Janet's Blog

Yesterday I went in to the orthotics and prosthetics clinic to get fitted for an orthotic insert for my shoe. Dr. Rodriguez determined that there is now a 1-inch discrepancy between my two legs as a result of my hip fracture, and sent me to the clinic.

While I wasn't excited at the prospect of getting something to stick into my shoes (I imagine it won't work in many of my fancy dress shoes), I thought it would be nice to be able to stand and walk without having my hips tilted, which can contribute to lower back pain and is just generally awkward.

Yesterday the doctor at the clinic took some little rectangular platforms and had me stand on them with my back to him as he had me lift up my shirt so he could press down on my hip bones (eep, ticklish) to see if that particular height made them level. The ideal platform height turned out to be 3/4 of an inch, which is problematic: for a discrepancy that size, they usually have the platform attached to the outside of the shoe.

In order to correct the problem perfectly, I could put 3/4 inch platforms on each and every right shoe I own. Eek!

So I asked if it would be possible to try the smaller insert. It wouldn't correct things entirely, but it would be easier, less obtrusive, and might at least help reduce some of my lower back pain. He agreed, and now I have an insert that helps me walk more like me and less like Igor looking for brains. I also think if I'm more steady on my feet, I can avoid falling like I did which ultimately caused the problem to begin with.

Labels: Dr. Rodriguez, hip

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