Hello and thanks for your interest in my unique and very effective type of health care. Prior to starting the SockDoc site in March of 2011, I was, and still am, primarily a referral-based practice. Though I practice in Chapel Hill, NC, the majority of my patients travel several hours to see me, and some fly in from the East Coast, Midwest, and even West Coast.
A hands-on treatment approach is typically the most effective form of therapy as it allows me to treat you as an individual and figure out what is going to help get you better as fast as possible. For example, your foot or knee problem may be coming from an old injury perhaps in your shoulder that I need to correct and without seeing you there would be no way I could accomplish this. You may also have a certain food sensitivity or need a specific nutrient to help your problem, and seeing you would be the best way to figure that out. You can get an idea of my success by reading some of the testimonials.
However, a lot of health and healing can be accomplished via dietary, exercise, and lifestyle modifications, as well as recommendations for some “self treatments” to certain muscles. Therefore, I provide phone (and/or video Skype) sessions for people who can’t travel to see me or can’t wait to get started. My new patient wait-list is currently 9+ months long, though earlier appointments are sometimes made available. Click here for information on scheduling an office visit with me. Currently the wait-time for a phone/Skype consult is approximately 3-5 weeks. If you do decide in the future to come to the office in person we will not be starting from scratch.
Forms/Paperwork: Once we have decided on a time, please fill out the office forms found here. Fill out only #2A at the bottom. Along with this it would also be good to get any lab work you’ve had done over the last year or so – *blood work (see below), diagnostic reports, etc. Also write down what your diet is typically like over a typical 4-5 days, (not amounts, just what you’re eating and drinking), and also your exercise/training for that time too. Basically the more info you have written down means the less I have to ask you questions, the less I have to write, and the more we can talk about what we need to talk about!
Cost/Payment: That can be found on this form, which also needs to be signed and sent to me with the rest of your paperwork.
Finally, if you can do it – the best way to get everything to me is to scan it all and email it to me at thesockdoc@gmail.com so I have a hard copy (only for phone consults, not office visits). If that doesn’t work you can fax it all to the office (919-419-9049), or mail it if you need to (address on the payment form).
Please email if you have any questions and again, email me if you’re interested prior to sending your forms or any health information.
Dr. Gangemi “Sock Doc”
Recommended blood work:
CBC with differential
Lipid panel
General chem panel
HbA1c
Vitamin D (25OH D)
CRP
*Hormonal issues? – Full thyroid panel (TSH, free T3, free T4, TPO antibody, TG antibody)
*Men – free testosterone and PSA
Dear Doc, I was just wondering if you have any colleague in Argentina. You probably know that is difficult to find this king of thinking in the world up to know.
Thank you in advance for your comments.
Sorry I don’t. I have enough trouble referring in the US
Dear Sock Doc
I came across your post on Achilles’ Tendinitis and found it fascinating, thank you for posting it. I broke my left ankle 5 years ago and had the ankle reset through the Emergency department. 6months later I had persistent anterior ankle pain on weight bearing. Diastasis was diagnosed and i was admitted for removal of metalwork + fixation of diastasis. Following the 2nd lot of surgery, i again had pain and was admitted to an orthopaedic hospital for surgical correction and insertion of metal work, which this time was successful.
3 years after the final orthopaedic surgery I suffered a sudden onset of ankle pain. It started during a really stressful day at work. My lower left leg was discoloured and swallon and very painful to walk on. I had a CT scan and the results were normal, metal work was in place and no fracture. No cause was found and the pain died down after a couple of weeks.
Last week I again had a reoccurrence, following another very stress day at work. I saw a rheumatologist who diagnosed Achilles’ Tendinitis.
I’m 28 yrs. old and am an active gym goer (when not in pain!!). Im 116 pounds. Swim 2 times a week, about an hour each time. Do 1 to 2 aerobic classes per week and run for 30 mins twice a week. I have flat feet and wear innersoles everyday, but remove them when i go to the gym. Ive found wearing innersoles reduces my lower back pain, but since reading your post I’m not sure if i am doing the right thing. I eat a healthy diet and have a naturally slim build. I have low vitamin D which i take supplements for, and I am on a statin for familiar hypercholesterolaemia.
