Mark Reed, DPM
DABFAS FAPWCA
714-528-3668
Shoe Fitting Guide
Advice on Shoe Fitting
For many people, finding a shoe that fits properly can be a frustrating and time-consuming process. Because many people have subtle abnormalities of their feet, the process of finding a proper fitting shoe can be difficult. There are few simple guidelines that if followed can make the process a bit more tolerable. There are several good shoes on the market some of them may even be styles that you may like. With the availability of Internet shopping, the process of finding shoes for the hard-to-fit individual may be made a bit easier.
When purchasing shoes, it is always a good idea to have the salesperson measure your feet. It is also a good idea to have both feet measured, because in many instances there may be a difference in the size of your feet. If you have two feet that are not the same size, it is recommended that you buy shoes to fit the bigger foot. Our feet change just like our eyes do as we get older. A person's feet tend to become a bit longer and wider. Women, during pregnancy have a tendency for their shoe size to change. This is because during pregnancy a woman's body produces a hormone called elastin. This hormone softens the ligaments about the pelvis to assist during delivery. Unfortunately, the hormone also affects other ligaments in the body. The ligaments in the foot are particularly affected. This coupled with an increase in weight and a change in the center of gravity causes many women to experience a change in their shoe size. Our feet also have a tendency to change size during the course of the day. Shoes that may feel comfortable in the morning may feel tight and uncomfortable later in the day. This occurs because of a variable amount of swelling in the feet that occurs as the day goes on. Therefore, it is a good idea to buy your shoes later in the day.
The shape of the shoe is important, but surprisingly little attention is paid to this feature of the shoes we buy. The "Last" of the shoe determines the overall shape of the shoe. The shoe "last" may be straight or curved. To determine the "last" of the shoe, turn the shoe upside down and look at the sole. Imagine a line that goes through the center of the heel of the shoe and then out the center of the toe area of the shoe. You might be surprised what you find. In "curve lasted shoes" this imaginary line is in the shape of a curve, usually curving inward. Many shoemakers make curve lasted shoes. This is particularly true in sports shoes. A "straight lasted shoe" will have this imaginary line almost straight from the heel to the toes. Now, look at the shape of your foot. Have you ever wondered why your shoes seemed to wear out in the upper part about the toe box in such a funny way? The reason may very well be that you have a rather straight foot, and you are wearing a curve shaped shoe. Curve lasted shoes can aggravate a number of foot problems. These shoes can cause an excessive amount of pressure on the outside of the foot. This has the potential of irritating existing problems like bones spurs in the fifth toe, soft corns between the fourth and fifth toe, and tailors' bunions. Another area of the foot that can become irritated is along the outside of the foot called the "styloid process". The styloid process is the base of the long bone (metatarsal) behind the fifth toe. In some people the styloid process is more prominent and subject to irritation by shoe pressure. There is also a powerful tendon that attaches into the foot in this area from a muscle on the outside of the lower leg. This tendon and some other small tendons on the top of the foot can be irritated by the curve lasted shoe.
Shoe manufactures make curved lasted shoes because they believe that by curving the foot inward it causes greater stability to the foot. In theory they are correct, but shoes rarely are made of materials that are strong enough to influence foot function. Instead, as a person wears the shoe, the shoe over time becomes mis-sharpen and can cause irritation to areas on the outside of the foot. The shoe manufactures have been a bit more successful at producing "motion control" shoe wear in sports shoes, but even there the shoe will rarely be able to hold up to the deforming forces of the foot over time. If a person has an abnormality of their foot that requires some degree of "motion control" they are better advised to seek the advice of a foot specialist who can determine their needs and prescribe a device that corrects abnormal function of the foot. These devices called orthotics fit into normal shoes and last for several years. In many cases the use of an orthotic will correct abnormal wear patterns seen in a person's shoes.
