inserts necessary? wrote:
What are the benefits to wearing over the counter shoe inserts? I was told to buy them about a year and a half ago and wear them in my running shoes and everyday shoes. My physical therapist also had me put some heel lift for my hip in my left one. Has anyone worn them, just decided to stop wearing them one day, and had no trouble? Also, would having the heel lift in my right shoe be causing pain in my left achilles?
What inserts are you talking about? If you are talking about Dr. Scholls or something from a drug store, its probably doing more harm than good. If you are talking about Superfeet or an orthotic type insert, then it's probably in your best interest to keep using it. You aren't "dependent" on it, because its not doing the job that would be done by muscles, but they are usually worth it if the inserts are still good.
As for the heel lift, if you have a major leg-length discrepancy they can be useful, and for some reason PTs love them. I don't think they help most people, but YMMV. Since raising the heel shortens the achilles, it certainly could be decreasing its flexibility which would lead to pain in the long run.
Your best bet is to see a real doctor, not a PT, if issues continue. Check in with your local running community for docs that "get" running first.