I have had chronic lower back, and left hip pain all my life. Just recently I was diagnosed with a short left leg--1 and 1/8 inch--something I've always suspected. The podiatrist recommended an orthotic with an internal lift of 3/4 of an inch. Everything I've read suggested a heel lift of no more than 1/4 inch or at most 1/2 inch with a high backed shoe or boot. Rather than spend over $300 on orthotics that might or might not ease my back pain, I opted instead to have a shoe built up--much cheaper at $40--to see if my back pain would ease up. Good news is my back and hip pain went away. Bad news is I hate the look of the built-up shoe. I eventually felt "level" and pain free with a one inch build-up on my left shoe.
Is it possible to have a heel lift of 3/4 inch inside a shoe without doing damage to the foot and sacrificing comfort? I don't want to be pain free in my back only to have aching feet. I realize I would still need an external lift of 1/4 inch, but it would be less conspicuous than a full one inch build-up. Is there a good rule of thumb, for a one inch lift, as to how much can be only a heel lift and how much should be a full sole lift. I would greatly appreciate any advice. Thanks! |