When selecting a good sports shoe there are a few simple guidelines to follow. First of all, fit the shoe to the shape of your foot. In other words, if you have a fairly straight looking foot choose a shoe that has a straighter last to it. Secondly, consider sport shoes that are relatively rigid in the heel portion of the shoe. Heel stability is important in almost all cases. Additionally, look for a shoe that is fairly flexible in the forefoot area. If the shoes do not easily flex in the forefoot, then as the heel comes off the ground during walking and running the big toe is unable to flex properly. Adequate movement of the big toe joint is important for normal foot function. There are two more things to check before you purchase the shoe. Place the shoe on a firm flat surface and observe what the back of the heel of the shoe looks like. The heel of the shoe should be relatively perpendicular to the surface the shoe is sitting on. If the back of the shoe is angled in one direction or another this could indicate a defect in the manufacture of the shoe. Lastly, put you hand inside the shoe and check for any defects in the seams of the shoe. Seams that are prominent have the potential to cause irritation to areas on the foot.
Diabetic patients need to be particularly aware of the type of shoes that they wear. This is especially true if they have poor circulation, numbness or a loss of sensations in their feet (neuropathy). Shoes should be purchased that have adequate room in the toe box area. The upper of the shoe should be of soft leather with few or no seams. Extra depth shoes are available that meet the needs of many diabetic patients. In many instances Medicare will reimburse for one pair of shoes per year if the patients doctor recommends extra depth or special shoes. There must be adequate documentation in the doctor's medical record for the need for the shoes. Many foot doctors offer diabetic shoes as part of their practice.
Anatomy of the Running Shoe
As all runners know, running begins with a good foundation. And where do we find that foundation? At the ground level where the rubber meets the road.
In other words, your shoes, the pieces of leather and rubber that separate your feet from the hard concrete of the road.
Let's look at the anatomy of a running shoe, and the four sections of the shoe that make it complete.
The uppers of the shoe may be made of leather or, for the lighter shoes, a synthetic which is lighter, washable and breathable (to reduce heat from the foot). Another component of the upper is the tongue of the shoe, which should be padded in order to cushion the top of the foot against lace pressure. At the back of the shoe, the ankle collar should also be padded to prevent rubbing and irritation of the Achilles tendon.
The outer sole of the shoe is the treaded layer which is glued to the bottom of the midsole. It resists wear, provides traction, and absorbs shock. This is probably the most important layer for the "street fighter" or road runner. The outer sole usually consists of blown rubber, hard carbon rubber, or a combination. The blown rubber is the lightest but is not durable as pure carbon. The stud or waffle outer soles are excellent for running on soft surfaces such as grass or dirt as they improve traction and stability. On the flip side, the ripple sole is better designed for running on asphalt or concrete surfaces.
The heel counter is the inflexible material surrounding the heel. It must be made of a material that is both rigid and durable to support and stabilize the heel. Just look at any old shoes, and you will see the wear and breakdown of the inner heel counter, which, over a period of time, tends to lose its stiffness. That's why an external counter is typically placed between the midsole and the base of the heel counter. You will also see a wedge that adds height to the heel and enhances the shoe's ability to absorb shock and reduce strain. The advantage to the added heel height is that it will shorten the Achilles and Gastrocnemius-soleus muscle, reducing the strain upon those important posterior running structures. The downside is that the higher heel height may feel less stable, causing reduced flexibility in the tendon structure.
The midsole is located between the outer sole and the upper. Many regard it as the most important part of the running shoe. It provides cushioning and shock absorption while concomitantly controlling excessive foot motion (pronation/supination).
The primary materials used in midsoles are ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and polyurethane (PU). EVA is a foam that is light and has good to excellent cushioning. The problem is that this material breaks down quickly. In fact, it can break down just sitting in a box in your closet. Compression-molded EVA is one answer, making it harder and more durable. PU is also a foam, usually denser, heavier, and more durable than EVA. PU will stand up longer, but you will give up some of that precious cushioning in return.
Most shoes today are cushioned with gel, foam, or other manufacturer-specific materials that are designed within the midsole. This type of cushioning will extend the life of the midsole while simultaneously adding increased stability and shock absorption. This typically is where you will see the greatest quality difference between the various companies’ shoes and their models. And this is where the technology wars are being waged.
Remember, shock absorption is related to how compressible the midsole material can be made. The more the material compresses, the more movement within the shoe is seen. The less the compression of the material, the better the shoe's motion control, but there is a tradeoff in shock absorption. In this case, the shoe may feel harder, and not as soft as the first case scenario.
Know Your Foot Type
So how important is it to know what type of foot I have, and how I run?
Very important! You need to know the basics of running gait and foot types.
