Footcare Express: The Nations First One-Stop Footshop

Jose Menuto, 45, an Argentinian real estate contractor and property manager now living in Miami, injured his left leg six years ago while running a 26-mile marathon. “I tried chiropractors, massage therapists, and everything else I could think of, but whenever I ran or felt stressed, my left leg tightened up.” Because Menuto favored his right leg when he ran or walked, he began having problems in his right knee as well.

Then, Menuto saw an advertisement for Footcare Express, the nation’s first “one-stop footshop.” After a thorough high-tech examination by a podiatrist who diagnosed him with shin splints, an inflammation of the muscles where they attach to the bone, Menuto was fitted for a pair of functional foot orthotics in less thanan hour. “Within two days I was running entirely differently,” Menuto says. “My muscles and ligaments have relaxed in my left leg. I have much more energy, and I now plan to build back up to running 50 miles a week.”

To help athletes, growing children, diabetics, arthritis sufferers and many people with back, leg or hip or knee problems — Footcare Express, a Miami retail store, uses the services of experienced podiatrists to examine a person’s feet, sophisticated video-motion analysis and computerized scanning to identify problem areas, licensed pedorthists to design and fit prescription foot orthotics and modify shoes, and an in-store laboratory to make the devices — all in about an hour.

“Just as the one-hour optical laboratory made it cheaper and much more convenient for people to order eyeglasses, Footcare Express is re-inventing the process of prescribing and making customized foot orthotics,” says Jarett Reinhartz, managing director and co-founder of Footcare Express. “Nobody else in the country has our equipment, our prescription service and our array of athletic and dress shoes, compression hose, support socks, and skin creams and lotions. That’s why we call Footcare Express the nation’s first one-stop footshop.

What’s an Orthotic

Functional foot orthotics are customized rigid or semi- rigid devices inserted into shoes that place the foot in a more functional position and allow it to strike the ground more efficiently, while adding more stability. Foot orthotics relieve pressure points, support the foot more effectively and assure proper alignment of the feet, ankles, knees and legs. In addition to enhancing performance and increasing energy, foot orthotics reduce the risk of injuries.

Footcare Express serves a broad market, ranging from children who need orthotics to correct a gait or walking problem, adults with foot, leg, hip or back pain caused by biomechanical problems or foot disorders, diabetics who need extra foot protection, patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and athletes who put heavy stresses on their feet. A runner, for example, puts as much as three times the normal amount of force from the body’s weight on the feet.

While only a small percentage of the public wears orthotic devices, many more would benefit from wearing them, says Reinhartz. “If you have chronic back pain, knee problems, high arches or flat feet, changing your gait could remedy the pain.”

Don Bailey, Jr., vice president of Don Bailey Carpets in Miami, began wearing orthotics as a professional football player with the Tampa Bay Bucs and the Indianapolis Colts. “When it was time for a new pair, I went to Footcare Express,” says Bailey, who also broadcasts pregame and sideline radio shows for the University of Miami Hurricanes. “They did a wonderful job, with personal treatment and individualized attention. My wife is a marthon runner who was having problems with her heel and hip, and orthotics helped her, too.”

Traditionally, a patient who needed foot orthotics might wait three to six weeks from an initial visit to a physician to receiving the orthotic device, manufactured from a plaster cast at a lab in another city or state. The cost would be $300 to $1,000, plus professional fees.

An hour-long process
In contrast, Footcare Express completes the process in about an hour, using sophisticated laser scanners and CAD-CAM technology to make the prescribed orthotics at a total cost of $200 to $450. “It’s a different mindset than going to a doctor’s office,” says Reinhartz. “Our store has it all.” Footcare Express has won praise from foot care professionals, as well as its clients. “I am very pleased with the foot orthotics they produce,” says James Losito, D.P.M., professor at the School of Podiatric Medicine at Barry University. “They keep physicians involved in their business, and I approve of their techniques. Their prices are very fair and their products have met with excellent patient compliance.”

Reinhartz projects first year sales of $350,000 with a staff of three. “Our Miami store is an excellent prototype for the foot orthotics store of the future,” he says. “We hope to expand this concept and open similar stores in other markets in Florida and the rest of the United States.”

The idea of Footcare Express originated with Jarett Reinhartz’ father — Harold Reinhartz, D.P.M., a podiatrist with 29 years experience who dreamed about opening a store for most footcare needs. In 1996, Harold and Jarett Reinhartz, began creating a business plan and exploring the industry.

After researching different markets, it became clear that South Florida would be the best fit for Footcare Express. “Miami’s demographics were exactly what we were looking for — a large marketplace with sports teams, college students and senior citizens,” says Jarett Reinhartz.

A high-tech approach
One of Footcare Express’ distinguishing characteristics is its high-tech approach to correcting foot problems. After a physical examination of the foot, a computerized gait analysis is performed using the new F-Scan equipment. Paper-thin, disposable sensors placed in a person’s shoes feed information into a computer, which generates a three-dimensional image of the reactive forces between the foot and footwear as they occur. Next, a video motion analysis is used to study the person’s gait while walking or lightly jogging on a treadmill.

Finally, a laser scanner generates a three-dimensional computerized image of the feet showing any pressure points or potential problem areas. That computerized file is transmitted to the store’s own orthotics mill, which manufactures the device, according to specifications from a licensed physician, who dispenses custom-designed orthotics and modifies over-the-counter footwear to meet an individual’s needs.

“I enjoy helping people with diabetes, arthritis and other foot problems, as well as the many athletes, children, teenagers and other adults who can benefit from wearing correctly designed footwear,” says Dr. Reinhartz. “When someone is in pain, it’s important to bring them relief as quickly as possible.”

In addition to custom-made functional foot orthodics, Footcare Express offers high-end athletic and comfort shoes such as Saucony, Asics, New Balance, P.W.Minor and Softspots, as well as other foot- related products. The store itself, at 7756 SW 88th Street, was designed by Sandy Samole, president of the Interior Design Association of Florida.

“It’s an ongoing process to keep your feet healthy and working properly,” says Reinhartz. “We’re here to help keep you going strong.”