What is a Pedorthist(ped-dor’thist)? (REVIEWFOLLOWSDESCRIPTION) A specialist in using and modifying footwear, including shoes, foot orthoses and other devices related to the foot and lower limb. I understand the anatomy, physiology and biomechanics involved in treating painful foot and lower extremity conditions. We are experts in external below-the-ankle care and we practice both the«science and art» of making feet comfortable. Proper shoes and orthotics should not only fit your feet but also your lifestyle. A pedorthist can assist a patient with an amputated foot or diabetes with corrective footwear that will enhance walking, or assess an athlete’s body type and sport to recommend footwear to maximize performance. This review is for Don Greiert, who I was fortunate enough to see at the SEATTLESPORTSMEDICINECLINIC at Northgate. I have been in pain for over two years with plantar fasciitis. For the first time I have hope that this problem will someday be just a painful memory. The orthotics cost around $ 400., and many insurances don’t pay at all, or make the patient cough up and then it goes toward deductable(like me), but it is so worth it. They are totally custom, take about 3 wks to make, the half for the arch and heel is hard plastic and the the front part and overlaying the plastic is soft, flexible foam. This can be replaced every yr or so as needed for about $ 20. The awesome thing is… they feel comfortable right away. They go into several of my favorite shoes… not only the ugly ones! I can put them in my fave Tony Mora cowboy boots, in about three other pairs of boots I love, and a couple of my basic sneaker/loafer types. I am NOT a pump/high heel kind of girl… I imagine these would be tougher. I am thrilled at the fact I can use them in any shoe I can get them into. Don told me it won’t damage the orthotic by wearing them, for example, on top of the slight arch in the cowboy boots that I can’t take out. WOOT! Anyway…they are built up in a way that it supports me correctly, so they could, theoretically, make my back better too. He even showed me on the molds where a small channel is cut out to relieve pressure from the actual plantar fascia, much like fancy bike seats have indentations for men’s, AHEM… anatomy. Anyway — Don was very informative, explains things really really well, and boy, if you’ve got bad feet(TRUSTME, I’ve been fighting this for over two years now) you can do worse than starting off spending the dough for the orthotics. ‘Cause you could end up spending a lot more on other crap that won’t work and let you suffer for a LOOOOOOONGTIME. Now, it took my feet a long time to get this bad, and I don’t expect overnight perfection. Do I still have pain? You betcha. Is it more comfortable to do my job and get other things done? Yes. I think this is a turning point for me. This guy is a master and really understands the importance of your feet!
