04/03/2026    Allen M. Jacobs, DPM

When Did Buying Arch Supports Become a Medical Visit? (Joan Oloff, DPM)

Just for the record Dr. Oloff. Not only does the
Good Feet Store chain have orthopedic consultants,
they also have paid podiatry consultants. I must
admit that I was taken back by this realization
when a DPM consultant spoke on their behalf at a
dinner meeting associated with a state meeting.

My former billing supervisor was in a recent
cruise. The cruise ship advertised a free
screening by the Good Feet Store for undiagnosed
foot problems. She attended to see what they do
and to inform me. They diagnosed her with
“pronation” and attempted to sell her over $1000
of pre-made arch supports.

Several years ago, a resident and I attended a
women’s health convention at which our hospital
was exhibiting. The Good Feet Store had an
exhibit. My resident acted like Barney Fife and
asked what was wrong with his feet.
They asked questions, did an examination.
Diagnosed him with plantar fasciitis. The humorous
part was when he picked up a foot model and asked
“ which one in these is the navicular bone “. They
did not know.

When individuals attend the good feet store, and
are diagnosed and treated, there is the potential
that the patient is deprived of the care which
they require.

My question; PM news periodically erupts with this
same concern expressed by readers. IF the Good
Feet Stores are endangering patient health or are
misrepresenting what they sell or are practicing
medicine or podiatry without a license then the
state or APMA should take appropriate action.
However, the periodic concerns expressed in PM
news, will do nothing to alter this alleged
problem.

Allen M. Jacobs, DPM, St. Louis, MO

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