A pedorthist is a trained orthotic and orthopedic footwear expert specializing in assessing and addressing conditions which affect the feet and lower limbs. With years of studying foot and lower limb anatomy, pathology, biomechanics, gait analysis, footwear fitting, orthotic design and fabrication, pedorthists are extremely beneficial for approaching foot and foot-related problems.
What Training Does a Pedorthist Go Through?
After studying and being mentored, pedorthics attend specific pedorthic courses which are prerequisites for their certification examination. They can then maintain their certification by following continuing education and renewal requirements. Doctors and family physicians refer patients to these specialists to fill out a footwear prescription that, like any other prescription, take into account medical history, activities of daily living, and treatment goals. Being trained in footwear fitting, custom orthotics and fabrication, shoe construction and modification, they help people maintain or regain as much mobility as possible. They make and ensure a proper fit of any custom orthotic or footwear modifications, such as shoe lifts and other supports.
What Are Custom Orthotics?
Custom orthotics are used to treat lower body issues including leg, heel, knee, foot pain, and back pain. They are designed to align your foot and ankle into the most anatomical position possible to reduce any strain on the body. The training behind them allows the pedorthist to diagnose the problem, determine the materials needed, and fabricate the inserts properly. Pedorthists also assess your current footwear to ensure it’s providing a solid foundation for any custom orthotics they create. Foot orthoses, also called orthotics, are an important component of footwear that can accommodate, support or relieve specific conditions and improve the foot’s function. Pedorthists may also use braces, night splints, partial-foot prosthetics, or other devices to help people attain and continue their ability to walk as normal as possible.
How Can a Pedorthist Help Get Rid of My Pain?
Pedorthics gives physicians and doctors a range of conservative and non-surgical treatment options. If you suffer from Plantar Fasciitis, metatarsalgia, over and under pronation and heel spurs, your doctor will typically refer you to a pedorthist. Pedorthists are not only skilled at recommending shoes and insoles but also skilled in consulting when there is a persistent ache or pain when walking or running. They are in a good position to recommend a specific shoe, insert, or combination to improve the gait, foot efficiency, and reduce the level of pain. If you have issues related to your body and its muscle and joint function including knee pain, foot pain, heel pain, and back pain, pedorthists are most essential in treating these to allow you to live a comfortable and healthy life. Keep in mind that if you have an offical medical condition, you will need a footwear prescription before a credentialed pedorthist can help. When feet and lower limbs require medical attention, footwear becomes a factor in the patient’s treatment, recovery or rehabilitation. Footwear prescriptions can even help athletes return to their sports faster from some minor injuries. You can benefit from these services of having your lifestyle met with custom footwear that cater to your personal needs! Many people can benefit from pedorthic devices or modified footwear to make their shoes more comfortable. Pedorthists like The Shoe Doctor in Dublin, California understand the properties of footwear and the interaction between a patient’s foot and shoe – consulting with a specialist will help get rid of your pain as life continues to keep you on your toes.
Are you in Need of Specialize Orthotics to Treat Your Knee Pains?
The Shoe Doctor has specialized in providing custom orthotics for 20 years. The right insole can greatly reduce knee and hip pains. We will help educate and assist you to find the perfect solution for your particular needs. We will create a 3D map of your feet and make a custom orthotics for your shoes. These orthotics along with our expert advice will get you back to being able to walk peacefully. Our sole (ha ha!) purpose is to reduce your pain and make you comfortable again. If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area (driving directions here), give The Shoe Doctor a call to get the best custom orthotics in the area! We are here to assist you, give us a call at (925) 820-0220 for your free consultation!
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Pedorthist
- http://www.thetelegram.com/ living/what-can-a-certified- pedorthist-do-for-you-173947/
- https://www.verywellfit.com/ when-to-consult-a-podiatrist- 3435787
- https://www.pedorthics.org/ page/WHATISACREDPED