Is there anything i can do to prevent an reoccurrence? I was interested to hear you mention the connect to cortisol and achilles’ tendinitis. my job is quite stressful at times, but i really hope there is a way to prevent the AT coming back as it is totally disabling. Maybe i’m doing the wrong exercises/ cool downs/ eating the wrong foods.
Look forward to hearing from you, and loving your site! Really useful info!
Hi Dotty – yes stress is a big factor for AT. You will always have low vit D if you take statins. Of course I cannot tell you what to take or not to take but you should educate yourself on the dangers of statins. I have never seen a person not have a problem with them. More on that here at my DRG site: http://www.drgangemi.com/2012/01/elevate-cholesterol-elevate-health/
And of course you should read the info on insoles/orthotics I have throughout this site as they will only support the problem you are having and never allow it to fully heal.
Hello again
Thanks very much for the advise. Have read up on statins. V. Interesting, may have to review my taking statins with my doc
All the best
Dotty
Hello Sock-Doc,
I have read into your treatment and understanding of Achilles Tendinitis and am urgently looking to get treatment before running a half marathon this coming Sunday for the Challenged Athletes Foundation’s Triathlon. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to make the run happen, but will do what ever I have to to make it.
Coming off of a cold and missing a weeks training I pushed it hard and my AT started up a week ago last Friday (10 days ago). I’ve been really tame on it and I’m itching to get back into training, or the very least simple run my portion of the triathlon (I’m on a team of three guys all with a paralyzed arm each).
Do you know of any specialists in the Los Angeles area that you can recommend?
I tried working trigger points on my own calf like you pointed out on your youtube video, and haven’t had any noticeable success. I did notice and work over tender spots in the lower calf though.
Any help would be greatly appreciated! I wish I was closer to where you are.
Many Thanks,
Christopher
Check out this link which helps explain when and why trigger points are there. AT is a hormonal/stress issue, most often – sometimes a gait/footwear issue too.
http://sock-doc.com/2012/04/trigger-point-therapy/
Sorry no referrals from the SD site
Good luck in your race!
Many Thanks SD!
Working those trigger points and working on de-stressing.
CJ
Hi Sock Doc,
I’ve been watching your videos and found them very informative. I teach tap dance and have pain and swelling on the lateral right knee, for a couple of years. I have gone to two PT, a chiropractor, a doctor of Chinese medicine, as well as receiving massage and laser therapy. The current PT has helped alot as he diagnosed anterior femoral glide syndrome, gave me daily excercises and now(3months later) the pain is less in the glutes and outer right calf. However, he can’t figure out why the lateral right knee is still swollen and hurts when I dance. Do you have any idea of what could be causing this. Also, I had an xray of the knee and all looked normal. I am a healthy weight and have good overall health, no other medical problems. I would love to make an appointment to see you, but I live in Nova Scotia. I would really value your opinion/suggestions. Thank you
Lateral knee typically ITB or glut max problem – did you watch the Knee Video? http://sock-doc.com/2012/04/sock-doc-knee-video/
Also check out the ITB video after that one.
The anterior femoral glide syndrome is silly – that diagnosis means nothing as it’s occurring from muscle imbalances, which as you may know from reading this site – cannot be fully corrected by exercises alone.
If exercise alone cannot correct muscle imbalances, what else would you recommend? I also think I may have anterior femoral glide syndrome, which I suspect may come from the lower leg being pulled medially at the ankle.
