I had pulled/hurt something in my foot a couple of weeks ago and wasn't sure what. I was under a short time constraint, as I was leaving for Southern California for good in 2 weeks. I called at 8:30AM Monday morning to Dr. Kelso's office, and his nice receptionist mentioned they had a cancellation that day and they could get me in at 2.
I arrived at his office which is located at UCDMC. THANK GOD his office was on the first floor - the only way it could've been closer to the main entrance is if it replaced the welcome desk or the snack shop.
I got in about 15 minutes early and was asked to sign some forms, the receptionist took a copy of my health insurance, etc. After she processed my forms, I was led into one of the rooms shortly after and saw the doctor about 2:10.
After twisting and turning and pushing my foot every which way multiple times without me feeling pain, Dr. Kelso couldn't immediately figure out my problem. He also took a couple of X-rays. My feet are flat but naturally have a low arch and it showed up, as well as extra bone in both my feet. Although I mentioned that (1) it hurt more in shoes and (2) even while walking barefoot I would feel a strain of some muscle/tendon, he couldn't figure it out as apparently there is a bone/nerve/tendon/muscle around that area in the bottom of my foot, and considering his prodding wasn't inciting any pain, he concluded it was bruise of the bone/muscle area. Although I asked if I needed a short walking boot (had one in my car..yes my feet are gimpy!) he said it was not necessary.
Since I was leaving in a few weeks, he proceeded to fit me with some over-the-counter orthotics (the black Superfeet premium, which I had to pay out-of-pocket immediately for $45 - not a bad price, it is about $40 online). The Superfeet really were perfect sized for my feet. He modified my shoe and the orthotics and gave me some direction on how to best protect my extra bone on my navicular. I asked for some exercises to help me strengthen that area but he said there is nothing I can do about the extra bone and did not recommend surgery.
Dr. Kelso also recommended a couple other podiatrists who knew more about biomechanics in the Southern California (Newport/Long Beach) area.. Apparently they were from his class. I left with a goodie bag full of extra foam padding that he had used for my tennis shoes and for inserts into my shoes, a paper cutout for the foam padding. a catalogue and notes on where to buy recommended shoes, and the size of the Superfeet he had given me for future note.
All in all, I really appreciated all the time he took in putting together the orthotics and customizing both the shoes and orthotics for my feet. If you are looking for exercises/biomechanical issues you may want to look elsewhere. read more