where to go for help with foot injury

[hungrygreenhippo]

A few weeks ago I had a pain in the ball of my left foot. After some Internet research I self-diagnosed the problem as metatarsalgia. I iced and rested my foot for about a week until the pain went away and it seemed healed. Just before the pain started, I had been doing a lot of walking in non-supportive flip flops, so I blamed the injury on the flip flops. Since then I've been trying to avoid flip flops and wear sneakers as much as possible.

Yesterday night, the pain came back. It's not as severe as before but still enough that I don't want to run for a few days in case of aggrevating it further.

I'm thinking that it's time to see someone for help on how to prevent this from continuing to occur. But I'm not really sure where to go. I could see my family doctor, but last time I went in for a runinng-related injury they just referred me to a physical therapist. So should I go straight to a physical therapist? Or maybe a podiatrist because it's a foot-related problem? Also some of the online articles say that prevention can be as simple as wearing the right shoes... so maybe I just need to go to the local running store?

I want to seek help but don't know where to start. Actually, I guess what it comes down to is what's the most cost-effective method. I have pretty decent health insurance but co-pays can still add up pretty quickly.

So I guess I'm wondering, where would you go in my situation? Or, where do you go for treatment of running related injuries? Sorry for rambling and thanks in advance for any tips.

 

[syko]

Where in the USA are you?

 

[Creativebeth]

A podiatrist.

 

[hungrygreenhippo]

Where in the USA are you?

Phoenix, AZ

Update: I found a good review for a podiatrist that's not too far from my house. Just gotta see if he's "in-network". I also woke up yesterday with something like a sprained wrist, so now I'm thinking about going to my family doctor for a complete check-up and physical. Seems like I've been really accident/injury-prone lately so I hope it's not something more serious. Hopefully it's just me being a klutz!

 

[syko]

The Mayo clinic in Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz has a sports medician department.
I use the Mayo clinic and they are fantastic.

 

[hungrygreenhippo]

The Mayo clinic in Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz has a sports medician department.
I use the Mayo clinic and they are fantastic.

I wish I could go to Mayo Clinic, but they aren't covered by my insurance plan.

 

[ultramickeymouse]

I have had same problem since Aug. It has been hot and cold. I worked with PT for months(and still works on foot when I see him for my knee). I have seen 2 podiatrist. One in Oct6 made new ortho's that seemed to help but it was actually doing nothing that helped with Goofy. Came back bad and seen new podiatrist who modified old one to see if would help and did. So he made me new orthotics which I am breaking in. Will hope they help as will know in 3-4 weeks. With copays for Dr visit and 2 sets orthotics(not covered by insurance), I have spent about $800+. That's not counting cash PT visits.

My issue has been once I start training, it won't go away. I have just gotten use to the pain. I won't let it stop me.

 

[hungrygreenhippo]

Robert, I hope the new orthodics do the trick for you. I already use off-the-shelf orthodics, so maybe I just need to go custom. I have a visit to my family doctor this afternoon so I guess that's the first step for me for now.