"Podiatrist" and Thomas

 

 So Thomas and I had our first "doctor" visit in Beijing.  Thomas needed new orthotics since it's been almost a year with his first pair we got back in Virginia.  We referred to "Dr. Avi," but he was stuck in Israel, trying to get back to China after being evacuated, so he saw his Chinese counterpart.  We were surprised to find that it was just an open room, with other patients, but mostly the receptionist, "Grandfather" that did massages, and friends of the Wong that helped us.  We were there for three hours, and so were they.  Not quite the quick and private visits we're used to back in the States!And this was the bathroom. :)

 

These orthotics were "homemade" so Thomas stood on this thing first, and then he brought some orthotics out which we then had to shave down, over and over for the next three hours, to give Thomas' feet the support where they needed it.  There were areas of pain and "too much support" that we had to address, and unfortunately it took hours.  Mr. Wang was a nice man though and he was very patient.

"Grandfather" had to massage Thomas' calves because the muscles are so tight and are affecting his feet.  Grandfather had to take off his walnut bracelets and other jewelry to do the massage.

Mr. Wang showed us orthotics he has made in the past for famous sports teams.

Here's the team.  ;)  After 4 weeks, we returned for some adjustments on the orthotics because Thomas' feet were still hurting.  Another long visit of 2.5 hours.  Mr. Wang said that "Dr. Avi" was back in China and would be out of quarantine soon, and that he could probably help more since his English is better.  We visited Dr. Avi and he suggested Thomas get better shoes.  He recommended New Balance shoes.  We ordered them from the States for $175, but they were $150 cheaper than we could find them here.  So now we're waiting to see if those new shoes will make the difference.  Here's to hoping!