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 premium 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
red rubber 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.
Hope this helps.
Jeff
Jeffrey A. Oster, DPM
Medical Director
Myfootshop.com
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Question:
Do these have to be worn under my current insole? Some of my shoes do not have enough room for two inserts.
Answer:
These can be worn as a replacement insole or under your current insole. Either way works!
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Question:
I would like to purchase the Lateral Sole Wedge Inserts, but I am a big woman. How long will these last for me?
Answer:
The heel and arch support are made of very stiff foam. It's hard to say how long they will last for a bigger person.
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Question:
I placed an order for Lateral sole wedge inserts. I really need medial sole wedge insoles. Do you provide these, too? I flip the lateral sole wedge but it's not a great fit as you can imagine.
Answer:
Thanks so much for your question and your order for Lateral Sole Wedge Inserts. We do not sell, nor do I think a medial wedge insert is made. This is because arch supports, arch cookies and heel wedges are usually used as a medial support to keep the foot from rolling inward.
Question:
Is there a break in period for lateal sole wedges?
Answer:
For most users, no. But be prepared to break them in like you would a new pair of shoes or a new pair of orthotics. Wear them for an hour or so the first day and gradually increase your duration of wear until you're comfortable.
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Question:
How thick is the the lateral wedge insole?
Answer:
The Lateral Sole Wedge is 1/4 inch at the thickest art of the wedge.
Question:
1. If pain is on the inner side of the knee, on what side should the higher side of the wedge be placed? 2. What is the angle of the wedge- 5 degrees?
Answer:
I’m not sure of the degree of angle that the lateral sole wedge creates, but the maximal thickness of the wedge is 1/4". If your knee pain is in the medial compartment, you’d be wise to wear the wedge at the lateral aspect of the shoe. Doing so will have a tendency to increase load to the lateral knee and off-load the medial component of the knee.
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Question:
I wear orthotics. Should the lateral sole wedge inserts go into the shoe on top of or under the orthotics? Should I wear both even though I am concerned with only the R foot? Can I order just one? Can I order 2R and 0 left?
Answer:
I think that you would be more comfortable if the Lateral Sole Wedge is placed underneath your orthotic, since the bottom of it would sit more solidly against the base of your shoe. Whether you should wear both depends solely on your comfort - usually if you only wear one insert, it can affect your back and/or hips and cause aches and pain. But if it doesn't hurt, then wearing only one would be okay. Also, they are only sold as a pair - unfortunately, we can't sell you just 2 right ones. But flip the right over and you get a left, so two left or two right? Can do.
Question:
I am a true Men's 9 1/2, so would you suggest I get the medium or the large? Can you give me the lengths of each size?
Answer:
Small: 10.25" Medium: 11" Large: 11.5" XL: 12" XXL: 12.5" They are also trimmable with scissors. I'd shoot for the small.
Question:
I have peroneal tendonitis. Can I put these in my running shoes?
Answer:
Yes- the Lateral Sole Wedge Inserts work well in running shoes. If you can lift the insole out of your running shoe and place this underneath, you would have the benefit of the lateral sole wedge and any arch that your insole comes with.
Question:
Does the wedge insert vary depending which side of your knee the pain is coming from
Answer:
No. The wedge is lateral and can only help with medial copartmant pain of the knee.
Question:
I am a size 10 1/2 4E. Should I get the large (Mens 10-11) or the the x-large (Mens 12-13) and trim it down?
Answer:
The widths are both the same (appx. 3.75 inches), so I think the Large would suit your size best, since it is for Mens 10-11.
Question:
I already wear inserts for heel pain. But i tend to roll my running shoes to the outside on both feet, could i wear these under the inserts?
Answer:
The Lateral Sole Wedge is designed to be worn under insoles and orthotics; it just depends on how much room your shoe has, and whether they can both fit comfortably.
Question:
I have orthodics that have a lateral lift on the left insert and none on the right insert. This has helped with knee pain I have on the medial side of my left knee. Could you sell me a pair of inserts with the lateral lift just on the left insert?
Answer:
We can't sell you a pair of 2 lefts, but you could simply flip the right one upside-down and use it as a left.
Question:
Can you sell me a pair of inserts with the wedge on the left one and no wedge on the right one?
Answer:
We can only sell the Lateral Sole Wedge Inserts as a pair. However, you can take the right one and flip it over to use as a left insert in another pair of shoes.
Question:
It appears that I have a forefoot valgus, would you recommend this product for me? I have a a Don Joy Arch Rival insert with a metatarsal indentation (it doesn't appear to have the wedge the inventor suggested for subtle cavus foot) that I have run in for the last week which seems to be working, but the lateral sole wedge seems to have a smoother transition.
Answer: The lateral sole wedge would certainly be useful for forefoot valgus. I’m not sure if you’d be able to use it in conjunction with the Arch Rival or not. That’s something that you’re going to have to play with a bit. But the concept of the sub one cut out on the Arch Rival and the lateral sole wedge are certainly complimentary. No reason why they wouldn’t work well together.
Question:
I may need more than a fourth inch lateral wedge .....can I use two? also my foot is very wide at the fifth metatarsal base..... how wide is it at mid-foot?
Answer:
You can use 2 Lateral Sole Wedges if they will fit in your shoe. Also, here are the widths of all sizes at the widest point (mid-foot):
Small 3 3/8”
Med 3 1/2”
Large 3 5/8”
Xl 3/ 3/4”
XXl 4”
Question:
How often do the wedge inserts need to be replaced? or, how long do they last?
Answer:
The Lateral Sole Wedge Inserts should be replaced only when the wedge itself has worn down or flattened out to the point where you don't feel like you are getting as much correction as when they were new. Everyone will wear their insoles out at different speeds ~ it depends on how often they are worn, how long each day they are worn, how hard of a foot-fall you have, and how much you weigh.
Question:
I wear a size 5 women's shoe. Can the lateral sole wedge be trimmed to fit my smaller shoes?
Answer:
Yes, they sure can be trimmed!
Question:
I ordered a pair of Lateral Sole Wedges and I really think that they're helping but it feels like I still need more control. Any other suggestions?
Answer:
Yes, two things to try. First, try two Lateral Sole Wedges in one shoe. If you're treating the left foot, take the right Lateral Sole Wedge and do a 180 with it, putting it in the left shoe (bottom side up). Then take the left Lateral Sole Wedge and put it on top of the right one. Now you have two Lateral Sole Wedges in one shoe, right? This will only work in tennis shoes or work boot in that they'd have enough room to fit both lateral sole wedges.
Another trick you might try is put a Heel Wedge into the shoe inconjunction with the Lateral Sole Wedge.
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