Fallen Arches

[Sargento]

I want to thank everyone for their advice about my last thread on my swollen feet. Thx! The good news is that the swelling is gone, and I am losing weight.

I've always had flat feet. Very flat, duck-like feet. I can do everything in sports and do all activity except for for run on a flat track more than a mile. Then the feet give way.

I believe I have "have fallen" arches. I do have a barely visible arch, and I think some of my foot pain is because of the fallen arches and possibly because I'm (still) overweight.

The "achy feet" only started about 2-3 months ago. I teach so I'm on my feet a lot, and after work I feel the pain of achy feet.

Can anyone tell me their experience with orthotics?

The ones molded to our feet in the doctor's office in the US is nearly $300 USD. The ones in Wal-mart by Dr. Scholls brand are $7-9. The Dr Scholl's brand seems to work but they break down after a few days.

I assume I can get orthotics in Thailand, right? I'll be returning to LOS in a couple of weeks as I'm visiting relatives, state side right now.

Orthotics on Thailand? Price?

Thanks for anyone who can help or recommend a different strategy to deal with my achy feet.

[Camelot]

I would advise getting orthotics in the US. If there is a podiatrist in Bangkok I've yet to find him or her and the hospitals are not into foot care unless it's diabetes-related. You might find a helpful orthopedist who can help, but I doubt they would have the degree of specialisation that is available to you in the US or Europe.

I have flat, painful feet, too, and order special insoles from the US through a friend. Same with shoes, occasionally, and have been doing so for five years.

Good luck.

[simon43]

Google for 'Bangkok Foot Care Centre'. The doctor is from New Zealand and can provide customised orthotics for you. After suffering from a painful foot (plantar fasciitis) for several months, I had some custom orthotics made. The pain has completely disappeared and I find walking/standing to be very comfortable now! I think the cost was about 5,000 baht for 2 orthotics, (ie left and right foot).

Simon

Edited June 23, 2009 by simon43

[wpcoe]

If there is a podiatrist in Bangkok I've yet to find him or her and the hospitals are not into foot care unless it's diabetes-related.

Ain't that the sad truth. Not just Bangkok, but all of Thailand. I once asked an Internal Medicine doctor at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya if there were any podiatrists in Thailand, and she said no, any doctor can treat any part of the body. It flew right over her head when I asked her if Thailand had cardiologists.

Google for 'Bangkok Foot Care Centre'.

That recommendation was spot on for the OP looking for orthotics, but in desperation I had hoped to have finally found a foreign podiatrist practicing in Thailand. Oh, well. Thanks for that momentary glimmer of hope.

[Sargento]

Thanks for the replies to all 3 of you. I appreciate it. Will report progress (or lack of) later. But I am optimistic. Cheers.

[adammike]

One thing to remember is that feet spread as you get older so you may need a bigger size or wider shoe

[thaipod]

There is a foot care service in Bangkok making quality custom made orthotics . Try www.footcontrol.net to get further information.

[simon43]

Thaipod, that's the same place that I recommended, but I hesitated to post the url in case it was 'chopped'

Simon

[Wrong Turn]

Any exercises available to strengthen arches.

I understand stretching the calf and achilles, but I need to stretch - specifically stretch my arches. My arches are tight, and I also wear orthotics, which have made the muscles and (tendons? Ligaments?) weak in my feet.

When I got my orthotics my Dr. in the US never told me that it make my fee *weaker* in certain areas because of wearing orthotics. When I walk barefoot on my living soft rug, I walk like a duck. I cannot extend my feet or push up on them.

Thanks to anyone who can help.

[Rudolf1234]

do not understand

I am a podiatrist and Dutch working here for 12 years

advertise even on this forum and you still can not find me?

go to google ant type "orthotics thailand" and see.............

greetings

Rudie

Edited October 23, 2011 by FootClinic

[onomataho]

The is a orthopedic foot specialist -- Dr. Cherdpong -- at BNH Hospital (Silom Soi Convent). I went to him for an exam and found him to be very competent. They make custom orthotics right in his office.

see: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/health/186244/soothing-your-soles

Edited October 24, 2011 by onomataho