Please read this; thanks!
http://sock-doc.com/sock-doc-questions-comments/
Thanks so much for responding to me. The first physiotherapist I saw diagnosed ITBS and had me do alot of stretching as well as some strengthening exercises. My right leg from the glutes down to my foot became so sore I found it difficult to walk. The physiotherapist I have now told me to stop stretching and said the right hip was more forward that the left. He had me going on my hands and knee and arching my back and moving back toward my feet as well as lifting my knee in a sitting position and glute strengthening leg lifts, plus a few core exercises. Also, correcting my posture, from a pelvic tilt forward and shoulders slightly forward to pulling up with slight back pelvic tilt. All this help with around 80% of the pain. The lateral knee still hurts and is swollen. You said to find trigger points. I will try to massage the areas that are painful. I did watch the two videos you suggested.
Thank you, Sock-doc.
I’m a chiro from Vancouver Canada and one of my patients saw your video on plantar fasciitis. She is much improved now! I also found the video to be of interest.
Check out my website. I would be happy to share information with you.
–Dave
Great to hear Dave, thanks; I’ll check it out.
Doc,
I watched your video on the misdiagnosis of sciatica. I have been dealing with this pain that starts in my left glute and radiates down to my left calf. I feel tingling in my foot and achilles tendon occasionally too. I had an MRI done that shows a herniation at L5/S1 and have received two cortisone injections. I would love to see you or even consult, but given my current condition I can’t stand or sit for more than 5 minutes. I’m a 32 year old male who was incredibly active and was coming off an mcl tear that i rehabbed through therapy last year. Is there anyone in the Chicago area who you refer to? I’m desperate as I have taken a leave from work.
Thank you so much,
Ernie
I sent you an email.
Thank you so much! I got a quicker response from you than I did my regular orthopedic…very sad.
I just want to tell you that after watching your video and reading some of your articles, for the first time in a few weeks, I feel like I have hope.
I work for a Health Club, and understand how important proper diet, hydration, exercise, and stress management are to the overall synergy of one’s body.
In the past day…I’ve focused on working on the the trigger points that you outlined in your video (with the help of my retired mom because I cant reach my calf and achilles). I then focused on getting my diet right. Over the course of yesterday and today I’ve ate several servings of fruit including: bananas, blueberries, avocados, almonds and mangos; vegetables: kale, carrots, peas and sweet potatoes (I should be eating more); and lean meats: chicken, salmon, and sardines.
You probably don’t even need me to tell you that I have noticed a vast improvement in my condition almost overnight. The spasms in my leg have begun to settle down, I’m finally able to sit for the first time in days (albeit still some pain), and have just begun to feel comfortable walking around for a short period of time before I feel sciatic pain and spasms…nowhere near the degree I was a few days ago. I have also stopped taking all the anti-inflamatories, norcos, and valium that I was given to help with the pain.
I have also switched to heat instead of ice. Which seems to be helping, as well. I have a headache, which is probably from all the toxins being released from the knots near all my trigger points…but it’s reminding me to drink more water to flush everything out.
The leave from work, which is highly stressful, probably isn’t hurting either.
Bottom line is…maybe some of the relief is from the cortisone shot but the 24 hour turnaround I’ve experienced from basic lifestyle changes has me at least thinking more optimistically. I mean, I am sitting while I’m typing this to you!
I know I probably have a long road to recovery…but at least now I feel like that’s an option! I’m 6ft tall and have let myself wither to 162lbs over the past few months…so I’m anxious to get back to where I was before. Not sure where my next step from here is, but at least now I feel like there is some hope.
Thank you for taking the time to respond to me!
-Ernie
Hi from New Zealand
Since finding your site on the web I just can’t stop reading. It all makes such good sense.
I tried to subscribe to your free newsletter but couldn’t get that field to work so please add my email address. Do you know of anyone practising your methods in Auckland, New Zealand?
