In-shoe Orthotics

[Guest guest]

I've not tried the Good Feet brand. However, today I had an orthotic

consultation at Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA. I was referred to them by

an orthopedist at Hershey, to whom I had been referred, in turn, by the

neurologist I see in the MDA clinic at Hershey. The orthotist spent a full hour

with me, examining my feet from all angles, evaluating my gait, explaining in

detail what he was planning to do and why, and making full plaster casts of both

my feet in a non-weight-bearing position. The full-length in-shoe orthotics

will be ready in about 10 days. Total cost $391.00. Compare this to the

orthotics I got 3 years ago from a podiatrist. One of the 'techs' pushed my

feet into a box of foam, and the 3/4-length orthotics I received cost $500.00.

The orthotist today explained the difference to me between " accommodating "

orthotics (what I got 3 years ago) and " corrective " orthotics. I came away very

satisfied today.

Mark

[Guest guest]

Mark, your description of being fitted for orthotics (corrective)

mirrors mine. Thank you for sharing your experience. I never tried

" accommodating " orthotics, simply because I went to the orthotist first,

and got the accomodation I need for MY feet.

~ G

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Gretchen. Interestingly, when I was being " fitted " for the first

orthotics, a quiet inner voice was asking " Is this really the most accurate way

to find exactly what I need for my feet? " I assumed that the podiatrist (in

that case) knew what was best. Now I know differently.

[Guest guest]

ann,

My orthotics were made by a certified orthotist. My feet (and legs - to

hips) were measured with a tape measure. Including width of foot and

length of toes. Then I stepped on large paper and Stefan outlined my

foot with a marker on the paper. Stefan, (my orthotist) then had me put

my shoes back on and walk up and down his hallway as he watched. Off

with my shoes again and casts of my feet were made, 1 set while I

sat, another set while I was standing. That was how I was measured.

I didn't see exactly what Stefan did to make them, but before they

were wrapped in protective coating and before the final fit after an

adjustment, I saw they were made with a combination of cork, rubber,

and something else - layered like a dessert sort of.

I was wearing running shoes at the time and Stefan told me to get

cross trainers and recommended , which I purchased.

At the first fitting, I had the shoes, and we placed the

orthotics inside. Felt great. Stefan told me to wear them for a few

days as much as I could - then to come back for adjustments,

explaining that as much as he knew about my feet, the feel to me

would be key.

I went about life and work making notes for a few evenings on what I

felt while wearing my orthotics. I then went back for adjustments in

the metatarsal area of the right foot and something in my left heel.

This was done while I waited (like 1/2 hour) Tried them on again,

then the cover-wrapping was done, orthotics were complete and I was

off to do my life and work once more.

Stefan explained I would need to come in once each year to have the

orthotics adjusted for wear and any changes in my feet, so I do this.

Last year he relined/re-wrapped them in suede which he said would help with

burning and he was right. I hope this explains what you want to know

about my orthotics.

Now, about my aquatics and fitness work: I belong to a gym/fitness

center connected to the Physical Therapy Center. It is open froom 5

am to 9 pm. There are 2 pools. I can always find time for aquatics,

the PTs have lunch from 12-2 so mostly that is when I am in the pool.

I could go everyday, but mostly go about 3X a week or so. Since I am

a member, I have access to the rest of the gym and other classes like

Pilates and Yoga for free. I took the basic Pilates Mat class and now

do a routine at home towards the end of the day because this helps my

back and feels so good. I am also more mentally prepared for Pilates

at the day's end.

I grew up swimming at an early age and absolutely love the water.

Both pool and ocean. So I am still a " water baby " at heart. For

aquatics, my circuit training is one hour each time, no more. I set

the timer and current speed, if I want to use the current for resistance.

And yes, I work - I am self employed, I make my own hours, I am very

motivated and self-directed. I get the work done as it needs to be

done and even with this, I break certain segments down and prioritize

assignments, multi-task as the need arises. Sometimes this is more

than 40 hours. I also have my own business that is managed by others,

but that I oversee. I am also a partner in another venture.

The real key to all of my life for me is knowing when to stop - this

means with anything - being flexible - if I don't get to something

today, it will be there tomorrow, or I may get to it tonight. Racing

around, getting things done does not have a purpose for me. I make

lists, I prioritize, and you bet I make time to enjoy life!

Gretchen