With my prescription for orthotics in hand (y’know, after forgetting it and having to drive back home), I went to Ledesma Sports Medicine Clinic for my first custom orthotic fitting.

They took my insurance information, just in case. Some health insurance plans will cover them when deemed medically necessary. Seeing as I can’t even get my inhaler from them or see one of the largest practices in Savannah… I also doubt their desire to cover my shoe inserts.

I laid on my stomach with my feet hanging off the table. He drew on my feet and legs, noting alignment and angles. He then placed wet strips along my foot which dried to create a mold of my foot. None of this is for those with ticklish feet.

I heard I was going to stand in a bucket of plaster, so this was preferable – primarily because my arch falls when I stand. This way my orthotic will support my arch as it rests, not as it collapses under my weight.

He showed me the molds. I was going to ask to take a photo for my blog, but was horrified to see an Oakley dog hair sticking out of the mold. If there is a tiny hair-sized indent in my orthotic, I’m blaming Oakley.

So much hair

They scan them (with the dog hair?) into the computer to create digital molds (which will stay in their system in case I want more). Another company fabricates the custom orthotics and sends them to the clinic which takes about two weeks.

Tips for your first custom orthotic fitting

1. Wear shorts or pants with legs that can be pulled up. They will need access to your calves.
2. Wash your feet so you don’t look like a hippy
3. Wear clean socks so there isn’t dog hair in your foot mold (oops)
4. Maybe bring a book if you don’t like the awkward conversation that happens as you face away from your care provider
5. Bring your prescription… cause that’s important

I am both excited and nervous. I’m trying to keep my feet as pain free and healthy as possible until the orthotics arrive. There will be an adjustment period. And then I hope. I hope. I hope. that I’ve solved the problem and can run.

I miss running in the fall