I am a 66yr old female who has always enjoyed walking and day tramps. Several years ago I had a stress fracture in the metatarsal bones on my left foot which took a couple of years to come right after much medical intervention including orthotics. Since then I also had trouble with plantar fasciitis in my right foot which required new orthotics and it took quite a few months to be rid of the pain. Recently I used an old pair of shoes and old orthotics on a couple of hilly walks and now have pain in the side of my left foot not far from the ankle bone. I have strapped up the sore area and am massaging the trigger points in the leg so probably can’t speed up recovery any quicker. I have recently retired from work after a fairly stressful year so now have time to think about my health and habits. I usually choose to walk around the house in barefeet except in winter and am on my feet more now after leaving a desk job. Once my foot settles again should I go back to using my newest orthotics in the Oasics TN276 shoes which I had previously been using without trouble for a while when out walking? I would like to transition to minimalist shoes but a bit wary of making such a big change. Can you tell when your feet and legs are strong enough for this? Thanks and regards, Robyn
Hi Robyn, sorry I cannot manually add you to the newsletter – system will not allow. Please try again, seems to be working fine on my end.
Sorry I don’t know anyone in New Zealand.
Check out this article as it explains why you do NOT want to go back to supportive shoes & orthotics once you wean your body out of them.
http://sock-doc.com/2012/03/healthy-people-barefoot-people/
Hi Soc Doc,
I had surgery to repair a torn proximal hamstring in August, 2012. Hamstring is doing fine and I have now returned to running and biking. My problem is with the sciatic nerve on the involved side. I can’t sit for any longer than 15-20 minutes without starting to get pain and numbness in my leg (mainly calf & shin area) and foot. Any suggestions?
I have been to a local chiropracter who tried accupuncture, but that seemed to irritate the nerve even more. I have tried a multitude of different chairs and cushions without much luck. This is really impeding my ability to work since I have a desk job!
Check out the Low Back Pain/Sciatica Video.
Hi Sock Doc,
I won’t be visiting you for health care, although I wish I could. I had five Prolotherapy sessions (ouch) and as much as I wanted my foot to heal, I don’t think it improved very much. During those times I had two sessions with the people at Naturale Alternatives and he does Electro-Acuscope Therapy. Since I hadn’t had much improvement with Prolotherapy, he said to hold off on that until he can work his magic and reduce the inflammation. He said I have a Morton’s neuroma, and the Prolotherapy dr. said I didn’t. My second toe joint is extremely painful and I think it is arthritis, but what do I know. So, I would like to purchase a pair of minimalist shoes. I have to wear boots in MN because of the weather. I wear Merrills and they kill my foot. What shoes would you recommend. I don’t run, and can barely walk any distance without my foot killing me. Also, if this Electro-Acuscope Therapy doesn’t work out, what kind of doctor or rehabilitative person should I be looking for. I’m 74, so time may not be on my side, but I sure would like to get back to walking.
Thanks so much for your time.
Read these articles:
http://sock-doc.com/2012/03/healthy-people-barefoot-people/
http://sock-doc.com/2013/02/recover-prevent-injuries/
and this video:
http://sock-doc.com/2012/05/foot-injuries/
Hey there Sock Dock,
I have recently stumbled upon and been reading your articles. I love your stance and aproach to health and treating the body. Are there any doctors you have the same aproach to health you can refer in California specifically the East Bay? I live in the Berkeley Oakland area.
Thank you for taking the time to respond to me,
Sammy
Sorry, no docs there at this time.
I started having pain in my right heal a few weeks ago and don’t know what to do to make it stop. I work at the airport and have to wear steel toe boots for 2 or 3 hours everyday and thats what got this started. The boots I had were about a year old so I got rid of them and bought some new boots in a different style and the problem is not quite so bad but, it still continues. I will take any advice I can get to make this stop. Please let me know. Davis
Check out the Plantar Fasciitis Video.
Hi sock doc i live in australia and if i was looking for someone like you who would i go to to get me back up and moving i need exercises and i need to walk what doctor am i looking for with your qualifications and treatment plan i want to get back and i dont know how please help and give me advise who or if you have any body in australia who can help me .
Thank You i have seen orthopedic specialist for my hip physio for my recovery and now i am seeing a podiatriat to help with the healing of my knees so i can start to walk again my gait is 15 degrees out is that cronic and will i ever be normal again i am only 58 this year to young to have so many problems until a year ago i had stride and i was well and fit after the accident i carnt get back
Check out the MovNat site for when they may have a workshop in your area. I don’t know any docs though, sorry.
