Podiatrist Experiences

[Miranda]

For those of you that have been to a podiatrist for foot isses, have many visits did it take until you got some resolve? And/or if wearing an orthotic, to get that made?

After a month's wait as a new pa, I finally went to my pod doc appt this week. 30yr practice guy. Seems very knowledgeable. Also known to be conservative (not like, hey! let's cut your foot open and operate). Which is good. But, I left with the jist that he didn't really understand what I meant about cycling shoes and clipless pedals. 30yrs is a long time. Surely he's treated people like me before, right???

I go back in 2wks for another specialist office co-pay appt, $ugh$. But, I left with no help for my cycling. It was rather frustrating and disappointing (snow is coming here soon too *sigh*).

He had advice on going to a couple certain quality shoe stores for a professional fit. Types of shoes he wanted me to try for my problems. Watched me walk barefoot. Examined my foot. Talked aobut the med hx. And showed me some inserts in his office we could try "next" after the shoe trip.

When I asked about custom orthotics, he said at this point, he wouldn't be sure exactly what to even make. OK, I know that's reasonable. Also, some of my other stuff I had he could maybe add to it. And when I asked again about my cycle shoes, he said something could be made to fit in them specifically.

Well, these OTC inserts that I can still return are still $50 a pop. By the time I mess around and "add whatever" to a few of those, I could be up to the price for the real deal I think I need in the end anyway. Plus all the office co-pays, etc. I'm getting mad thinking about that one.

The overall dx is this:
I do have a hx of peripheral neuropathy (extremity numbness), that there is no cure.
My arches are REALLY high (no OTC even touches the top of it).
Morton's neuroma in rightie.
Platar fashiitis overall (lack of support to the arch).

If *I* play doctor... I think all I need is a really good thin well fitting orthotic for my cycling shoe, and the like supportive for other shoes. I don't want this process to take forever!

[OakLeaf]

I don't really have any direct input (podiatrists here are all about diabetic foot care and most of them have never even seen an athlete; I got my orthotics made by PTs using an AmFit machine).

But if it was me, I'd bring my bike and cycling shoes to the next visit, and a trainer if you have or can borrow one. Whether or not this pod has any experience with cyclists, it can't hurt for him to see your particular body mechanics on the bike.

[bike4ever]

I would suggest you contact a couple of your LBS's. Ask them if they recommend a cycling friendly podiatrist. As a manager of a bike shop, I am aware of the occupations of many of my customers. My suggestion is to find someone else.

[Andrea]

...and once you find someone else who knows more about cycling, take a look at Rocket 7 shoes. They are expensive, but if you need orthotics, these shoes can be custom fitted to your doc's orders. They would likely be the last pair of cycling shoes you'd ever have to buy!

[bike4ever]

Miranda - I forgot to mention that going to an LBS was what I did when I was experiencing foot trouble (both morton's neuroma and bunions). My first podiatrist told me to quick cycling - I left his office in tears. I then found a cycling podiatrist who was amazing.

[Miranda]

Thx to everyone that has responded thus far. That is good feedback. I don't mean to be so disrespectfully spitting in the face of someone with so much experience overall. But, I don't want to be spinning my wheels going no where either if that experience isn't fitted to my needs. The next appointment wasn't set up until two weeks from now. Think I will dig around more, and maybe end up canceling.

...and once you find someone else who knows more about cycling, take a look at Rocket 7 shoes. They are expensive, but if you need orthotics, these shoes can be custom fitted to your doc's orders. They would likely be the last pair of cycling shoes you'd ever have to buy!

Andrea... I have really really thought about that. I found the Rocket7s here on this forum. I have some other blab thread going on about shoe brands in gear. Honestly, I'm not sure what I really need exists without some type of Rocket7 help. They are very expensive indeed. BUT... by the time I would add up what other shoes, inserts, doctor bills, etc. would cost me... it could take care of the Rocket7s.

With some of my other health things, I'm limited on what exercise I can do. No running, aerobics, etc. Thx gawd I love my bike, and my docs approve. In my mind, as long as my legs can function enough to pedal... I'm cycle committed for life. If well made, and fitted to me, those shoe could go a long way for the $ (my DH might not get this though, ugh).

I'll have to google their web site again. I don't think there were any dealers remotely close to me. I would be willing to take an epic road trip just for the shoes, if worth it.

[slowlane]

You may also want to check with your health insurance carrier to see if they have listings for doctors who list "sports medicine" as a specialty. I went to at least three different podiatrists until I found one I trusted enough to let operate on my bunions (she has run marathons and understands the mechanics of pedaling in cycling).

[evangundy]

What city are you in? If you are in a smaller town, are you near a larger city that might have more choices of docs? You should be able to find a podiatrist that has sport medicine experience with cyclists. The one I have been going to is a triathlete, so he understands all of it.

Good luck in your search :-)
Edna

[shootingstar]

I did see a podiatrist twice ..each time got a pair of customized orthotics..yes there was a cost..I did have a health care benefit (employer-sponsored) for this. (Canada's Medicare health care system does not cover orthotics.)

I have been quite happy..and I wear my orthotics inside my cycling shoes. Have been for well over 15 yrs. I have mountain bike oriented cycling shoes and use toe-clips. I also walk around in them with same shoes...for several kms.

My podiatrist had me walk across a computerized mat with sensors where each foot was mapped. Then orthotic was made ... The foot imprint was made in 1 appointment. This was a number of years ago..as you can tell how long I've had orthotics.

I have fallen arches. Different problem..opposite of overly high arches.

Yes, my orthotics are thin and half sized (approx.)

[Miranda]

Well, over a month later and my feet have been officially casted for orthotics this week. Really hoping they work. Since podiatrist #1, I have been through two more podiatrist, one clinic owner perdothist, a sports med doc, and some E advice from a Rocket7 perdothist.

I decided after reading your posts, I'd keep searching. This last podiatrist I found based upon him being a triathelete. Ding the bell... just what Miranda's feet ordered. Well, he wasn't exactly. But has done 1/2 marathons, and rides a hybrid. And asked, "do you clip in when you ride". Major upgrade.

My orthotics are suppose to be thin, the 3/4 length, have a met bump worked into them, and be able to switch out to diff shoes... hopefully including my bike shoes. They are suppose to be ready end of this month.

He ordered PT for me as well. A first. I went for eval at a orthopod/sports med clinic. I start my PT soon. Supposed to be set up with one of their best sports trainers. Don't know about the bike experience, but hopeful.

[Bluetree]

It's tough to find the right sports doctor (so many of them call themselves that nowadays). I was very fortunate that my first pode was a REAL sports doc.

He was the podiatrist for Team 7-11, and currently is the official team doc for the FIFA World Cup players and the Tour of California riders. It's such a relief that the clinic where he works allows him to collaborate with other specialists. And it was quite a shock to see four world-class surgeons getting together to discuss my lil' old case when they're used to dealing with the guys you see on ESPN. The staff kinesiologist and chiropractor weighed in as well.

Incidentally, their conclusion was the opposite of every other doc I had met with prior to them. They were the only ones who said that surgery was useless. They diagnosed my knee pain as a symptom of a primary foot imbalance, caused by a genetic weakness. All the other doctors who wanted to immediately slice into my knee for "exploratory reasons" were just blindly guessing. I feel very fortunate that I was referred to them (and that they took my insurance!)

Not all sports doctors are created equal. When you find a good one, spread the word!