearfoot varus) and eversion (rearfoot valgus) takes place. Over time, as your injury matures, you're going to progress from compensated varus at the subtalar joint to a more rigid (uncompensated) subtalar joint.
In the early injury, with a compensated subtalar joint, devices like the rubber heel wedges, premium heel wedges, and the lateral sole wedges will work really well. As the injury matures and the subtalar joint becomes uncompensated, you'll see them become less effective. You eventually get to the point where you need to anchor the foot to the leg with a brace like an AFO.
So will the red rubber heel wedges or lateral sole wedges work? Probably. Just depends upon where you are in the progression of the rearfoot varus.
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Question:
I have had flat feet since birth. When I spend a lot of time on my feet they get sore easily. Would the heel wedges help if I used them with an arch support?
Answer:
The heel wedges could be beneficial with an added arch support. The wedges will help by straightening the position of the heel.
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Question:
Do these work in all shoes? What about heels?
Answer:
Heel wedges will work in all shoes with an enclosed heel. I'm sure you could use them in sandals with an open heel but you'd have to glue them in place and they'd be very obvious. The best shoe for heel wedges is going to be a traditional, lace up Oxford. They will work in heels. The problem with heels is that the shoe is more about fashion than function. They'll work in heels but the effect of the heel wedge would be greatly diminished.
Question:
If the heel on my shoe is already worn down, will these pads still work or do I have to go out and buy new shoes?
Answer:
If the outer heel is worn, just have a shoe repair shop repair the heel so that you can start fresh with the heel wedge. But if the heel counter (the walls of the shoe surrounding the heel) is worn down, then it'd be best to start with a new shoe or boot.
Question:
So where do I put them? If I'm wearing an orthotic does this pad go under the orthotic?
Answer:
Right, exactly. And if you have a removable insole in the shoe (called the sock liner), remove the insole and put the heel wedge under the insole, then replace the insole. In most cases, having the insole on top of the heel wedge will hold the heel wedge in place. If not, just put a small drop of adhesive on the bottom of the heel wedge to hold it in place. And adhesive like Gorilla Glue works very well.
Question:
I have two questions: 1. I have knee pain on the outside of my right knee even though I supinate with both feet. Is it okay to wear just one heel wedge? 2. I wear size 8-81/2 shoes. Is that a "medium" wedge?
Answer:
Heel wedges are primarily used to control the position of the heel and its relationship to pronation (flattening of the foot). Although the position of the foot will indeed influence the knee, it's difficult to comment as to whether the use of the heel wedge will effect your knee pain. Yes, you can wear one wedge at a time (unilateral). There's minimal lift to the wedges, therefore the heel wedges will have minimal effect on relative leg length. 8-8 1/2 would be size small.
Question:
My doctor ordered "medial heel wedges 6 degree". Will your medium size heel wedges provide 6 degree lift?
Answer:
Upon measuring them, it looks like the degree of lift is between 7 and 9 degrees.
Question:
How does the heel wedge fit securely in the shoe? Or how does it stay stationary?
Answer:
You can place the Rubber Heel Wedge in your shoe either by putting them underneath your insole or by using adhesive to bond them in place.
Question:
I need a 1/4" lateral heel wedge in womens's. What should I buy?
Answer:
The medium and large size Rubber Heel Wedges are 1/4 inch thick (the small is only 1/8 inch), so either one would work for you. Unless you have a large foot, the medium would be best for most women.
Question:
My shoes wear out on the outside heel, how would I insert these into my shoe to prevent this from happening?
Answer:
You simply place them on the outside edge of your heel, underneath your insole. Our Rubber Heel Wedges are best used underneath your shoe's insole. Because they are made of rubber, they can stay in place between the sole and insole of your shoe. However, you can use double-sided tape or any kind of adhesive to keep them securely in place in you wish.
Question:
Is it possible for shoe repairs to cut the inside heel of my 5inch wedges, i'm only 5ft5 and insecure about my height! As i am already tall i dont want the heels to make me look any taller then i already am. Is there any way of making my heels shorter from the inside legitly?! i want to look like its the wedges that makes me look tall Please let me know will mean alot, thanks!
Answer:
Each pain of shoes would differ. You’d have to speak directly to a shoe repair shop or pedorthist. One suggestion; find a shoe repair shop that indicates they can help you, go to buy your shoes but before you wear them, take them to the shop to see if they would be willing to modify them. If not, you can still return the shoe for a refund.
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