I wonder if you recommend any docs in south jersey area??? Bursitis Metatarsals going on 10 months.
Many thanks.
I’ll be reading and viewing articles on your site. And seeing if I can begin your basic recommendations.
Otherwise I’ll need set up a consult.
Kinda of funny. Just got custom orthotics today after putting off for months. Your information is so interesting and I’ve always loved being barefoot. Just having trouble last 10 months. I’m thinking avoiding these orthotics may keep me from having more problems. Anne
Please read this; thanks!
http://sock-doc.com/sock-doc-questions-comments/
Hi Steve,
I just read you article on why stretching is bad and I am very confused. I coach Track & Field at the collegiate level and my high school daughter is also a runner. SHe has been experiencing tightness in her glutes when she races which she says ” prevents me from rotating and shortens my gait” which- slows her a bit. She says it gets extremely tights. She says “it’s not norma, i think something is wrong”,
Thus, I’ve taken her to the dr’s which led to PT which he told her to stretch more? She should be holding stretches (gave her glute stretches) for at least 30 secs x’s 5. She should be doing this before she goes on her warm up jog?? She also foam rolls and stretches her calves which she says are tight.
SHe is a very talented runner. On the State level.
ANy thoughts??
Aimee
Please read this; thanks!
http://sock-doc.com/sock-doc-questions-comments/
I had this weird “karate chop” sensation on my leg. I thought it was a knee issue by doc says my xrays are clean and suggested hamstring strain. PT says it was a compressed nerve. I dont know what is going on. It has been about a month now and I am only able to run about three miles ( I was training for a marathon) and I have weakness in my leg. This weakness is upper calf lower thigh area, its weird. Distressed Runner in Cleveland!
Please read this; thanks!
http://sock-doc.com/sock-doc-questions-comments/
Dear Sock Doc,
I’ve been a runner and cyclist for a several years. About 3 years ago I started getting some annoying rightside thorasic back pain when I slept. It would wake me up. Usually once I was up I would loosten up and forget about it mostly. However when running a marathon my right front of my hip almost wouldn’t let me finish. So as I continued to be annoyed I went to the chiro – nothing then to the Dr. Xray-noting. Referred to Orthopedic – MRI – nothing. Assigned PT. Lots of stretches, sonogram, electro but nothing fixed the problem. Had deep tissue massage – nothing. I’ve basically been living with this for years now. I started really working on using lacrosse balls to roll out my back, psoas, hip etc.. I feel I get some relief from this. However I still feel like it could be eliminated altogether but I’m not sure how… any ideas? Thanks
Please read this; thanks!
http://sock-doc.com/sock-doc-questions-comments/
Estimado doctor:
Lamento no dominar el inglés, escribo desde Argentina, necesito por favor una consulta, tengo 47 años de edad soy corredor, tengo una hernia discal en L5S1, algo que nunca me impidió correr, pero a finales del 2011, tuve un tirón importante en la parte posterior de mi pierna izquierda (zona isquiotibial) y hasta hoy nunca pude recuperar mi salud normal, mucho dolor de cintura, dolor en la cadera, sin fuerza en la pierna izquierda, adormecimiento de los dedos del pie y cuando corro no debo estirar la zancada, ya que vuelven los tirones en la parte posterior, ardor en el testículo izquierdo, en toda la zona inguinal, no corro mas de 10 o 12 Km por día, cinco días a la semana, hago también bicicleta, es la hernia de disco que me provoca esto, puede ser el síndrome piramidal. No se a que médico ir, me traté con osteópata, neurólogos, traumatólogos, etc. y nadie me da solución. Como fortalezco los músculos de la espalda baja, es bueno practicar con la bolsa de boxeo. Que opina usted, gracias.
Hi Osvaldo. My Spanish is not very good so I can only make out so much of this. Traducir por favor.
