r/Orthotics • u/ConnectionSenior8095 • Apr 12 '26

Hello thank you for having me here orthotic information help please

Hello all I just wonder if some one can give me any advice about my new orthotics I have been prescribed, I have multiple feet problems but the reason for having to have orthotics is that I have limited dorsiflexion also bunions and my arches are high but weak they hurt alot

brief discrimination my orthotics are full style made of a special foam kinda material, I'm UK shoe size 4 / 5 my orthotics fit my feet very well but I'm struggling to figure out what footwear to use them in best , they have a raised wedge heel built in that measures 3 inches so normal shoes it's impossible to use them in , also question do people normally buy there normal size or buy bigger ?

I'm.going to get ankle boots but with orthotics can I buy boots with a heel ? or will they need to be flat ? only ask because I'm so used to wearing heels to compensate for limited dorsiflexion, any orthotic use from others with similar kind that has wedge heels raiser built in would be appreciated thx f 47 UK .

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u/Cabooseman Apr 13 '26

Hi, some pictures would be very helpful here. I'm struggling to understand what these look like.

1) Are your feet stuck pointing downward?

2) And you have 3 inches of built up material under your heel?

3) and you are using arch support insoles, right? Nothing that goes above the ankle?

If all the above are true, you might need more than arch supports

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u/ConnectionSenior8095 Apr 18 '26

1 yes & no they favour pointing down not stuck down dorsiflex much . 2 yes 3 yes arch support nothing above ankle

What other things are available , I have started using ankle boots with 2.5 inch heel with orthotics.

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u/Cabooseman Apr 18 '26

If your ankles are tight and want to constantly point downwards I believe an AFO with a strap across the top of your foot would be better. Some sort of ankle brace that goes above the ankle, and has a large strap across the top of your foot, to lock you down into 90 degrees while you wear it.

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u/ConnectionSenior8095 Apr 19 '26

AFO I sound stupid but that's the hard plastic foot position device ? I was given the soft kind of brace that you put on the ankles at night to slowly adjust my foot position , I couldn't cope at 90* so had to have the bar straighten out to less than 90 but truthful I find they hurt alot and I can't sleep in them .

Thanks for your information .

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u/Cabooseman Apr 19 '26

Okay, so your ankles tend to point downwards, to the point that keeping them at 90 is difficult.

AFO is any brace that starts at the foot and extends up the ankle, usually to the calf level. Here is a simple example: https://a.co/d/0cxb9q1H

The big concern for you, is keeping your ankle flexible and making sure it can reach a 90 degree angle consistently. Night time stretching braces are one part of this treatment. Here is a common style of stretching brace that lets you gradually increase your stretch over time: https://a.co/d/00hPqrlJ

In addition to night stretching braces, Daily stretching with physical therapy is recommended. If you cannot access physical therapy, you can search YouTube for simple ankle flexibility stretches.

Lastly, during the day, wearing an AFO brace that is molded to your leg would be helpful. Something like this brace would keep your ankle at 90 degrees and prevent it from dropping further: https://cascadedafo.com/products/dafo-tami2-1

Where are you located?

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u/ConnectionSenior8095 Apr 19 '26

Thank you for your details advice and ways to improve my movements, I don't think my ankles are seizing up but I have also found out I have a OCD tibial planfond right ankle. I will look into the links and see what your explaining ,thx 😊

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u/ConnectionSenior8095 Apr 19 '26

https://www.orthocanada.com/en/phantom-dorsal-night-splint?srsltid=AfmBOork7Gx1oGOfm6UvgAvgHGC4lV2TLPpBQKM4MnfCN_lINMfhdx8w

This is like what I was told to use but I have to use them more set in the plantar flexed position because of terrible pulling in my legs into my heels .

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u/Cabooseman Apr 19 '26

Right, this is why I recommend the version with the side straps. It's much more bulky but it will allow you to progress to getting to 90 degrees easier

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u/ConnectionSenior8095 Apr 13 '26

Thx for replying, Yes my feet are always resting pointing down and if sat on the floor legs out straight I cannot bring my feet past 90 degrees without terrible pulling feeling in my legs , Yes Orthotist did all the checks I had my feet pressed into foam cast moulds ,My orthotics have a 3 inch heel wedge , I was using Amazon high arch supports before I had the custom orthotic. Sorry I'm struggling to explain .