First, when you run, the heel strikes the ground first, usually on the outside (supination). Next, the foot rolls inward and flattens out along the longitudinal arch-pronation. The foot then resupinates by rolling through the ball and rotating outwards. At this point, the foot becomes a rigid lever as it again prepares to push off the ground.
To find a runner who supinates or pronates just the right amount is rare. Typically, most runners, particularly those who become injured with knee pain, Achilles tendonitis, shin splints, I.T. Band, or heel pain, suffer from either excessive pronation or supination.
So, let's look at those terms again, and how they relate on a runner's gait. Everyone thinks pronation is an evil thing. Wrong! Your foot needs to pronate in order to adapt to uneven surfaces. We all have to pronate to a certain degree. However, excessive pronators whose feet roll inwards too much while running are the runners who develop over-use injuries. The overpronator generally has a flattened type of foot (low arches). You can check this yourself by wetting your feet and walking on a piece of paper. If you see the whole footprint, including the arch, you can bet you're an overpronator. If you check an old pair of shoes, you'll see a wear pattern to the inside of your shoes, particularly around the big toe.
Overpronators generally have flexible feet, which creates a very unstable foot. This can lead to many of the overuse injuries previously mentioned. If you are an overpronator, look for a shoe with a lot of motion control, preferably with a board last. A straight-lasted shoe is also recommended for overpronators.
What about if you supinate? The supinator's feet typically roll outward, both in the heel and in the forefoot. You're the ones with the high arches. If you want to see if this is your foot type, go ahead and wet your feet and walk on a piece of paper. If you only see a wet spot of your heel and the ball of the foot, you know you over supinate. When you look at an old pair of shoes, you'll see that they wear excessively on the outside border of the heel, and on the outside of the forefoot near your little toe. You're not in the majority here in this case. Supinators are definitely in the minority compared to pronators.
The high-arched, supinator type feet are more rigid, and cannot absorb shock as well as an overpronator's feet. Therefore, it stands to reason that with a rigid type of foot the supinator will be subject to more lateral ankle sprains, stress fractures, and pain on the outside of the shin and knee. Supinator type feet should look for a shoe that has better than normal cushioning for added shock absorption, as well as flexibility. Many supinator type feet feel more comfortable with a semi-curved or curved last, due to the shape of their foot.
Shopping Tips
So, what are some tips for selecting a good running shoe? Both the American Running and Fitness Association and the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine make the following recommendations:
Try on both shoes, because your feet may not be the same size and the shoes may not be made symmetrically. Walk and jog around the store for a few minutes; climb stairs or try jogging on a treadmill if available.
Try on a couple of different models and sizes so you can make a good comparison. Don't rush your selection.
The lacing area and tongue should be padded, especially if you have a bony bump (metatarsal-cuneiform) on your instep.
Be sure the sole flexes easily where your foot flexes. Buy shoes with removable insoles so you can modify or replace them with orthotics in needed.
Allow a half-inch in front of your longest toe when you stand up. Fit shoes in the afternoon or after a workout, when your feet are larger. Feet swell as much as a full size during a good workout.
The key to finding the best shoe is comfort, not price or brand name. Don't rely on a break-in period; Shoes should feel good the day you buy them.
The toe box should allow your toes room to move around. The mid-part of the shoe when laced should hold your foot snugly so that it doesn't slide forward and jam your toes with each step. If the shoe feels tight across your instep, start the laces on the second pair of eyelets.
The heel counter should fit snugly so your heel won't slip and rub.
Check the quality control of the shoes. Put them on a flat surface near eye level. The mid-line of the heel counter should be perpendicular to the surface.
Try on shoes with the socks, inserts, or orthotic devices you plan on wearing.
It is always suggested that when looking for a good running shoe, first select a good specialty running shoe store with competent salespeople. They are the ones who know the latest in shoe design and performance. Typically, these "fitters" are runners like yourself. They’ve been hired because of their love of running and their interest in their fellow runners. So, search them out, and develop a relationship with a store and a person who has been fitting shoes for a period of time. If you have had a history of injury due to a shoe or a biomechanical problem, seek out a podiatrist in your area. He or she will be able to detect what your problem may be, and the right shoe or shoes to look for.
To extend the life of the shoe, wear them only for running, and let them dry out slowly when wet.
