Posted by Jen Star on June 28, 2005, at 0:30:27
In reply to Re: Plantar fasciitis---Ouch! » Jen Star, posted by gardenergirl on June 27, 2005, at 23:38:03
hi GG, I was already at my doctor for a "regular" checkup, and I was not going to mention it, but then I said I had foot issues and he referred me to a foot doctor. I'm glad I did. I was just going to suffer with the pain, but the inserts really helped me!
The orthotics were very pricey. For the first time, when they make the mold and the inserts both, it costs about 500-600$. I had to pay 100$ and my insurance covered the rest. Apparently some insurance companies pay each year for another pair; I'm not sure if mine does. I will need to check. Also some insurance companies may cover less than that. I have United Health Care but I think it also depends on your employer, too.
Future pairs of orthotics should be cheaper, because I already have the foot molds and can just send them in to get new orthotics made. At least that's what they told me! But I think it will still be a few hundred dollars. (yikes!)
They also said that they make orthotics to go in dress shoes and some that even go in sandals. AND they can make special shoes that mold right to your foot - custom made shoes! Those are more expensive and I didn't go that route; I just got the inserts b/c I could put them into different pairs of shoes. Even though mine are for gym shoes, they fit into the loafers and black shoes I wear for work/etc. I don't wear heels or sandals to work so I didn't get a second pair for those kinds of shoes. I might in the future, though.
Anyway, they work great & I really recommend them. With those and the daily stretches, my foot pain is mostly gone!
Let me know what you decide!
JenStar
PS - with United Health care I don't really need a referral from my primary care; I can make apptmts to see specialists at will. But I usually go to the PC anyway b/c the office usually recommends good specialists that they trust. Sometimes I just call my doc and ask for a referral over the phone.
poster:Jen Star
thread:519515
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/health/20050411/msgs/520326.html