Need a Lift?

Workin' Wednesday

If there is a discrepancy in your leg lengths your podiatrist, chiropractor or family doctor may recommend a “lift” inserted into your shoes to take up the difference of the shorter leg. Quite often this lift is built into an orthotic insole prescribed by your doctor. From a health perspective your doctor would like you to only wear lace up shoes that accommodate the orthoses and lift which most often is a pair of athletic shoes

Your doctor means well but often he/she forgets to consider all the styles of shoes you have in your closet. . This can be very frustrating if you have an occupation that requires you to wear non-athletic shoes and no one wants to feel like they can no longer wear all the other shoes they already own.

What to do Part I:

Do your best to find one or two pairs of shoes you will wear when you are on your feet the most that will accommodate the orthoses/lift. Be sure to take out the insole that the shoe comes with before placing the orthoses/lift into your shoes. This will help reduce heel slippage in the shoe with the lift. Shoes with buckles or laces will also minimize your heel slippage from having your heel sitting up higher in the heel cup of the shoe. Since you have invested in improving your health and comfort by getting the orthoses/lift try to wear these shoes the most to optimize the benefits of the orthotics.

What to do Part II:

So...what to do about the rest of your shoes? Become friends with your local shoe cobbler!!! Bring your orthotics or prescription detailing the height of the lift your require (and for which foot) to your shoe repair shop and ask the cobbler to add a lift to your shoe. The cobbler can insert/build a lift into the outside heel of most shoes. When you have a lift added to the outside heel of your shoes you will enjoy the same overall “fit” you have been used to and at the same time make up for the discrepancy in your leg lengths. Start with a few of your favorite shoes to get a sense of price and materials that your cobbler can work within.

Most everyone has leg length discrepancy. If you have enough of a difference causing you grief, you can feel assured that there are practical ways to address the situation. 

Love and a Straight Gait,

abigail dagmar