Mark Reed, DPM
DAPFAS FAPWCA
1275 N. Rose Drive, Suite 136
Placentia, CA 92870
Open M-F 8:30 to 5
Saturday: By Appointment
Info@Podiatry.Care
Fax: 714-528-0739
Office: 714-528-3668
Located in the
Placentia Linda Hospital
Medical Building
Follow Dr. Mark Reed
*****
Beckie Burcham.
An absolutely amazing and genuine doctor who is not interested in only treating the symptoms, but rather treating the real cause! Dr. Reed explains everything in real simple terms that anyone can understand, especially seniors. He has amazing, common sense solutions (i.e. treatments) for unresolved diabetic foot ulcers where others have only wanted to continue cutting weekly into my family member's foot! Dr. Reed is absolutely AMAZING! And if you are getting no where with your currents foot issues or someone continues to only cut, please, please...do yourself a favor and contact Dr. Reed's office right away! Trust me, my family member has been dealing with an unresolved diabetic foot ulcer since 2018, and in just 3 weeks the foot is healing fantastic!!! Thank you Dr. Mark Reed. You have helped us to save the foot!!!
What an Amazing Podiatrist Dr. Mark Reed is! After years of other foot doctors just cutting into my family member's foot (diabetic foot ulcer), with numerous infections along the way...I did research and found Dr. Reed. Absolutely the best decision I have made for my loved one! After only 3 weeks of treatment, the foot ulcer is healing!!! No amputation! No continuous cutting and keeping the wound open and susceptible to infections! Brilliant man with great knowledge, kind heart, straight to the point and tells the truth the way it is! Dr. Reed does not just treat the symptoms, but rather the source of the problem! My family member's glucose levels are down to an average of 112 now. The wound is healing and new skin is growing!!! Amazing! I would highly recommend Dr. Reed to anyone and everyone! Thank you Dr. Reed, from the bottom of my heart! You have been a God send! Thank you!
*****
Mathew
H. I went to Dr. Reed because I had a chronic (5 months) wound on my leg that needed expert medical attention. Dr. Reed assessed the wound and knew how to treat it. He explained the process of healing the wound and what I needed to do in order to make the plan work.
I appreciated that Dr. Reed took the time to explain the process and his approach to me. As I followed the plan, I saw improvement within the first week and continued improvement in the following weeks. Within six weeks of my first appointment, the wound was healed.
Dr. Reed is personable and I enjoyed speaking with him in conversation. Most importantly, he told me what the treatment plan was, why it was that, and what I needed to do to ensure that it is effective. I am reluctant to go to doctors. I highly recommend Dr. Reed because he understands that many people feel that way and most importantly because the treatment was successful.
Lastly, the office staff are professional and kind. Dr. Reed's office is a first class group and I recommend them very highly.
*****
Paul Gordy. Dr. Reed is an outstanding podiatrist...he is state of the art medicine. This is by far the most kind, compassionate and caring physician who takes personal interest in his patients care and success in healing...when Care More and BlueShield doctors said they could not heal me...Dr. Read said "that's crazy", I'll heal you in 90 days .....and he DID!!!!!,
Amazing skill. You will not find a better person or doctor anywhere...
My family and I. Love Dr Reed.
You will too!
Paul Gordy
Yorba Linda Ca
*****
David M. The entire staff is friendly and very helpful. Dr. Reed is dedicated, spends time to take care of his patients. I had gangrene in my toe and Dr. Reed was diligent in his care and was able to eradicate the problem. I have recommended him to others, who had similar positive experiences.
***** Lee Godden. I have nasty bunions which eventually led to a painful stress fracture of the second metatarsal while playing basketball 2x/week. Dr. Reed managed my entire recovery, from initial visit to discharge two months later. He took X-rays and did ultrasound therapy. I was happy that his focus was on realignment and patient education, as opposed to surgery. I'm now running again thanks to the orthotic insoles, toe spacers, etc. that Dr. Reed put me in. I highly recommend Dr. Mark Reed.
***** Yvon Cariou. Dr. Reed did a great job on that ingrown toe nail, a painful condition. It took some time but Dr. was persistent and supported the process with detailed explanations and supplemental care as needed. A good office to go to.
