This is a lengthy review; foot ailments are rarely simple affairs. If you're searching for a certified pedorthist (C-Ped), you're probably like I was: down-and-out with pain. Perhaps you can benefit from my story. If so, I invite you to keep reading. If not, contact the store for an appointment. You won't regret it.
I suffer from neuropathy in both feet, caused by tibial nerve damage from tarsal tunnel syndrome. It causes chronic pain, and while much less serious than other problems, at times, it's the bane of my existence. I've spent thousands of dollars - and thousands of hours - in attempts to control it. I've tried it all: doctors, pills, physical therapy, topical creams, foot massage, and many pairs of shoes. After a decade of pain, I discovered the WalkEZ Store, and it has been transformational.
In early 2020, the pain in my feet was unbearable. I was seeing a podiatrist, who is a good doctor, but I was not gaining any improvement. She offered to craft orthotics for me. I'd had them in the past, products I purchased online, and they helped. After some research, I decided my best option was to see a C-Ped, whose sole occupation is to correct poor foot biomechanics. I called and made an appointment. The customer service, from the first call, was excellent.
The WalkEZ Store, tucked in an office and retail building in Greenwood, is owned and operated by Kathy Carandang. While the store is physically small, its offerings are huge. When I arrived for my appointment, I was pleased to find myself being the only customer in the shop. Kathy works by appointment, which ensures totally personalized service. We began by discussing my ailments, before proceeding with various gait analyses and an eventual casting of the feet. I learned more about why I developed my condition in an hour with Kathy than through many hours with physicians and physical therapists.
During my initial appointment, Kathy looked at my shoes, and she determined none correctly fit my feet. She sold me multiple pairs of new shoes, and she altered several of my existing pairs so they would better fit. As a side note, the WalkEZ store carries two brands of shoes I highly recommend: Samuel Hubbard and Xelero.
By the end of my first appointment, I left with my new shoes and my custom orthotics. The orthotics were quite uncomfortable, and while most customers do not need an adjustment, Kathy said it was likely I would need to return. I had serious problems which required serious correction; it would have been impractical to expect a quick fix. After a week of continued pain, I returned for an adjustment. After another week, I again returned. Kathy refused to quit on me - something other professionals have done. After my third visit, her adjustment was a charm. My pain subsided. I took 6.78 million steps in 2020.
After more than a year, I returned to the WalkEZ Store for a checkup. I'd again started having some pain, and it was time for a correction. When Kathy crafted my updated orthotics, we marveled at the positive changes made to my feet. Even my bones had moved into their anatomically correct positions. This year, 2021, has been my most pain-free year since 2011. I'm averaging 20,000 steps per day.
I credit Kathy Carandang and her WalkEZ Store with restoring my life. I truly hope you will have a similar experience. read more
