A pedorthist is a healthcare professional who specializes in footwear and orthotics. Pedorthists are trained to understand the lower body’s alignment, movement patterns, and symmetry.
They are also compression fit certified and have lower limb brace experience. They can modify off-the-shelf shoes and make custom orthotics. They work closely with physicians to help patients regain mobility and relieve specific conditions.
Pedorthists are experts in biomechanics
Properly diagnosing clients must understand their current foot and leg alignment. It can only be achieved through a gait analysis. Pedorthist Ottawa has special training to observe and analyze how clients walk and run, including their feet and lower legs in motion.
Pedorthists can provide doctors and patients with various conservative (non-surgical) treatment options. They can prescribe footwear, inserts, and custom-made orthotics to relieve pressure, redistribute weight, accommodate or support conditions, and improve the foot’s function.
The locomotor system comprises the foot, ankle, leg, and pelvis. It allows us to stand, walk, run, and live!
Pedorthists are trained in footwear
Footwear is a critical component that can accommodate, support, or relieve specific conditions and improve the foot’s function. Pedorthists select and modify footwear to help people maintain or regain mobility.
Pedorthists are trained to design, manufacture, and fit custom orthoses (shoe orthotics) and shoe and footwear modifications. They also have training in lower limb anatomy and biomechanics to understand how a shoe fits and functions on the foot.
Credentialed pedorthists can fill a prescription for footwear, orthotics, or shoe modifications written by your doctor. The pedorthist will determine what level of support the shoe or orthotic should provide and then make the necessary adjustments to ensure it functions properly. They also follow up to ensure the pediatric device works as your physician prescribes.
Pedorthists are trained in orthotics
Pedorthists are trained to design, manufacture, and modify footwear and orthoses to alleviate foot problems caused by disease, congenital disabilities, or overuse. This field is known as pediatrics, which began to take shape in the 1950s.
Those suffering from foot or ankle pain can benefit from consulting a Canadian Certified Pedorthist. However, it is essential to note that a medical specialist (rheumatologist, orthopedic surgeon, or endocrinologist) should first diagnose and refer the patient to a pediatrician for a proper assessment.
A pedorthist cannot offer a medical diagnosis; they can only provide opinions, impressions, and directions. Moreover, the code of ethics for the profession stipulates that patients must receive a medical prescription before a pedorthist can design and fit them with custom orthotics.
Pedorthists are trained in biomechanics
Pedorthists are trained to recognize and modify repetitive forces on the foot that may lead to pain, injury, or imbalance. They use their knowledge of biomechanics to build custom insoles and orthotics that help alter these repetitive force patterns.
During their studies, credentialed Pedorthists learn about foot and lower limb anatomy; pathology; biomechanics, which involves human locomotion; gait analysis; footwear fitting; lower extremity orthotic design, fabrication, and materials; shoe construction and modification and patient/practice management. Pedorthists are also compression fit certified and have a long-standing relationship with Canada’s physicians and nurse practitioners.
A physician will prescribe a footwear prescription to be filled by a C. Ped (C) and a Pedorthist will work with the patient to manage their comprehensive pediatric care. It includes Patient Assessment, the development of a treatment plan, and patient follow-up.
Pedorthists are trained in footwear
Pedorthists specialize in shoe and foot orthotic design, manufacture, fabrication, and modification. They also provide patient and practice management services.
Credentialed pedorthists seek alternative routes to relieve pain without invasive techniques than podiatric surgeons, who often perform surgery on patients. For example, a pedorthist can create custom inserts to help relieve foot and heel pain.
These Pediatric Orthoses can accommodate, support, or relieve specific conditions and improve the lower extremity function. In addition, a pedorthist can use the wear pattern of an individual’s shoes to identify unique feet and determine how best to accommodate them. This technique is known as “worn shoe analysis.” Pedorthists can then modify or recommend a proper shoe/orthosis. It allows them to maximize the benefits of a pediatric device and enhance its performance.