Podiatrist Experiences

[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!