My 12Y old son woke up with excruciating pain on both feet (pain score 9 out of 10), was limbing and unable to walk. North shore Podiatry was able to squeeze him into the schedule, which I was very thankful for. Not a lot of places are open on the weekends. He was diagnosed with Flat Feet, Accessory Navicular Syndrome Type 2, and Stage II PTTD. NSAIDs, Physical therapy, and plan for Custom Orthotics in one week. We waited nearly 2 months for the Orthotics. We went in for the first fitting with Dr. Lina and it did not work. We were asked to come back in one week for a follow-up; however that was that doctor's last day. If we knew she was leaving, we would have considered a second opinion. "This process" is important and there shouldn't have been any changes in provider during the process. We had to wait for 3 weeks to see a new doctor, Dr. Irwin. The orthotics needed adjustment. We had to wait for another 5 weeks for the adjustments while my son was in pain and limbing. The orthotics came back again and it still did not work with my son complaining of sharp pain. This has been a long 3+ months process. We went to the point and buy new sneakers to have the sneakers go around the orthotics as per the physician's request on top of loosening the shoe laces to accommodate the painful orthotics??? Clearly something was wrong with the orthotics itself. Adjustment number 4, still sharp pain...
We decided to go see another Podiatrist. We received the custom orthotics 2 weeks later with a less than 24hr follow-up appointment. My son was very happy. No pain. We ordered his custom hockey skates, which should be here in another week. The total first visit to custom orthotic for daily wear sneakers to custom hockey skates took 5 weeks.
Lesson learn: If you have doubts and its the 4th adjustments and your wait time is over 3 months??? Its time to move on.
I'm not saying my 12Y old son is more important than any other patients. However, they must admit, it is crucial to manage his diagnoses in a timely fashion.
I thank North Shore Podiatry for the immediate initial visit for my son. The custom orthotic experience was horrific. The follow-up appointment availability for Dr. Irwin was not easy as well. read more