***** Sue Alexander. If you’re looking for a podiatrist (foot and ankle doctor), may I suggest Dr. Mark Reed in Yorba Linda. Throughout my treatment Dr. Reed explained what he would be doing and why. Thank you Dr Reed for your expertise, kindness and encouragement! Sincerely, Sue Alexander
***** Salam Hamad. Hat off for Dr. Reed. He was the 4th doctor, second specialist to consult for my Plantar Fasciitis case. I went to him after the 1st specialist, using injections, boots and what not decided to operate on my heel in 30 days if the pain does not go away. Doctor Reed threw all that talk away and dismissed every recommendation. I went to him armed with lot of documents, dates and details of what the first 3 doctors did. He said, don't give the history, just tell me where it hurts. He examined the heel and the foot and diagnosed the problem immediately. He then prescribed the method to treat it. He did it! yes, it took more time than he thought but he DID it. I owe doctor Reed and appreciate him, his knowledge, experience and his caring attitude every time I walk. Yes, walking became possible for what he did. Oh! by the way, he is not in it for the money.
***** Sue Alexander. If you’re looking for a podiatrist (foot and ankle doctor), may I suggest Dr. Mark Reed in Yorba Linda. Throughout my treatment Dr. Reed explained what he would be doing and why. Thank you Dr. Reed for your expertise, kindness and encouragement! Sincerely, Sue Alexander
***** Monsie Crane.
Dr Reed cured me of the neuropathy in my toes. The neuropathy was a result of chemotherapy, which I received as a cancer treatment. He also helped me with proper shoe fitting for bunions and longer second toes. I highly recommend Dr Reed.
***** Colleen Livermore. Dr Mark Reed has been an excellent doctor, evaluating my foot and ankle pain, and giving me the instruction and exercises needed to strengthen and heal. I appreciate his excellence, expertise and experience. Ankle pain can be so challenging so to feel better after his help is a great relief.
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*****
Matthew Jones.
Dr. Reed has been my podiatrist for approximately 2 years now. He remains one of my favorite doctors because of how kind he is, how punctual he is and most importantly how effective he is.
I have been to several other podiatrists in the past and I just about gave up until I found Dr. Reed on google. The results he has given me have changed the way I feel and the way I look.
***** Lily Lambutu. Dr. Reed is an excellent doctor. He listens, gets straight to the point, explains everything, and pays attention to detail. He answers all questions honestly. I've seen him for ingrown toenails and a tumor on the bottom of my foot. I trust him completely as he takes the time to assess the issue and will take a conservative approach if it will solve the problem.
***** Bryant Brislin. Dr. Reed took a thoughtful approach to my issue and came up with a solution that other podiatrists had not. He took his time and was very friendly, which was refreshing. He seemed to truly care for me to get better!
***** Lisa Fogerty.
Dr Reed is an outstanding doc. Several years ago I had a hammer toe surgery done by another doctor who damaged the nerves in my foot. I was in pain for 3 years and was told by that doctor that I would have to live with it and that eventually the nerves would heal. They didn't. I couldn't sleep due to the pain and had to alter my exercise routine. Dr Reed took on the case, correctly diagnosed the problem and started a program of injections to get the nerves to regenerate. He told me to be patient and that "we" would fix the problem. He always kept me informed of the procedures and made me part of treatment plan. It took several months but today my foot and toes are healed thanks to Dr Reed's persistence.
My wife dislocated several toes in an accident and was in significant pain. Dr Reed fixed her up as well.
We are both very grateful to Dr Reed and his excellent staff for their kind and professional medical services and highly recommend him. If you want the best podiatrist in Orange County you found him in Dr Mark Reed.
***** Samantha Smith. It’s been almost 2 years since Dr. Reed cut off an amputation stump neuroma and then reconnected my husbands medial plantar nerve. This man has changed our lives forever. After being turned down and rejected by SO many doctors, we had no hope left...then we found Dr. Reed. He really did the impossible! My husband was in so much pain for so long and now feels little to no pain thanks to our friend Dr. Reed. We owe everything to him and will always be SO thankful for everything he has done for us. He will forever be a huge part of our lives.
