Anyone know a really good podiatrist or orthopedist? I'm having a lot of pains from running such as plantar fasciitis.
Not sure if I need xrays, insoles, or just some PT. Looking for someone who can help me find a starting point.
thanks
podiatrist/foot dr?
Thu, 06/29/2006 - 5:37pm
Thu, 06/29/2006 - 6:06pm
#1
Dr. Rock Positano at HSS
Fri, 06/30/2006 - 9:01am
#2
Don't get shots
They are not helpful and may cause a fascial rupture. Taking NSAIDS (like Advil, Aleve, or prescription meds as tolerated) can help. Also, using well-cushioned shoes and limiting your running for a couple of weeks helps. Once you start to feel better, you can start a stretching program where you gently stretch out the fascia (slow, deep stretches) by holding the ball of your foot -- with a towel if needed -- and counting to 30. Do this ten times each morning and ten times at night.
Problem usually will go away within a few weeks.
Fri, 06/30/2006 - 9:39am
#3
podiatrist/foot dr?
I have been seeing Dr. rock Positano for four years and can't say enough about him - he knows A LOT about the needs that cyclists have and fit me for some cycling orthodics that eased my chronic pain and made my pedalstroke more powerful. He also has numerous professional distinctions you can read about at http://www.hss.edu/Physicians/Profiles/Positano-Rock
Fri, 06/30/2006 - 1:38pm
#4
I had and recovered from it
my doc told me the problem in my feet was connected to my calves, to my hammys, to my lower back. all too tight to function correctly
didn't realize the connection until he prescribed yoga as well as rolling a ball under my arch and the other treatments and it all went away
now whenever i don't stretch adequately and my back tightens up i notice the plantar twinges again.
try the foot-ball with the dimples (can't remember the brand but i picked it up at REI by the checkout counter) but more importantly make sure you stretch out your lower back and your hams and you will notice a difference.
if in excruciating pain roll a large OJ can every morning for a few minutes the ice will numb the pain a bit until the muscle stretches out.
i feel your pain! :(
Thu, 06/29/2006 - 8:52pm
#5
Lori Weisenfeld
In the Empire State Building.
Fri, 06/30/2006 - 5:12am
#6
Do your own research on before seeing a podiatrist
"http://tinyurl.com/lhef6
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In general be VERY wary of expensive treatments like custom orthotics, cortisone shots and surgery -- often NOT reimbursed by insurers -- over simple procedures like rest, icing, taping, stetching:
""In general, plantar fasciitis is a self-limiting condition. Unfortunately, the time until resolution is often six to 18 months, which can lead to frustration for patients and physicians. Rest was cited by 25 percent of patients with plantar fasciitis in one study as the treatment that worked best. Athletes, active adults and persons whose occupations require lots of walking may not be compliant if instructed to stop all activity. Many sports medicine physicians have found that outlining a plan of ""relative rest"" that substitutes alternative forms of activity for activities that aggravate the symptoms will increase the chance of compliance with the treatment plan.""
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20010201/467.html
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Thing to understand is, it's not the heel itself that's the problem but the inflamed tendons running the length of your foot culminating at the heel.
First, try something very simple -- tape your arch. Not so tight that it's uncomfortable, just enough to give some support. That should afford some immediate relief. Alternately, a section of elastic Ace bandage, short enough to fit under your shoe.
Or to be really clever, go to a sewing supply shop, sporting goods store or online retailer and get some elastic shoe laces.
http://www.underworks.com/health/423.html
http://www.webehave.com/lasticlaces.htm
http://www.theecwcorp.com/cord.html
Worked for me and a number of friends/co-workers.
Finally, unless you are highly compensated athlete, do NOT try to tough it out."
Fri, 06/30/2006 - 6:55am
#7
Be wary of cortisone shots
Let me add to Neile's very good suggestions:
Please be wary of cortisone shots. While they look like a quick fix, they have been found to weaken the fascia, sometimes leading to tears (which is exactly what happened to me four years ago). The only good thing with a tear is that it's the same thing as the surgery to release the fascia, but recovery time is long.
http://www.nba.com/sonics/news/brunson051129.html
Stay off your feet, try shoes with good support, take up cycling.
Fri, 06/30/2006 - 10:54am
#8
Thanks!
Why would stretch laces make a difference?
I wouldn't get a shot I think. I'd hang up the shoes first. I had this in my other foot 2 years ago and eased off the miles, healed quickly, and eventually did a marathon. Now its in my other foot but is a bit more persistant.
I've always run with the same shoes (but replace them fairly often) which are pretty cushiony (NB 998).
I've tried a strassberg sock that stretches my foot at night. It doesn't seem to help much and is super annoying to wear.
I would love to ramp up the cycling mileage instead but it's been very hard to find the time this year. Sometimes its easier to squeeze in a run.
Thanks all of you!
Fri, 06/30/2006 - 3:20pm
#9
"""Why would stretch laces make a difference?"""
When you tape your foot, you give your arch support.
You can create the same effect by simply tightening your shoe laces.
But with non-stretch laces the required pressure would be uncomfortable and constricting. You'd find yourself repeatedly tightening and loosening them.
Elastic laces maintain the kind of support/pressure you want, but flex with the shoe.
Fri, 06/30/2006 - 7:01am
#10
Shoes OK?
I had this problem several years ago. I went to a very conservative foot doctor who specialzes in athletes (I'll try to find his card). He basically told me my shoes were the culprit. I'm an overpronator and was wearing shoes with a high arch. He also suggested some stretches. It took about 2 weeks for the problem to resolve itself.
Fri, 06/30/2006 - 7:04am
#11
Found his card
His name is Dr. Novella. The info I have is:
220 East 63rd Street
212-750-3380
I don't know if this is still his contact info as I went to him a long time ago. Good luck.
Fri, 06/30/2006 - 7:07am
#12
plantar
"What worked the best for me when I had plantar several years ago was wearing the ""boot"" while sleeping. Don't let a podiatrist talk you into orthotics. It's totally unnecessary for this problem. It's important to do the exercises too - rolling foot on a tennis ball, picking up a towel with your toes, calf stretches, etc."
Fri, 06/30/2006 - 9:08am
#13
Podiatrist
I absolutely LOVE my podiatrist - he is a serious cyclist and Ironman, and specializes in sports med. Dr. Dan Geller / (212) 249-4141 / E. 68th ST.
Fri, 06/30/2006 - 12:34pm
#14
Lori Weisenfeld
Ditto the recommendation for Lori Weisenfeld in the Empire State Building (212-947-2320). She specializes in running/sports injuries and has helped me through a couple. She doesn't overcharge and is usually available on short notice. Her office staff is very nice too.
