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My personal opinions on custom molded orthotics and various therapies for PF.......

Posted by Tony Grady on 11/16/98
For many years I manufactured custom molded orthotics for patients suffering from various foot pains and disorders...especially plantar fasciitis...and I feel that they are very overpriced for a product that in essence supports the arch and has a slight wedge for either a pronated or supinated foot. Many people can get relief from their PF by simply supporting the arch....and my suggestion for many is to TRY an arch support of some type before spending hundreds of dollars on orthotics. I personally suggest the Birkenstock Arch Support to my customers because I have sold hundreds of pairs and have most customers tell me how wonderful they work.

Why do Podiatrists insist on wrapping feet for a number of months (until a patient complains of the price)...then they suggest a custom molded orthotic for an additional $300 or more dollars? This is nonsense that really is hurting the insurance industry who fund many of these products. Did you know that in most cases a lab manufactures the orthotics....it takes about 1 hour from start to finish to manufacture them and about $30 in material cost! What an extreme way to rip off the public. And it's no longer just podiatrists...it's chiropractors, chiropodists, even at the County Fairs you see people selling products to relieve foot pain (usually $150 or more).

THE MAIN PURPOSE IS TO SUPPORT THE ARCH TO GIVE THE FOOT RELIEF. ESPECIALLY IN PF WHERE THE PROBLEM IS THE PLANTAR FASCIA PULLING FROM THE HEEL BONE!

Sorry to vent to all, but I hate seeing people waste hundreds, if not thousands of dollars and not trying existing, ready made products that work.

If you're interested please check out my site at www.shoetree.com. I talk about PF and the Birkenstock product I sell. It retails for about $26US and if it doesn't work for you, I offer a full refund.

As always if you have specific questions for me please e-mail to shoetree@pipcom.com. With over 10 years experience I can try to answer most questions for you.

Regards,
Tony Grady



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