Hi everyone

I'm pretty new to running, only been into it for past 1-2 months but I'm already addicted!!!

I'm an excessive pronator and I've developed posterior shin splints on left leg which is getting worse and worse, went for a 5.5 mile run yesterday and in agony today.

I'm just wondering what is are the views on off-the-shelf orthotics and can anybody recommend the best?

Thanks

I've never used them, but I'm sure they we be beneficial - as for advising on the bets ones? No idea... I'd have thought seeing a specialist or two would be a worthwhile venture

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Thanks, I'm planning on phoning tmoro to try get an appt with local podiatrist so can get some custom made orthotics but that could be weeks before I'm sorted so just gonna get some 'one size fits all' for the meantime. I had to have rest day yesterday cos of the pain and went for cycle instead but cycling just doesn't come close to the buzz of running!

I'm currently wearing off-the-shelf orthotics from Boots called Orthaheel. I too overpronate, and ever since I started running 22 years ago I've had recurring calf muscle problems. I've been wearing these orthotics for around six months now and so far I've been running injury free. Surprisingly, I haven't had as many back problems either.
They take a bit of getting used to, it feels as if you've got a brick in either shoe to begin with, quite uncomfortable, especially when you first try running in them. But persevere for a week or two. Keep them in all the time until you begin to feel the benefit of them. They're not cheap, about £25, but if they work for you it's considerably cheaper than seeing a podiatrist and having custom made ones. I've recently bought a second pair, ready for putting in my boots for a coast to coast walk across Scotlland later this week.
Cheers!

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Give me the hills!

Hey Runningfox, thanks for that, but coincidently after i left that last post went for a mooch around the shops, happened to pop into Boots and noticed they had orthotics there, and its exactly the ones you have recommended that I ended up choosing, so I'm really glad to hear they have the thumbs up from you. I put them in my normal shoes straight away and spent a few more hours around shops and I immediately felt the benefit from them, I'm even tempted to go for a run with them this evening but not sure whether it's a good idea or not until my leg feels completely better.
Good luck with your coast to coast walk.

I am so so upset and frustrated
I've been trying to wear my orthotics as much as possible to get use to them but although they eased my shin splint pain because they were putting my feet in a different position in my trainers I ended up with nasty blisters on my heels.....anyway I popped these and let them dry out and I hadn't done any running since last saturday to rest the leg. So yesterday evening my blisters weren't too painful so I covered them in blister plasters etc and set off for a run with my orthotics in.....
........I had to give up after 1.5mile as the shin splint pain was back with avengence!!!

I really could cry, I feel like i've gone back to square minus one. Last wk I was doing 5.5mile this week I can't even manage 1.5mile

Hi Yorkie

Sorry to hear things aren't going too well. If I were you I'd give custom made orthotics a try - a podiatrist will make a cast of your feet so they fit perfectly. They can be expensive but if it puts an end to your frustration then it will be money well spent.

As for the blisters - what kind of socks are you wearing? if you haven't already, it may be worth trying socks with a double layer. I use "Hilly Twin Skins" - a naff name but I haven't had a single blister since I started using them.

Hi Slowsteve, thanks for your advice.
I've now booked a podiatry appt but can't fit me in until 29th so I'll just have to wallow in self-pity until then! The guy I'm booked in to see is apparently quite high up in his league and specialises in sports injuries so hopefully he can sort me out without it getting anywhere close to leading to the extreme situation that cmprunning is in with periosteum stripping, YIKES poor cmprunning:eek:

I usually go to boxing circuits once a wk too, but as that involves a fair bit of running, skipping and burpees etc I have to miss out on that too!

Looks like my bike will be getting a lot of use for a while, that and thrashing it out on the wii

oh tried to edit the above but it hasn't worked

I usually use Thorlos socks for running which so far have done me good but I was wearing the orthotics when walking to work and only wearing normal ankle socks which is when I got the blisters. I may try the Twin Skin socks tho now the weather is getting warm as the Thorlos are quite thick. Thanks.