Berkeley Parents Network: Podiatrists

Berkeley Parents Network

Podiatrists

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Health & Medical > Podiatrists

Will insurance cover orthopedic inserts?
Podiatrist who makes sport or active orthotics
Podiatrist for toenail problem
Podiatrist in Alameda
Bunion Surgery
Non-invasive treatment of ankle
Expert for orthotics
More Recommendations for Podiatrists
Podiatrist at Kaiser
Advice about Foot Care

Will insurance cover orthopedic inserts?

Dec 2004

My arches have now officially fallen after my second pregnancy. I want to know if typically health insurance companies like mine, Blue Cross, will cover the cost of orthopedic inserts for your shoes--or just the office visit to have them made? I already know of a shoe store where you buy non-custom inserts without a podiatrist's evaluation, and it comes out to about $150 per pair....is this the same with what you'd get after seeing an actual foot doctor? Tired Feet

Most insurance plans do not cover custom made orthotics. You can get an appointment with a podiatrist covered but not usually the orthotic. They can run upwards of $300 depending on what you need. There is also a store on San Pablo up near Solano Ave called The Next Step and the owner named Cyrus is very knowledgeable about tailoring an off the shelf insert to meet your needs. Bring your customary shoes and he will watch you walk in them and offer support where you need it. Good shoes and an off the shelf orthotic may run you $150. dawn

When I had the same problem, I found a good insurance covered happy medium by getting a referral to a podiatrist from my primary physician (I have an HMO) who then ordered some orthotic inserts that were available to doctors only, but not totally custom. I believe they cost about $40. Of course the podiatrist was covered by insurance. Ask your primary and or/call a podiatrist about this. After wearing the orthotics for about three months my feet improved and I no longer need them all the time anyway. cheryl

Podiatrist who makes sport or active orthotics

June 2004

I am looking for a good podiatrist in the east bay who makes sport or active orthotics. Long ago I had a pair of ultra thin, super strong orthotics that were perfect for running shoes. The podiatrist that made these orthotics is no longer in the area. I have Kaiser and saw a podiatrist there that had never heard of these orthodics. I seem to remember that they were made of some special carbon material. My original pair was stolen with a pair of shoes years ago and I never replaced them. Any leads would be great! Ruth

We have been looking for a podiatrist (foot doctor) for our three-year-old. She was born with one toe crossing slightly over the other, and we would like to consult with a specialist about what can or should not be done. Our pediatrician seems unconcerned, but we would like to have an expert opinion. Can anyone give us some leads? We live in Berkeley, so the closer the better. Thanks a lot! Beatrice

I recently saw Anna Sorkin, who was recommended on this list, and thought she was excellent. My husband saw her too and liked her as well. I don't know if she treats children (one of the posts asked about a 3 y.o.) but I know she has a child, at least. Fran

Podiatrist for toenail problem

April 2004

Does anyone have a recomendation for a good podiatrist? Or a great one? My problem with just one toenail keeps getting worse. Thanks for your suggestions!

I would like to recommend Dr. Anna Sorkin in Oakland across from Summit Hospital. She's very knowledgeable and personable and her staff is polite and helpful. Her office number is (510) 444-8733. hope this helps

Podiatrist in Alameda

March 2004

I am looking for recommendations for any of these 3 podiatrists in Alameda: Anthony Poggio, Dale Wright and Ted Mihok. Thanks! Jesi

I LOVE Dr. Mihok!!! My husband had to see him and said he liked him, thought he was funny and very good at what he does. WHen I had to go for a minor tratment (one that involved needles, which I am terrified of), I went to se him, and he made me feel so at ease. He is EXCELLENT at what he does, and while some folks who I have referred to him have said that they didn't think he was extremely outgoing and exhuberent, they have all had 100% postive things to say about the work he does. I know some folks who have seen his partner, Dr. Poggio, and have like him a lot too. His office staff is friendly, helpful and cheerful, and you can't go wrong with either of those doctirs, though my favorite is Dr. Mihok. I can't speak highly enough of him! Feelin' no more foot pain

Bunion Surgery

Feb 2004

I'm considering having surgery to remove the bunions on both my feet. Has anyone had this surgery? Would you recommend it? I've heard your bones grow back the same way, is that true? I'm also relatively new to the area and don't know of a good podiatrist. Recommendations would be appreciated. I live in the Lake Merritt area, but am willing to travel for a good doctor. Thanks.

Though my bunion surgery story is old, it went so well I had to write. I had both bunions fixed in 1985 at the age of 25. I had had foot problems all my life and I have not had a moment's pain or trouble with bunions since. The podiatrist's name is Eugene Spector and his number is 415-923-3082 (in SF). Definitely worth a call--though I understand he and his practice have probably changed in nearly 20 years! Back then it meant a 3-day hospital stay (which was great), which I doubt is the case today. I had both done at the same time, was in a wheelchair for a while, then crutches. After 5 weeks I had the okay to do aerobics, etc. , but things were still pretty tender. It's not a small deal, but if your problems are major, it's worth it. Everyone's situation is different and there are a variety of different surgeries and I'm sure many new practices have come up. I still wear specially made orthotics in my shoes so the bunions haven't come back. Good luck, Joan

