Dealing With It

One of the more common refrains many clubbies report having thrown at them over the years is, "Deal with it." That is just ahead of "Work through it" in the ignorant insults rally. Both these, and others like them, are never heard coming from a fellow clubby, just from people who have no idea what they are talking about. Do they think we are just making this ridiculous amount of pain up, that we just "want attention?" Actually, yes. We DO want attention - of the medical community, for them to actually do their job and conduct real research into both club feet and its etiologies, and into the sequelae found in post-club feet syndrome. And until that happens, quit with the "suck it up" crap, OK? Because, as I already so rudely stated, you haven't got a clue, until you've spent even one day in our shoes. And orthotics. And real, not imagined, pain.

I often wonder how people who make such asinine comments would take it if we spoke of their obvious ignorance in a similar fashion? "Hey, Bozo, shut yer trap," or "Do you really mind everyone seeing you without a brain?" Obviously that would just be a sign of bitter reprisal, but, as you who would pass such baloney in our direction should know if you were to turn that mirror around, such responses only get bitterness in return, so I am not advocating you other clubbies out there doing this. Instead, simply look at the bozo, shake your head sympathetically, and give them no further attention. It merely fuels their own disability, you see.

Of course, the difference is, they CAN shut their mouths. We clubbies, on the other hand, can't just exchange our feet for a new pair, much as we may dream of such an option. So, if you just can't restrain yourself, and let go a big "back atcha!" on a bozo, don't worry. You are forgiven. I mean, how better, once in a while, to just deal with it, eh?

Post-Club Foot Clinic Project

I want to make an offer to all fellow clubbies. It's not free, except for the time I put into it, but it is fairly comprehensive. I am putting together a set of highly qualified professionals with the aim toward developing a once-a-year clinic here in San Francisco. It will be comprised of a top-notch therapeutic shoemaker that has worked with nearly every pathology on the planet, and knows how to make the shoes look wonderful; a biomechanically-focused podiatrist, with many years treating all foot problems, including many with PCF, who will cast for orthotics; a seasoned surgical consultant, a top-level orthotic lab to produce any devices needed; and myself as the coordinator. We will be aiming at fall of 2012 to launch the clinic. It will be held over a two-week period initially, and if the demand is sufficient, expand that in following years.

This clinic will focus EXCLUSIVELY on post-club feet syndrome. We are aiming at making this centered on a single cost for the clinic itself, though footwear and orthotics will be additional based on specific needs. We will be seeking grants to fund the initial phases, and depending on our success in that area, to offset other costs to people who attend the clinic. However, attendees will have to foot their own travel and lodging expenses. We will aid attendees in locating cost-effective lodging and transportation on the ground.

I cannot give a specific date as yet - there's a lot to be done to make this a reality. But the intent is to create a one-stop consultancy with both orthotics and footwear specifically built to the individuals feet and specific needs, a full gait analysis and biomechanical assessment, and a surgical consult with x-rays as part of the consultation. This project has already begun - initial discussions have been held with at least three of the positions desired, and more will follow.

So, stay tuned to this space for more details as they develop.