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Foot Problems
updated: Aug 16, 2011, 2:16 PM

I'm looking for recommendations from readers who have had success getting foot problems diagnosed and treated, especially for pains associated with running (the ball of one foot in my case).

The answer for me may be in choosing the right running shoes or some custom padding/support for the ball of my foot. I'd like to consult with someone who knows about the stresses on feet from running and can point me in the right direction. Thanks in advance for sharing your similar experiences and recommendations.

Places People Are Talking About:

Dr. Greg Aposperis

Dr. Martin Bean

Dr. Pearson

What People Are Saying:

COMMENT 204537P	2011-08-16 02:33 PM
Dr. Pearson, orthopedic surgeon. He specializes in feet. Did surgery on my foot and I highly recommend.
COMMENT 204539P	2011-08-16 02:37 PM
I've had lots of foot problems over many years and I'm a former runner, now very happy cyclist (still run occasionally, but it's not my primary thing now). Dr. Steven Pearson is by far the best orthopedic surgeon in town for foot problems, if that's what it comes down to. I recommend him for surgery. However, unless you are looking at a surgical situation, I think some of the podiatrists in town may be a better choice. That said, I've been through three sets of custom orthotics and think they have limited use, at least for me. Personally, I've had my best luck in getting foot problems resolved once I got a prescription for physical therapy in my hand. It takes time and work on your part, but PTs seem to be much better at getting down to the mechanics, strengthening your feet and to help you find shoes that work best for you. I also recommend replacing the removable insoles in your running shoes and replacing them with better ones that are usually for sale most places you buy running shoes. And replace shoes often. They break down structurally long before they look bad. And finally, it really is best to cross-train. Running is great, but it can kill your feet. I mix it up a lot and still can run once a week or so, and do a decent pace. I'm also in better shape overall. Good luck.
AUNTIE S.	2011-08-16 03:10 PM
I second Dr. Pearson. In fact I just came from my first visit with him this morning and was pleasantly surprised that he didn't just jump to recommending surgery (as many surgeons do). Even tho' I'll eventually need it, he recommended intermediate steps I could take, given that I want to go on a trip before I would recover completely from the surgery. I also noticed he is in the office with a podiatrist. I don't know anything about her, but it might be worth a visit to one or the other.
HDB	2011-08-16 03:51 PM
Martin Bean, PA at Sansum Clinic in Orthopedics. And he's handsome as well ;)
COMMENT 204566P	2011-08-16 04:11 PM
Well first of all, most foot problems do NOT need surgery. Some do, but not most. So don't start with someone who does surgery as a first line of defense. If you have pain near the heel or in the middle of the foot, it's more than likely a case of plantar fascitiis, which needs rest, icing, anti inflammatorites and time (sometimes up to 9 months) and weight loss if needed to fix. Surgery and/or cortisone shots for this condition rarely work and can often make it a permanent disability whereas conservative treatment is usually something that helps it go away indefinitely. I'd recommend starting with Dr. Pearson but be wary if surgery is suggested unless you know for sure what you're dealing with.
COMMENT 204620	2011-08-16 06:45 PM
Ditch your shoes! Our feet are marvels of evolution...use them how they're meant to be used! No heels, no clunky running shoes. Barefoot/minimalist is the way to go. Read "Born to Run."
COMMENT 204629P	2011-08-16 07:28 PM
Ditching shoes is a great idea if you have healthy feet to begin with, but it's horrible, irresponsible advice for someone with a foot injury. Sheesh.
COMMENT 204698	2011-08-17 07:01 AM
No it is not horrible, irresponsible advice. I had a lot of injuries after I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail which goes from Mexico to Canada through the wilderness. I wore very supportive shoes from about Mammoth to Castle Crags where I was finally so crippled with stress fractures I had to get off the trail. The following year I finished the trail wearing less supportive running shoes but was still injured with sesamoiditis and tendonitis. After both segments I healed my feet by walking barefoot around my neighborhood and wearing the least supportive shoes I could find. I now wear homemade shoes and sandals full time for hiking, walking, work and running and my feet have never been healthier and stronger.
COMMENT 204708P	2011-08-17 07:19 AM
Dr. Greg Aposperis (Santa Barbara Foot Clinic) on Arrellaga near State. Excellent!
COMMENT 204728	2011-08-17 08:14 AM
I agree with the Born to Run camp...talk to Isaac Osborne at Motion Unlimited, it will blow your mind. Motionunlimited.net or 845-1250.
COMMENT 204749	2011-08-17 09:04 AM
Sounds like you may have Morton's neuroma. I ran for appprox 25 years. Had an operation on each foot, which did help. But the problem resurfaced. The most important thing is for you to wear CUSHIONED shoes. If you have a high arch and bony feet, as I do, cushioning is good and too much structure is bad. Shoes? For me, Saucony work(s) best.
COMMENT 204764	2011-08-17 09:33 AM
Dr. Pearson did my tendon (shredded) repair surgery. I was referred to him as the best guy in town for foot problems.
COMMENT 204840P	2011-08-17 12:20 PM
I'm a big Scaredy Cat, and wonder if anyone would describe exactly the procedure used, from start to finish, to treat/remove ingrown toenails, and also the procedure for removing my husband's dreadful brown fungus on his deformed toenails, which are sickening to look at.
COMMENT 204845P	2011-08-17 12:27 PM
Avoid going to Dr. Greg Aposperis (Santa Barbara Foot Clinic) on Arrellaga near State. The entire place appears unclean, and you will find the rudest office staff in Santa Barbara in that place. Domineering, loud, brash, bossy, and simply rude. I believe it is family-run. The "doctor" leaves much to be desired as far as communication or warning of pain he will be inflicting on even a child. Stay away.
COMMENT 204882	2011-08-17 01:26 PM
Check with your Chiropractor first for an evaluation. He/She will point you in the right direction if it's not Chiropractic related. More and more Chiropractors are working with PT's and Podiatrists quite successfully. They'll even refer to Orthopedic doctors that they trust and have a relationship.
COMMENT 204904	2011-08-17 02:08 PM
I like the brashness of Dr. A's clinic. Very honest there and he made custom arches that helped. He's nice and I like someone who isn't guarded conversing with me than some with more of an act. Perfect, qualfed, "professional" say the right thing, people are OK for mortuaries but that's about it.
ANDY	2011-08-17 05:13 PM
I called Dr. Pearson and he shuffled me of to a podiatrist he works with. SHE IS AWFUL. Really put me through some unnecessary pain. She could not put my foot to sleep but pulled out my big toe nail anyway. Very cavalier about the whole thing, I reported her to Angie's List and when contacted she said she had never heard of me. I saw her several times trying to fix the mess she made. So she appears dishonest as well as incompetent. BEWARE!! Her name is LISA NELMS
COMMENT 205034P	2011-08-17 06:41 PM
Dr. Greg Aposperis (Santa Barbara Foot Clinic) on Arrellaga improved my foot problem with orthodics but in the process over charged at every opportunity. Find another podiatrist.
COMMENT 205038	2011-08-17 06:56 PM
Don't go to Pearson!! Screwed me up bad!!! Hard to get any answers out of.