Many physicians and other medical professionals have no idea who we are and what we do. That is unfortunate since the benefits we offer to patients can have a significant and positive impact on the quality of their lives.

 

Pedorthics (peh-DOR-thix) is the design, manufacture, modification and fit of footwear to alleviate problems caused by disease, overuse, congenital conditions, or injury.

 

The field of Pedorthics first emerged in the late 1950s, after World War II, when an outbreak of Polio created a need to deal with foot trauma through the use of footwear.

 

In 1958, the Pedorthic Footwear Association (PFA) was founded.

 

PFA is a non profit professional association that represents a wide variety of disciplines that share an interest in the field of Pedorthics,from practice to education and research.

 

Members include individuals, facilities where pedorthics is practiced, manufacturers, as well as suppliers of pedorthic products and services.

 

A Certified Pedorthist or C.Ped (see-ped) is a specialist educated in human anatomy, disease pathology, bio-mechanics, gait analysis, orthotic and shoe construction, fabrication, modification and fit. This health care professional must pass rigorous standards in educational curriculum and then must pass the National Board Exams. In the state of Tennessee, (along with an ever growing number of mandatory licensure states) they must apply to be licensed under the Board of Podiatry and follow all the continuing education requirements to maintain their licensure.

 

A C.Ped is trained in using footwear (which includes shoes, shoe modifications, foot orthoses, as well as other pedorthic devices ) to solve problems in or related to the foot and lower limb.

 

When feet require medical attention, footwear becomes an important factor in the patient's treatment, recovery or rehabilitation.

 

It is truly a team approach. While the Physician treats the foot pathology, the C.Ped addresses the footwear, bracing or orthoses needs.

 

Certified Pedorthists are specialist in using footgear to address lower–limb-related problems and pathologies. They understand the properties of footwear as well as the interaction between the patient's foot and shoe. C.Peds are skilled at evaluating needs and fitting footwear appropriately. They select and modify footwear (or custom make if necessary) to assist patients in maintaining or regaining as much mobility as possible

 

The Pedorthic Footwear Association's website (www.pedorthics.org ) maintains a directory of C.Peds.

 

The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics as well as the Board for Certification in Orthotics Prosthetics and Pedorthics, both maintain similar directories on their respective websites.

 

If a customer has no health problems, no structural anomalies, no significant gait impediments, but is seeking the most comfort in shoes and off the shelf orthotics, then no prescription is needed for a Pedorthist to assist them in sizing and selecting the best kind of comfort footwear for their needs.

 

When there are health problems, structural and gait issues, a prescription becomes necessary. The C.ped will work with that patient's Physician in determining the best treatment plan and Pedorthic device necessary to accommodate specific deformities, mobility limitations, alleviate discomfort or improve function.

 

Pedorthics give Physicians a wide range of conservative, non surgical treatment options.

 

Increasing numbers of Physicians and other qualified professionals are writing footwear prescriptions to relieve pressure, redistribute weight, accommodate or support conditions, prevent injuries, compensate for imbalances or overuse and preclude the worsening of damage to the patient's feet.

 

Footwear prescriptions can also address foot related problems such as lower back pain, pelvic imbalances, leg length discrepancies and other limitations that affect mobility as well as help the athelete return to their sport faster after injury.

 

 

 

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