From the August 2004 issue of Runner's World
Ask the Doc
If you think you might be a candidate for orthotics, visit the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine's Web site at aapsm.org to find a sports podiatrist in your area. Ask potential doctors these questions before making an appointment. If you hear too many "no" answers, run to another.
Do you run?
Some podiatrists make a hasty prescription for foot pain: Don't run. "That's a bad podiatrist in my opinion," Ray Fredericksen says. "You want someone who understands your passion and will keep your running healthy."
Do you need to see my running shoes?
If a podiatrist doesn't tell you to bring in your shoes, he won't be inspecting wear pattern--which is a key diagnostic tool to determine the movement pattern of your foot, and figuring out what shoe and orthotic will work for you.
Do you customize over-the-counter orthotics?
They may cure the problem at 25 percent of the cost of prescriptions.
Do you refurbish prescription orthotics?
Some podiatrists will keep your cast, and can make modifications to existing orthotics before they break down. Refurbishing--usually done every two or three years--costs about $150 to $200, but you get all new materials while keeping the original shell, for half the cost of a new one.
Do you keep the cast?
If they hold it indefinitely, it'll cost you less next time you need to have new orthotics made. If they toss the cast immediately, ask if you can keep it--it'll save you money if you can provide it next time. --T.S
