Pedorthist
A BOARD CERTIFIED PEDORTHIST
According to the 26th Dorland’s Medical Dictionary, pedorthic is: “the art concerned with the design, manufacture, fit, and modification of shoes and related foot appliances as prescribed for the amelioration of painful or disabling conditions of the foot and limb.”
A Board Certified Pedorthist is described as the practitioner who provides prescription footwear and related devices to patient referred by the medical profession. The Pedorthist examines and evaluates the patient’s pedorthic requirements in relation to the foot problem and function loss.
The Pedorthist assists in formulating effective footwear design by selecting materials and by fabricating casts, mold modifications and proper lasts. The Pedorthist evaluates footwear related devices and assists in a comprehensive, well coordinated program of care.
The Pedorthist stays abreast of all new developments concerning pedorthic patient care, supervises the function of orthopedic shoe technicians, lectures and demonstrates to colleagues and other professionals concerned with the practice of pedorthics. In addition, the Certified Pedorthist participates in research and development of new techniques in the field.
Service
We use the highest quality and state of the art materials in our lab and take the necessary time to give the patient the most comfortable fit possible. At The Foot Store, we believe in patient education with every fitting as a key to compliance with optimal results.
The Team Approach
Many Physicians have found that the Pedorthist can be an effective asset to their Patient Care Team:
- The direct benefit of proper fitting and weight bearing.
- Patient education (especially for Diabetics and others with sensitive feet).
- As a trained professional who can offer evaluation of many shoe and support related problems.
- For post-surgery fitting to establish new criteria for footwear which will maintain the benefits of the surgical procedure.
- To alert lay people to the existence of foot problems and the need for appropriate medical care, weight redistribution, and pressure relief for hypersensitive and insensitive feet.
Prescriptions
We require prescriptions to perform work which affects biomechanical functions of the feet (i.e. wedges, build-ups, etc). Since some insurance carriers cover shoes, orthotics, and modifications specified by prescriptions, we request that the physician take the time to write a prescription
complete with a diagnosis.