Skating Podiatrist recommendation

[freezetheday]

Hello! My 90lb daughter has major foot issues in the three years she has skated. (flat,pronation, bunions and huge Haglund bumps plus other hot spots) Now she is working on bigger jumps ( double doubles and 2a training) and doing ice dance, the inflammation is very painful.

Boots: Started in Jackson, went to Risport rf3 aa and broke both pairs down in 3-4 mths each. Now in ice fly B with custom insoles.

She is starting with a new pt but I am now on the hunt for a podiatrist that either skates or is very knowledgeable about skating. Help please! thank you!

 

[Query]

Could you maybe provide us with your approximate location, and how far you are willing to drive or otherwise travel?

I wonder if a very good orthotist could do what you want. Sometimes podiatrists give a trusted orthotist a "blank prescription", letting the orthotist figure out what to do. Some podiatrists are better at diagnosing certain medical conditions then they are at figuring out how to make a shoe or boot work well.

It's also possible your skate boot fitter wasn't extremely expert - there are a relatively small number who are much better respected than the rest.

 

[freezetheday]

We are in North Carolina but can travel east coast and Central US. Would rather not fly to the west coast. thank you

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

We are in North Carolina but can travel east coast and Central US. Would rather not fly to the west coast. thank you

Boston Children's Hospital-Pediatric Podiatry Specialists/Program

Shuman Podiatry-Virginia

 

[freezetheday]

Boston Children's Hospital-Pediatric Podiatry Specialists/Program

Shuman Podiatry-Virginia

Thank you so so much. Will call on Monday. I hate to see her is so much pain.

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

Thank you so so much. Will call on Monday. I hate to see her is so much pain.

I hope they are able to help her and she gets the relief she needs.

 

[tstop4me]

We are in North Carolina but can travel east coast and Central US. Would rather not fly to the west coast. thank you

Just be aware that proper treatment will not be a "one and done" procedure. You most likely will need multiple visits: e.g., an initial consult followed by a fitting (scan or casting) for orthotics; after you receive the orthotics (which can be mailed to you if you don't want to make a special visit to pick them up), you will likely need one or more follow-up visits for adjustments. Good luck to your daughter! [ETA: And are your daughter's feet still growing? If so, that will mean more visits in the future.]

 

[Query]

Wow! North Carolina to Boston would be quite a drive... Assuming you drive. Two very well respected podiatrists who have treated many figure skaters, and who are somewhat closer are Dr. Paul Meissner (who according to the info I received, plays or played hockey, and is the father of a former Olympic figure skater), who works near Baltimore, MD, and Dr. Jonathon P Contompasis, in Wilmington, DE, and Kennet Squsre, PA, last I knew. It is easy to find contact information for them online, at the several offices they each work at. BTW, I don't know if they are still in business - you could check.

BTW, unlike Ic3Rabbit, I'm not an elite skater or coach, nor have I seen either of those podiatrists. I'm basing that on what other people have told me, who were happy with having seen them. In particular, about a dozen skaters I've met over the years who, like me were fit badly for custom skates, by a certain fitter, who shall not be named here. They all saw Meissner, and were very happy with the results.

Podiatrists are quite expensive, especially if you need multiple visits. As far as I know they modify your current boots, rather than make or order new ones that come very close to fitting you right in the first place. (Am I wrong? Do some of them order boots for you?) Perhaps it would be worthwhile finding one of the very few really good boot fitters... That is, if your current fitter doesn't happen to be one of those few. If you mention your fitter, maybe someone here could tell you if they are among the best.

 

[freezetheday]

I hope they are able to help her and she gets the relief she needs.

thank you! She went for PT today and they sent her right over for an Xray to rule out an avulsion fracture. Not that but ... Looks like bursitis. Uggh. orthopedic visit coming Friday and then we can get some more long term care from your recommendations. I appreciate you all!

 

[freezetheday]

Wow! North Carolina to Boston would be quite a drive... Assuming you drive. Two very well respected podiatrists who have treated many figure skaters, and who are somewhat closer are Dr. Paul Meissner (who according to the info I received, plays or played hockey, and is the father of a former Olympic figure skater), who works near Baltimore, MD, and Dr. Jonathon P Contompasis, in Wilmington, DE, and Kennet Squsre, PA, last I knew. It is easy to find contact information for them online, at the several offices they each work at. BTW, I don't know if they are still in business - you could check.

BTW, unlike Ic3Rabbit, I'm not an elite skater or coach, nor have I seen either of those podiatrists. I'm basing that on what other people have told me, who were happy with having seen them. In particular, about a dozen skaters I've met over the years who, like me were fit badly for custom skates, by a certain fitter, who shall not be named here. They all saw Meissner, and were very happy with the results.

Podiatrists are quite expensive, especially if you need multiple visits. As far as I know they modify your current boots, rather than make or order new ones that come very close to fitting you right in the first place. (Am I wrong? Do some of them order boots for you?) Perhaps it would be worthwhile finding one of the very few really good boot fitters... That is, if your current fitter doesn't happen to be one of those few. If you mention your fitter, maybe someone here could tell you if they are among the best.

thank you for the recommendations! We would fly to Providence as there are cheap Breeze flights. I will check out the people you suggested near DC. We have been up there frequently. For competitions. I am gratef for your help! Christine

 

[freezetheday]

Just be aware that proper treatment will not be a "one and done" procedure. You most likely will need multiple visits: e.g., an initial consult followed by a fitting (scan or casting) for orthotics; after you receive the orthotics (which can be mailed to you if you don't want to make a special visit to pick them up), you will likely need one or more follow-up visits for adjustments. Good luck to your daughter! [ETA: And are your daughter's feet still growing? If so, that will mean more visits in the future.]

thank you so much. I think her feet are just about done growing. Her last few pairs of skates have all been the same size. We know this will be awfully expensive but we need to fjnd out what is going on and prevent a lifetime of injury. I pray we can help her.

 

[freezetheday]

I hope they are able to help her and she gets the relief she needs.

Many thanks