Podiatrist cost

gmurran

I have a slight foot niggle and want to get better othodics.

Anyone have experience with how much a podiatrist cost?

And does it count as seeing a specialist for VHI?

Thanks.

plodder

I asked a similar question yesterday, as I'm having heel and arch problems right now. Don't know whether to go to a podiatrist or a physio

Peckham

I would have thought going to a physio would be a better option as they can take a more holistic look (i.e. could relate to a muscle problem in your leg), rather than someone who specialises in feet.

[Disclaimer: I'm married to a physio]

rubyred

gmurran wrote: »

I have a slight foot niggle and want to get better othodics.

Anyone have experience with how much a podiatrist cost?

And does it count as seeing a specialist for VHI?

Thanks.

I have custom made orthotics - my feet are pronated (sp?) at 22 degrees and 26 degrees respectively.

Cost me é70 for consultation and then about 400 for the orthotics. VHI only cover if you go to a consultant somebody who refers you to the physio/orthotic guy. There are cheaper orthotics - just mine were pretty serious ones so cost more.

rubyred

Peckham wrote: »

I would have thought going to a physio would be a better option as they can take a more holistic look (i.e. could relate to a muscle problem in your leg), rather than someone who specialises in feet.

[Disclaimer: I'm married to a physio]

Just to add - my physio was the one that arranged my orthotics. Incidentially, since I started wearing them, my back problems have 99% cleared up (and obviously my foot, ankle and knee problems)

Wally Runs

Mine were in the region of €190 for the orthotics plus €60 for the consultation.
However somewhere in the region of €600 was spent before being recommended for orthoics. I would follow the others and have a consultation with a Physio first to see what are the options.
Let them know in advance what you are in about and see if they are up to date on running injuries. I spent a lot of time being told that I had muscle imbalance (which I do) and was given exercises to correct it.
However, the reason for the imbalance was that I have one leg longer than the other and no amount of exercise was going to correct it. I needed orthotics.

plodder

That's all great information. Just wondering as well. If you get orthotics, how does that affect your choice of shoes ??

henryporter

I have a set of custom orthotics, cost me in the region of £400 stirling (when stirling was really low) - fit like a glove and fit any shoe that I have. Again I'd second the statement that you need to be referred by a consultant rather that a physio for the purpose of clamning on VHI as I found to my detriment

Manone

Maybe the orthotics owners out there can answer the following:

Is it the case that once you get orthotics you're stuck with them, as in if you stop using them you'll revert to your previous foot pattern?

How often is it recommended that you replace them and is the cost to replace them similiar to having them made up initially?

Thanks

henryporter

Funny you should ask Manone - I forgot to wear them last week over a 36 hour period and felt a few niggles in the legs and today have a sore lower back. Looks like I'm stuck with them for life. The pair I have can be refurbished after a time but I'm thinking of having a second pair made for emergency breakages and when I do need to get the others refurbed. Of course running on them is going to shorten their life expectancy somewhat.

shels4ever

gmurran wrote: »

I have a slight foot niggle and want to get better othodics.

Anyone have experience with how much a podiatrist cost?

And does it count as seeing a specialist for VHI?

Thanks.

If you find a good one let me know.