orthotics

[Guest guest]

I wear Alznner orthotics which really help with foot pain. They were

$230/pr and insurance doesn't cover them because they were not prescribed by

a doc but they are better than any custom orthotic I've tried at twice the

price. They make several different styles to be worn with dress shoes and

running shoes (yeah, right, we're all dying to get back to jogging) and they

have a 30 day trial period so they can be returned for a full refund if they

don't work out. There is a web site with locations in the US and Canada --

http://www.goodfeet.com/

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[Guest guest]

I need an orthotic for my left foot. My insurance says they will only

cover orthotics for diabetics. How many of you have fought something

like this and what was your outcome?

I just wonder, if I should even bother trying.

-

[Guest guest]

,

Yes, fight it. Get your MD to write a 'prescription' for it and your

orthotist can use that, modifying what he/she needs to. I did this

years ago; first I paid out of pocket to my Orthotist, then he billed

my insurance with the original MD's prescription.

CMT feet are too precious to scre* around with. And it is a good idea

to establish a great relationship with your orthotist. That is my experience.

~ Gretchen

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I had to have foot orthotics for both feet last year. MDA does not cover them,

only towards AFOs. I called my husbands insurance company,which is an 80/20 plan

to see what my actual out- of- pocket expense would be. With both of my foot

orthotics, I only paid $88, otherwise it would have been over $400 for both.

They also made sure of the right medical code for the billing to make sure that

it would be covered. They also will allow coverage for one new set every year. I

know my orthotics were a god-send, otherwise I would have wrecked my feet and

would not have been able to walk. Also, my out-of-pocket expense was tax

deductible!

Best of luck and be persistent,talk to your orthotist about the coding, if they

are experienced they can get your insurance to accept it!

Chris

[Guest guest]

Hello ,

Orthotics can stabilize the ankle as well but come all the way up to just below

the knee. One problem is that the bear heavilly on the side of the shin. With

muscle atrophy there, there is little cushion and the skin compression can be

severe against the shin bones.

EdM from NH

[Guest guest]

I love my custom orthotics, but maybe my ankles aren't as weak as some. They do

roll out a lot, but they are not fixed. (In other words, they still have give in

them. One of them more so than the other.) I do stretches that my orthopedic

doctor recommended because I had tendinitis, but I had that before I got the

orthotics. The stretches made it go away within days. Now I do them to keep it

from coming back and keep my ankles from locking up more.

I did get a recommendation, this past time that I went to have my orthotics

looked at, for a Richie Brace. I think this would be good for me as I still

have good quad strength. Plus, it has the orthotic built into it. Does anyone

else use (or have you tried) the Richie? I don't want it full-time yet, but

would love the support when outside to avoid a sprain, I've been using the <a

href= " http://www.braceshop.com/productcart/pc/Mueller-ATF-Ankle-Brace-199p838.ht\

m " >Mueller Ankle Braces</a> when we go camping and such, but they can get hot.

(Richie Brace link: http://www.richiebrace.com/dynamic-assist.htm)

Angie

[Guest guest]

,

I use foam molded orthotics that I have then worked with my team to get " right "

meaning a little give under the arch to enable comfort when walking.

I also use a Push brace for addition ankle support (to prevent rolling or

tendonitis like symptoms) for when I am really active (e.g. long walks).

I do not pay for my orthotics as these are prescribed on the UK National Health

Service.

Best wishes from London,

Donna