“Wrong orthotics?”
I had new orthotics made by a foot doctor because my old ones were 10 years old. My feet got measured on a computer screen. After wearing them for two weeks I couldn't walk anymore because of intense knee pain in both of my feet. I thought I had gout or some other problem and never related the pain to the orthotics. I was a very active person and turned into a cripple after wearing them for two months. I had my blood tested took painkillers and was devastated.
My question is. Will the knee go back like it was before wearing my old orthotics or am I crippled for life. I just stopped yesterday wearing them. Will my life go back to normal without any pain or do I have permanent damage? Thank you.
My question is. Will the knee go back like it was before wearing my old orthotics or am I crippled for life. I just stopped yesterday wearing them. Will my life go back to normal without any pain or do I have permanent damage? Thank you.
Female | 63 years old
Complaint duration: 25 10 2020
Medications: no medication
Conditions: no other conditions
15 Answers
If the orthotics were improperly fabricated and caused pain when you were walking, then removing them would alleviate the pain. I am unaware of orthoses causing any kind of permanent damage. They function by preventing excessive motion so muscles don't fatigue and nerves don't get over stretched.
Hard to answer your question. My first thoughts are you should go back to normal. It is very unlikely that Orthotics would cause permanent damage.
I am sorry for your experience. Most often, orthotics make a significant improvement to your limb alignment, gait and help improve pain. Sometimes they can overcorrect your alignment which has compensated over years and actually contribute to increased pain. My recommendation would be to remove them for several weeks, I expect your knee pain to improve. Maybe wear them for 1-2 hours a day for a week and become accustomed to them. If they still contribute to significant pain , they are not the right device for you.
Hi,
If this question relates specifically to the usage of the orthotics alone, it is not likely that you will be a cripple after wearing orthotics for 2 weeks, even if they were the wrong kind. If you are having knee pain after wearing orthotics, it could be due to a couple reasons:
1) Not enough cushion support
2) Were not molded closely enough to your arch
3) Were not broken in gradually
4) Were not placed into the right shoes
This of course provided you don't have any other medical conditions that are undiagnosed.
Dr. Peterson
If this question relates specifically to the usage of the orthotics alone, it is not likely that you will be a cripple after wearing orthotics for 2 weeks, even if they were the wrong kind. If you are having knee pain after wearing orthotics, it could be due to a couple reasons:
1) Not enough cushion support
2) Were not molded closely enough to your arch
3) Were not broken in gradually
4) Were not placed into the right shoes
This of course provided you don't have any other medical conditions that are undiagnosed.
Dr. Peterson
I'm sorry to hear your problems with the orthotics. When orthotics are made wrongly for the individual patient, they often cause the pain you described. Sometimes, a break-in period is recommended of 2 hours the 1st day and 1 hour longer each next day or until the pain becomes too intense to continue wearing the orthotics. The good news is that, once you discontinue the orthotic, your knee pain should subside. The pain relief would happen more quickly by using RICE: rest, ice, compression (ace bandage or elastic wrap, and elevation. If the pain does not subside within 2 weeks, you should see a podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon. Good luck!
Computer orthotics are not the way to go. The proper way is either negative cast with neutral position, or biofilm to get the actual foot balance.
Stopping the orthotic is the first best step. Your knee pain will likely resolve once the alignment gets back to baseline. It may take some time as well as rest, ice and ibuprofen. Joint pain can easily take 6-8 weeks to calm down once the source or irritation is addressed. If it does not show signs of improvement I would see a knee specialist. The orthotics may have just irritated an already existing underlying issue with the knees.
THE ORTHOTICS ARE NOT CORRECT FOR YOU, STOP USING THEM, AND YOU WILL NEED ANOTHER PAIR
It is unlikely that you did permanent damage to your knee from wearing the new orthotics. Normally, if you stop with the inserts and regain your normal gait, the knee should return to normal. It may take some time for the inflammation to come down. Ice, anti inflammatories and physical therapy may help. Good luck
You definitely should try to do just that. And go back to the doctor who prescribed you those orthotics to do any corrections if needed, as well as more extensive testing and/or diagnostic.
You should be evaluated with your old orthotics and new ones- may only require an adjustment.
You should see an orthopedic doctor to evaluate your knee first.
Hello,
Most likely wearing the new orthotics added a strain to your knee collateral ligaments. It is not likely that you did any permanent damage, however, I would stop wearing them, use anti-inflammatory gel on your knees and give it time. It will start to get better after about 3 weeks without orthotics. If not, consider a knee doctor and/or a physical therapist.
Dr. Patel
Most likely wearing the new orthotics added a strain to your knee collateral ligaments. It is not likely that you did any permanent damage, however, I would stop wearing them, use anti-inflammatory gel on your knees and give it time. It will start to get better after about 3 weeks without orthotics. If not, consider a knee doctor and/or a physical therapist.
Dr. Patel
Hello,
You're knee pain should resolve if you go back to your old orthotics assuming the new orthotics were not correctly made for you. The old orthotics can be refurbished. If you are here in CT I would recommend taking the orthotics to Altman Prosthetics located on the Silas Deane Highway in WEthersfield.
Good luck
Dr. Lui
You're knee pain should resolve if you go back to your old orthotics assuming the new orthotics were not correctly made for you. The old orthotics can be refurbished. If you are here in CT I would recommend taking the orthotics to Altman Prosthetics located on the Silas Deane Highway in WEthersfield.
Good luck
Dr. Lui
Switch back to old orthotics. If knee discomfort subsides, then you will know that the new orthotics are the culprit. If the knee pain persists, then it is possible that the knee issue is coincidental to the new orthotics.
