dr. scholl's machines

[lazydays]

I used to see a podiatrist but he was a total quack. Then I saw a physical therapist who ordered an orthotic for me and that worked out really well but was expensive and was quite a few years ago. I want to get re-evaluated for a new orthotic and I'm wondering about those dr. scholl's machines. Are they worth trying or should I just go back to the physical therapist and pay the big bucks?

[cbelt3]

$50 for a set of 'custom' orthotics from the Dr Scholl's machine. I'd say give it a shot. That's about the copay for a specialist for one visit.

The machine 'diagnosed' me the same way my podiatrist did, so there's your single irrelevant data point 'proof' ! :biggrin:

[davester]

What's the diagnosis? If you have something wrong with your foot, then you need to find a better podiatrist, not delve into other fields of medicine (physical therapy) and retail marketing gimmicks (Dr. Scholl's machine). Diagnosis and treatment of foot problems is much more complicated than simply measuring static pressure points (which is all that thing does).

[sekker]

I'd give it a try. Orthotics were essential to help my wife get over her foot problems.
Around here, those machines are only in Wally World, so I've been steering clear.
But the next time, I'd give them a try before going the $300+ glamorous orthotic insoles.

[Grateful11]

I just searched for Dr. Scholl Machines and found out a lot CVS Pharmacy's in our area have them. I've seen the
ones at WM and I wouldn't put my feet on the nasty things.

I've been wearing these in all my shoes except my Brickenstocks and my Topsiders, I have a pair of Spenco's in the
Topsiders, and they have kept my Plantar Faciiitis in control. It took 3 years of night splints to get under control and
the insoles keep it there, it was better than surgery. The problem is they don't make the ones I use anymore and
they're starting to get worn.

http://www.sofcomfort.com/insoles.aspx

[cbelt3]

BTW.. DEFINITELY bring along some disinfecting wipes. You'll want to sanitize your feet after sharing it with some of the folk that shop there. Ewww....

[(vikm)]

I'd expect it not to be much different, if not exactly the same result, if you left your socks on.

[Ombligo]

you do leave your socks on.. (assuming you wore some). Regardless it wouldn't be any different than walking around barefoot.

I tried the machine once out of curiosity, you stand on two feet , than one foot, then the other foot, then roll forward, backward and can't recall what else. No idea if it works right as I didn't want to spend $50 on a pair of inserts.

[kanesa]

The person who finally got me the right orthotics was a sports medicine doctor. In fact, he did what no other doctor could do and that was getting me to walk long distances again. A steroid shot in my heel and a pair of orthotics with the right orthotic tech did the trick. I paid $90 /pair and insurance paid the rest. I am a very happy walker now.

[Robert M]

Lazy,

My brother has had orthotics for years and got tried of spending a fortune on them at the podiatrist's office. He gets them from this company now:



I'm not sure which model he ordered but he's _extremely_ pleased by the whole process and the resulting orthotics. The process as described on the web site is identical to the process used by my podiatrist. Get molds. Stick feet into molds. Send out. Get orthotics in return. I need new orthotics and plan to order mine from the same company.

FWIW, given the choice of buying orthotics via a Dr Scholl's machine or spending more and getting them custom made by a company that specializes in orthotics, I'd without a doubt buy them from the specialty company.

Robert