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***** Leo Burke. I'm an avid hiker but have been plagued for years by a large toenail that was sensitive to pressure and would have to go to great lengths to avoid losing the nail. But every now and then I would lose the nail and all this was impacting my hiking (and ruining some vacations). I was seeing other podiatrists and we would try various work-arounds, but I finally decided that I would get rid of that nail once and for all. I had a lot of trepidation about that, but I decided to see Dr. Reed to consult with him on doing so. He assured me that it would be no problem at all, which surprised me, so I agreed to have him do the removal. Amazingly, it turned out to be a piece of cake with little to no pain, and I was back in action very quickly. It pains me to realize that if I had seen him a long time ago I could have avoided years of aggravation and frustration. Not only that, but he's an expert on hiking boots and given me a lot of help in boot selection.
He's been in this for so long that he's a fountain of knowledge and enjoys imparting his wisdom to his patients. For example, I also have a pressure sensitive small toe on my other foot and he was able to give me samples of some products that can relieve pressure on the toe that I hadn't been aware of. If that doesn't do it, I can cut an "X" in the boot over that area and cover it with a piece of leather. He then supplied me with a piece of leather that could be used for that purpose and told me what glue to use.
There's no question about it - Dr. Reed is the man to see for your foot problems. He's head and shoulders above everyone else.
***** Gloria Gonzalez. Dr. Reed is a great podiatrist. He's the only doctor that has helped my family's and my foot issues. He didn't suggest surgery for my issue, and his solution was easy and innovative. A couple of years later, and his solution still works.
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***** Nikki Clark. I have been a patient of Dr. Reed's for 6 months. During this time I have found both his professional staff and Dr. Reed to apply the utmost patience, compassion and expertise. They always make time for appointments and during doctor visits. Dr. Reed has an impeccable bedside manner, provides all options available and genuinely cares for a positive solution. Dr. Reed is a student of his practice and applies current medical advancements. I would recommend Dr. Reed and his staff to family and friends for problems they might be experiencing.
*****
Viet Tieu Bao: I have a great experience with Dr. Reed. First of all, he's an awesome surgeon as it turned out i didn't have any pain after my surgery (i had a tumor that grew next to my Achilles tendon that needed to be removed and in order to have a clean removal of the tumor so it won't come back Dr. Reed had to shave off 1/3 of my Achilles tendon). Amazingly i did not have to take a single pain killer. Hats off to his skills. Secondly, his caring is extremely important since he encouraged me to call him anytime if i have a concern or just a question. I did call him on the day of the surgery i noted the time 11:30pm and he did return my call just few minutes later. I was amazed how pleasant and calm he was even though that late in the night and he ensured me that i feel ok before he let me go back to sleep. Last but not least, he is very detail oriented surgeon as he always explained clearly his procedure & options & pros & cons as well as any medical terms that i don't understand. I feel i was so lucky that I chose Dr. Reed for my problem and i highly recommend anyone who needs a DPM should give it a try with Dr. Reed. Am confident that you won't be disappointed.
Thanks Dr. Reed for taking good care of me and deeply appreciated for all you did for me.
***** Uli H. Went to Dr. Reed about 2 months ago because I woke up with excruciating pain on top of my foot. There was no injury or even exercise the day before so it was totally random. I explained this to Dr. Reed and he diagnosed it as tendinitis. He explained to me why it happens and it made perfect sense. So in one session I basically found out that I've been wearing the wrong shoes for my flat feet this whole time. What a difference my life would've been if I had visited him years ago. He told me my knees are not aligned correctly because of my flat foot which explains my knee pain. He referred me to a place to get some better walking shoes and showed me creases on my shoes that showed just how much pressure is on one side of my foot. The custom orthotics he made me have been a life changer. The only way I can describe the feeling is I use to feel like I was walking on unstable stilts and now my feet have custom made platforms and I'm stepping on a solid foundation every step. The night splint he gave me was the solution to the tendinitis. It is now gone and even played soccer within a month of first going. I'm now working on my pre-existing ankle injury and have to test out my tendonitis ankle to make sure its completely gone. Dr. Reed is great, has some great advice and I definitely recommend him.
***** Douglas Ho. I am a returning customer after many years. Returned to Dr Reed to evaluate my Plantar Fasciitis. He recommended stabilizing tennis shoes and a night boot to keep my foot in position. He said I have a mild bursitis on my heel. His recommendations are spot on and I am slowly recovering. His background in Sports medicine was also helpful in commenting on a treatment for my tennis elbow. I love it.
***** Richard Baugh. Dr Reed has helped me excellently over the years to overcome several different foot problems: ingrown toenails (his treatment was painless!), neuroma and plantar fasciitis. He is friendly and takes the time to explain causes and treatments. I’m most grateful to him and will continue to use his services.
