Tootsie woes bottom line at Canton Foot Specialists

The owner of Canton Foot Specialists on Ford Road has just opened Michigan's first virtual shoe store.   Not only will he ensure you are properly fitted, even if your foot is 4 extra wide, he'll find the best price for you too.

"We go online and we find the best deal for the senior citizen," he said.  While looking for close-out sales "we get a show that fits.  We custom fit it when it comes in."

The idea for the virtual shoe store came about because many seniors are on a limited income with restricted mobility and are not computer savvy.  "It's a real help to them," Watson said.

If this podiatrist sounds like he is all about service, it's also served him well.  Canton Foot Specialists has just celebrated its 30th anniversary, in its 31st year, because last year the plan for the party didn't quite work out.  About 50 people attended the Sept. 30th gala.

The most frequent problem seen in the clinic Watson shares with three other podiatrists he brought on board to help with the patient load is heel pain.  "As time goes on, the soft tissue gets weak," he explained.  "This results in over-pulling of the planta fascia, which leads to excruciating pain."

Watson said that within two weeks he can help these patients get up and walking three miles a week.  He uses taping, strapping and orthotics.

For about six years now, Watson has used computerized orthotics in his practice.  He has the Footmaxx® machine, which measures gait and pressure electronically.  Patients with sore feet walk across sensors which read imbalances, and devices are made specifically designed for the problem.  Using computerized orthotics is "a whole new philosophy," Watson said.  "Some older doctors don't buy into it."

They might not, but patient Cindy House, 49, of Romulus does.  She heard about Watson from he brother, and about five years ago came to see him because of lower back pain.  She used Footmaxx® to obtain orthotics and is still wearing them, much to her relief, today.  "I can tell when I don't wear them," she said.

Watson stands by his products, offering a guarantee on the orthotics he sells patients, and using them himself.  "I play a lot of sports," he said, "I tried out the orthotics."  Now 50, Watson has used the orthotics for 10 years.  "They work like new," he said.

While Watson sees patients of any age, including youngsters with rotational problems of the feet, he also say a 100-year old man last year.  That patient opted for custom-made shoes.

The practice is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and while people come from all over the country to take care of their tootsies with Watson, Canton Foot Specialists always keep slots open for new patients every day, he said.

"We get people back in action pretty fast."