Doctor:
I write from Argentina, am 47 years old am a runner, have a hernia of disc in L5S1, something that never prevented me from running, but at the end of 2011, I had an important pull in the later(posterior) part of my left leg (zone isquiotibial)
And up to today I could never recover my health in normal form, very much pain of waist, pain in the hip, (always of the left side) without force in the left leg, drowsiness of the toes and when I run I must not stretch the stride, since they turn the pulls in the later(posterior) part, ardor in the left testicle, in the whole inguinal zone, I feel that the left foot I do not dominate it in the moment to affect the soil, avoid to strike with the heel, circle between(among) 10 to 12 Km for day, five days a week, also I practise bicycle but also I sit(feel) pain in the waist when I do several miles.
Is it the hernia of disc that provokes me this, for which before not?, can it be the syndrome pyramidal?. I treated myself with osteopath, neurologist, orthopedic surgeon, etc. And nobody gives me solution. Since I strengthen the muscles of the low back, it is good to practise with the bag(stock exchange) of boxing for this. That thinks you in relation with this comment, thanks. My Englishman forgives rustic. Osvaldo.-
This is a case that is hard to give advice on-line. Perhaps you could find a doctor there who understands the connection of the body. Also check out this video:
http://sock-doc.com/2011/08/piriformis_low-back-pain_sciatica/
Hi there!
I am DESPERATE for help, and I wish you were in my area! Do you have any recommendations for anyone in Southern California?
My problems all began when I suddenly weaned my 18 month old (quite breastfeeding cold turkey from 4 times per day)….all heck broke loose, of course! Hot flashes, panic attacks, chronic insomnia, huge stress, etc. I’ve been seeing a doctor who has me on Bioidentical Hormones, melatonin, thyroid, Adrenal meds, and a bunch of Life Extension supplements, but I’m not getting any better. I have to take GABA, melatonin & valerian in order to sleep even a bit at night, and I always wake up at 2:30 every single night, and I have a tough time until around 5am. I just can’t seem to turn my overactive brain off. My nails are purple, I’m freezing to the core all the time, my lips feel like they’re on fire, etc. WEIRD STUFF!!
Please help!! I can’t seem to get my hormones right. When they’re tested, they come back as normal-low, but I spot throughout the month and my periods are super light and then they’re horrifically heavy with huge clots. :/
This exhausted momma needs some help.
Thank you!!
So sorry – no referrals. Consults wait time is about 4-5 weeks.
Dear Sock Doc,
Came across your site and found it very useful and informative. Must appreciate you for that. Could you please give an advise on my case.
Case History : Pain started in left ischial tuberosity after sitting over hard chair all of a sudden. This started 1.5 years back. Had X-ray (SI Joints and Pelvic) , MRI (SI joints and Pelvic) and 3-Phase Bone scans – All normal. My Physio thinks that this is a case of ischial bursitis. Blood work is also all normal including – CBC, Thyriod, Uric acid, all inflammatory markers. I am mostly pain free BUT comes back rapidly as soon as I sit on an uncushioned surface. Anti inflammatory gels give temporary relief. Have tried all possible stretches, doesnt help much. ICE helps a lot but heat makes it worse. My pain specialist says there is a local inflammation persisting and it will clear away with some rest and avoiding sitting. I am an IT consultant and I sit a lot. I need to get out of this problem. I am going to try Apple Cider Vinegar. Do you think it will help ? Any other advise please. I am fit and fine other wise. No problems in walking or standing etc. Look forward for your response. Regards, SK.
Please read this; thanks!
http://sock-doc.com/sock-doc-questions-comments/
I have read your articles and seen video on plantar fascitis, and it tipped my world view. My podiatrist and chiropractor insist that the reason I got the condition is because I walk barefoot in the house and don’t wear my orthotics all the time. I am told I have very high arches, and that if I walk barefoot, the arch will collapse and cause more problems. I am in a tizzy. You mention flat feet but not high arches. I assume your barefoot approach is valid for high arches as well?
Please read this; thanks!
http://sock-doc.com/sock-doc-questions-comments/