I've just picked up my new orthotics - been suffering with ITBS and a few other 'things'. I haven't run in them yet as I've been advised to spend a couple of weeks getting used to them and I'm still waiting for some of my aches and pains to settle down.

However they weren't as uncomfortable as I was expecting. What can I expect? Will my pains magically disappear - my pod did warn me that there was no guarantees and that I may experience some new aches in my shins, big toe etc as I'm getting used to them.

I've been wearing orthotics for the past four years and it took about three weeks for me to adjust into them and I never found that there was any pain in adjusting, only it felt slightly different.

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I have worn orthotics for five years, i wore them for i hour the first day 2 hours then 3, 4 ,5 ,6 ,7 ,8, this was over a 10 day period i had 2 remedial sports massage treatments then started with a 15 min jog and increased it by 5 mins each time for 10 days when i reached 50 mins running without any side effects i know my body had accepted the orthotics. There is a chance you might feel muscles elswhere feeling different dont be alarmed at this hope this helps

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Organic Exercise & sports injury massage gel

I find them really comfortable to wear but I've still got some aches from my last ITB flare up. Although I do feel as though the pain is less when I wear them and move around - just worried that I'm so desperate to get better.....I might be imagining it.

Don't worry about the ITB it will get better. massage the Albmaleaf gel into your legs all over 2 - 3 times a day spending 10 mins altogether then after you have massaged then go through your sretching programme do not stretch to the maximum just to a point of when you feel the stretch do it once on the groups of muscles you are concentrating on. If there is a sauna or a steam bath near by try and visit it once or twice a week and try to fit a relaxing swim at least once a week. I spent 7 years Running for Kendal ac & representing Cumbria on the roads and country and Saunas regular BALANCED WARM UPS PRE & POST STRETCHING PROGRAMMES & SWIMMING KEPT ME INJURY FREE. I Guarantee you will get better and be able to run just Dont get to worried if you get slight niggles thats part of running

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Organic Exercise & sports injury massage gel

I wore orthoses for years and then realised that the problem I had could not be cured by them.
For some they are a miracle cure. For others a total waste of money!

Thanks for the advice Dave. The remedial massages you had were they quite deep? I had a massage last week and whilst it eased out some tight spots I was hoping for something a little deeper - my ITBs particularly the left one are still tight. I can really feel it when I stretch and my kees are a bit sore.

Steepler - what was wrong?

Deep remedial sports massage should be very deep & should at times be painfull, but you should go to some one with a recomendation, & some one who has a reputation and who is in demand, some therapists have the knowlege but sometimes can not assess the depth to massage and where

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Organic Exercise & sports injury massage gel

Yep mine were expensive and have done bugger all for me even though they were recommended for the flat arches in my feet. I can barely run a mile before my knee begins to ache. Some people believe in orthotics some don't, there are top runners with flatish feet and dont wear any because thats the way they believe their feet are meant to be and remain injury free. Having said that they are a bargain for anyone who's injuries the orthotics have cured.

Do you wear them in any of your other shoes?

Not sure who that question is aimed at, but for reference, I wear orthotics in all of my shoes all the time (except for flip flops).

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Thanks Nick - it was aimed at all of you. Well those that wear their orthotics. When you wear flip flops you do you notice any aches and pains? Orthaheel do special flip flops - I know when I wear my reefs my legs ache.

I use the orthotics in all my shoes aswell.

I'm going to Ireland in a couple of weeks and we will probably do some walking. Was considering popping them into my walking boots.

Ok my heel has been slipping a bit in my shoes and my right ankle was a bit sore on the outside. I relaced my shoes and put loops in for a more secure fit and that seemed to stop the pain - I've actually had to buy longer laces.