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Hello. As per the title, my old orthotics (NHS supplied, though they're not allowing me that again!) have ceased to do their job. Can anybody recommend a place to get some more? Preferably from somebody who knows about MTB and flat pedals 🙂
sorry I cant help but it sounds interesting.
Although could you not get some from a ski or running shop for example?
The nice NHS lady back in the day, told me that cycling has a different gait to walking so needs different orthotics. Certainly my old cycle ones are tilted more at the front than my walking ones.
I ski in the walking ones though if I did as much skiing as cycling I'd consider looking into specialist ski things too.
my old orthotics (NHS supplied, though they're not allowing me that again!) have ceased to do their job
Genuine question; what was their job?
If you want a full biomechanic assessment again along with orthotics then I'd highly recommend Sue Barnett at UWE 07774 849244.
I refer sports-orientated patients to her (private only) and have seen her myself. I think around £300 including the orthotics (which are kevlar based and seem to last forever). I think she is particularly sports-based and IIRC has been involved with several elite teams from various sports. You could speak to her first, see if she fits the bill for you.
If you just want orthotics then over the counter is cheap but generic, customised can be done relatively cheaply through some bike fits (eg SIDAS Custom Footbeds) although that is a different approach (seems to be "static" rather than "dynamic"). I don't have any particular expertise in the area so someone may clarify.
As an aside why are you not being offered more on the NHS? IF orthotics won't supply them directly then can your GP refer you back for re-assessment?
Got a mate doing this up Warwick way
I wear custom orthotics in my non cycling shoes, after various bits of knee surgery and hypermobile joints. The specialist who made them (Glasgow) is a roadie and what he did for bike use was recreate the support using Spesh shoes, their blue insoles and the Spesh wedges that go under forefoot to change the varus wedge. Works a treat for me and means I can have same setup in all bike shoes/boots (5 pairs). I later had a BG bike fit and my knees and feet were tracking spot on.
When I first was referred for orthotics it was because I had back pain caused by collapsed arches, knees pointing outwards, etc. Initially I got orthotics for walking and that helped a lot with the back pain. I was then offered some cycling ones as well and jumped at the opportunity. I had hoped they would improve my posture on the bike, make me want to point my feet forwards more than outwards, stop my knees banging the top tube; though admittedly I didn't see the dramatic improvement that I did with walking. Still I was happy enough until recently they seem to have compressed down compared to how they used to be and I sometimes get knee pain during riding so thought it wise to sort it out. Unlike the walking ones they are quite flimsy foam things.
Asking for the cycling ones to be replaced this year the orthotics dept told me sternly that their job is to get me walking but not riding. So maybe there's been a cut in budget or maybe I just got someone not far sighted enough to see that (or not allowed to decide for themselves that) sideshow staying fit will save the NHS money in the long run... I don't know!
So maybe dougal I should go back to my GP and ask again? Certainly worth a try at that price and I've just moved house so things might be different here. Otherwise thanks for the tip on Sue, I'll try giving her a ring.
sounds like a good bike fit could be worthwhile - they will look at the rotating angles of your feet etc and sort with wedges etc
These people will sort you out.
http://www.feetinmotion.co.uk/default.asp?contentID=1
sideshow - Member
@dougal and @davidWhen I first was referred for orthotics it was because I had back pain caused by collapsed arches, knees pointing outwards, etc. Initially I got orthotics for walking and that helped a lot with the back pain. I was then offered some cycling ones as well and jumped at the opportunity. I had hoped they would improve my posture on the bike, make me want to point my feet forwards more than outwards, stop my knees banging the top tube; though admittedly I didn't see the dramatic improvement that I did with walking. Still I was happy enough until recently they seem to have compressed down compared to how they used to be and I sometimes get knee pain during riding so thought it wise to sort it out. Unlike the walking ones they are quite flimsy foam things.
Sounds like there's a few suggestions above. But if you can't find anyone/don't want to fork out loads of money, try some Esoles Efit insoles or Archtech 2600 pro insoles. Often pop up cheap on ebay' they are supplied with adjustable arch supports so you can effectively "customize" them yourself.
My experience with "custom" insoles was a poor one, although admittedly they were the shitty Sidas ones and they weren't fitted by a professional "biomechanic"
Sounds like the knee pain is new and different to symptoms prior to orthotics first being fitted? If so, and the bike set up has not been changed, then I would have thought you should have a full assessment rather than going straight to foot orthotics.
If symptoms > 6 weeks and only on bike then bike fit or knowledgeable physio/osteopath. If also at other times then physio/osteopath.
In my area only physio is available on the NHS but wait is 3 months + so many go privately. If happens outwith the bike, and it was me, then I would pay and see a knowledgeable physio for a one-off assessment.
Knee pain is a complicated area and there are many (often opposing) views ... (diagnosing it online would be the worst option I think...)
I just went to see a local podiatrist who used self adesive foam wedges to adjust my feet position. Unfortunately like you I think the foam has collapsed somewhat as i'm getting bruises on my inner knee from te top tube again, however I was just going to order more wedges online and re-fit myself.
Greek or Russian?
Oh orthotics!
+1 for Feet in Motion.
Might also be worth contacting Andy Berry, who does physio and cycle fitting at Spire Healthcare in Pentwyn, he was very helpful when I used his services recently.
do feet in motion put you on a bike for dynamic assessment? if so they don't seem to say so on their website...
+1 for Dr. Sue at uwe. I went there as a punter, and the orthotics basically solved my issues that I'd been fighting with for 10 years!
+1 for Dr. Sue at uwe. I went there as a punter, and the orthotics basically solved my issues that I'd been fighting with for 10 years!