**** Victor Skillings. It was a phenomenal experience from the initial consultation, pre-surgery preparation, surgery and follow-up visits. Now, I know why so many of his patients feel compelled to write great reviews about Dr. Reed. His approach to patient care, willingness to explain the procedure and answer all your questions, surgical skills and genuine interest in his patients were far, far better than what I had expected.
I had bunion surgery about two months ago. It was extremely large, about the size of a walnut. My procedure took a little more than an hour, and to my amazement, I felt absolutely no pain during or anytime after the surgery. In a few weeks, I was able to walk fairly normally.
In summary my review is five out of five stars, thumbs up, A+, highly recommended and all the above! So if you’re looking for the best foot surgeon in Orange County, look no further – Dr. Mark Reed should be your first and only call.
***** Juan Vallejo. Okay I'm a very critical. This Dr and his office staff are hands down the best. I had a great experience with Dr. Reed. I have recommended him to all the people I know. Everyone is great and professional.
***** Karina Lerma. He is the BEST Podiatrist in Orange County. He truly cares for the patients and tries to give them the best treatment!
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***** Juan V in Canyon Country, CA. Okay I'm a very critical. This Dr and his office staff are hands down the best. I had a great experience with Dr. Reed. I have recommended him to all the people I know. Everyone is great and professional.
***** Laila in Yorba Linda, CA. After visiting 2 other doctors in a period of 2 years, with no success. Dr. Reed was able to pinpoint the problem with my feet! Finally, I have no pain while running and working out.
***** Pam L in Villa Park, CA. I am so pleased with the results of Dr. Reed's care of my daughter's foot pain while wearing her figure skates. She has figured skated for a few years, and recently developed arch pain while wearing her skates that would not go away no matter what she did. He made custom orthotics to fit in her skates and support her feet, and she is currently pain free! If you have an athlete or figure skater, I would definitely recommend Dr. Reed for podiatry care.
***** J. Barna in Blue Jay, CA. I've had an amazing experience with Dr. Reed and his office staff! I was in significant pain from a neuroma when I first came to his office. Dr. Reed was my second opinion, because the first office, turns out, had no idea what they were doing. Dr. Reed was able to reduce my pain until I needed surgery. After a short recovery I am now near 100%!! I would recommend Dr. Reed to anyone in Southern California that is suffering from any type of foot appointment.
***** Cher Corso. My fourteen year old daughter (a dancer) was having problems with both feet. We had already been to one podiatrist with no satisfactory resolution when we found Dr. Reed. The entire experience was positive for our entire family. Dr. Reed knew exactly what was going on and corrected the problem. I have already recommended Dr. Reed to a very dear friend who's son is having foot problems. This is the place to go! Great experience for my daughter who was scared of doctors before seeing Dr. Reed.
**** May Liping. I had a painful bump on the top of my foot for months. My previous podiatrist, misdiagnosed me and scared me half to death. First he claimed my ganglion cyst was caused by my wearing bad shoes. Then, when my foot continued to hurt and I saw him again, he claimed the cyst "had hardened" and therefore, only surgery could remove it. He made this declaration without even x-raying my foot. Scared, I went to Dr. Reed for a second opinion and thank God I did. Dr. Reed did an x-ray and determined that the cyst could be treated immediately. He looked stunned when I told him about the other doctor's diagnosis. He told me that, soft or hard, cysts can be taken care of. He gave me an injection of steroids and the cyst has disappeared ever since. Dr. Reed saved me from unnecessary surgery and for that, I will always be grateful!
***** Linda Rodgers. Dr. Mark Reed was the second doctor I went to for my ingrown toenail. The first foot doctor did not do the procedure right and the ingrown nail returned. The pain from the procedure was also terrible and I do not think the doctor understood what she was doing because she was saying that it is supposed to hurt. Dr. Reed took a lot of time to explain the procedure and reassure me that the injection was going to go smooth. Dr. Reed used a skin vibrator that made the shot painless and I did not feel anything as to the needle and the numbing of my toe. Dr. Reed talked about a number of interesting topics so the procedure was done and felt like it only took a few minutes. The office is very clean and the staff is great. There is not a better doctor out there for foot care. I highly recommend that you go to this doctor.