I had my bunion surgery done in Davis so I can't recommend a specific doctor, but I can comment about the effectiveness of the surgery. I have very high arches and had moderate bunions on both feet when I was in my mid-20's. I began wearing orthotics about 5 years before, but still had occasional (but sharp) pain in my right big toe joint. Although I could have waited another 10 years before having the surgery, I decided to have it done then and be done with it. That was 6 years ago and I have not had any pain since. Mine bunion has not come back but I wear my orthotics religiously (actually I have to otherwise I have severe foot pain from plantar fascitis). The surgery I had entailed shaving off the bunion and resetting (ie breaking) the metatarsal (?) to straighten the big toe so it didn't turn in. If you have orthotics, wear them in your surgery shoe from the beginning. My doctor didn't tell me to and I didn't for the first week and my big toe turned in alittle. I was awake during the surgery. It didn't hurt except fot the shot to numb the area. Actually I was alittle bored. I found the recover quite painful though. The way the bone is broken and reset, you can walk on it immediately (there is a metal pin placed in your foot for 6 weeks to stabilize it). I spoke to one person who had both feet done at once by the same doctor and said it wasn't that painful. Since I only had one foot done, I rented crutches and used them for the first week. Cindy

Non-invasive treatment of ankle

Oct. 2003

I had a serious crush injury to my ankle last year. I've had two surgeries and my range of motion is still very bad. The joints are heavily damaged. I've been dealing exclusively with surgeons who don't believe in alternative medicines - don't prescribe them at all. Does anyone know of a foot and ankle specialist or surgeon out there who considers alternatives to surgery? I don't care if this person is in Montana or India. I'll go anywhere. It's an extremely complicated injury and I need to find a doctor who won't give up on me. I'm also looking for a good myofascial release person who does rehab work. Thank you.

Podiatrist Dr. Kam Wong (in Berkeley at 839-5219) is very bright, knowledgeable, and committed to non-invasive methods of cure. Several people I know (incl. my wife) are very pleased with his care. I've gotten to know him personally as well (through adult soccer) and he is truly a prince among men. Kaveh

Expert for orthotics

Sept. 2003

I'm looking for a good podiatrist who's an expert in orthotics -in the Berkeley/Oakland area -HealthNet/Hill physicians HMO Thank you

I know the BEST podiatrist! I don't know how much of an issue this will be for you, but he's in Alameda, right across from the Alameda Hospital, on Clinton. His name is Dr. Ted Mihok, and his partner's name is Dr. Poggio. I've only used Dr. Mihok, and I absolutely LOVE him. His office staff is wonderful as well. He accepts Healthnet (that's what we have too). Unfortunately I can't find his number right this minute, but he's listed. Good Luck! Jessica

I have a great podiatrist to recommend, and she is a part of Hill Physicians. Dr. Anna Sorkin can be seen at the offices of Dr. Stephen Sommer on Piedmont Avenue. She is only there on Fridays. I work on my feet,really long hours, and have had a lot of trouble with bruised heels, plantar fasciatis etc. I was really frustrated with the substandard care I got at Kaiser, and experienced something totally different with Dr. Sorkin. She listens, she has a variety of solutions from least to most complex, and she is willing to try all of them to get you relief. You can reach Dr. Sommer's Office at 654-2494.

More Recommendations for Podiatrists

January 2002

I am looking to change podiatrists. I looked at the web site and there was only one recommendation. My insurance is PacifiCare through ABMG. Any suggestions? Robbie

My insurance is also through ABMG, and the only podiatrist on the list when I went was Dr. Wolpa in Berkeley. I did not have a particularly good experience with him. If you need orthotics (which is mostly what podiatrists seem to do), and if your orthotics are not covered in your insurance (which is likely), it's more worthwhile, in my opinion to try Dr. Hannaford. He is smart, personable, practical, and he has offices in SF & San Rafael. He has a little bit of a bias toward runners, which I find refreshing, but I think he needs to be reminded that not everybody is a runner. My consultation with him, which included a quick in-office video analysis of my running gait, and a look at my shoes and existing orthotics, and discussion of where my feet hurt and how cost around $75. My husband went to him, and got his orthotics through him. I think the whole thing was somewhere between $300-400, which included the office visit and everything you need (e.g., readjustments) for a year. Nice office staff too. SF office, 415-387-7577, way out on Calif. St. San Rafael office, 415-499-8000, not as inconvenient as it seems.

I've seen Dr. Jay Glasser on San Pablo ave between Marin and Gilman sts. in Berkeley, for Plantar Fasciaitis. Both times (years apart) he was very straightforward and helped me by getting me custom orthotics. Don't know what kind of insurance his office takes, but I recommend him highly (his number is in the phone book. I don't have it).

Note from Myriam: 1178 San Pablo Avenue Albany, CA 94706 510-526-1335

I would recommend Dr Valmessay from St Francis Hops in SF at the Sports Medicine Clinic, 415-353-6400. He is especially good if you are athletic as he works with athletes all the time and their goal is to get you back to doing what you want to be doing. I have been using him for years and find him to be very nice, easy to get in to see and a great Dr with wonderful recommendations from the medical community. He is however in SF, good luck. kogorzalek

2000

I need a recommendation of a good podiatrist--Kaiser (my insurance) or non-Kaiser, preferably East Bay, but Marin near the Richmond bridge would also be OK. I have developed severe pain in one foot when walking over the past few months. I visited "La Foot" on College Ave, and they think it is due to my walking too many years on very flat feet without sufficient support. Unfortunately, the shoes they recommended shift the pain to a different spot, but don't eliminate it, and non-custom arch supports help a bit, but not enough. Joan

Podiatrist: Dr. Michael DiGiacomo, 465 8012, really helped me with foot pain. I believe he is/was the podiatrist for the Oakland A's. It's been years since I saw him, and his office may have moved, but it was on Pill Hill. I'm not sure which insurances he accepts. Linda

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