Pedorthist

Pedorthist is the title of a health care professional who specializes in the use of footwear and supportive devices to address conditions which affect the feet and lower limbs. They are trained in the assessment of lower limb anatomy and biomechanics, and the appropriate use of corrective footware - including shoes, shoe modifications, foot orthoses and other pedorthic devises. “Certified Pedorthist” is a title used by both the College of Pedorthics of Canada.

The Pedorthic Association of Canada as well as the College of Pedorthics of Canada describe a Pedorthist as such:

A pedorthist is an individual who is trained in the manufacturing, fitting and modification of foot appliances and footwear to assist in:

• Alleviating painful or debilitating conditions of the lower limb;

• Accommodation of foot deformities;

• Re-alignment of anatomical structures;

• Redistribution of external and internal forces;

• Improvement of balance;

• Control of biomechanical function;

• Accommodation of circulatory special requirements; and,

• Enhancement of the actions or limbs compromised as a result of accident, congenital deformity, neural condition, or disease.

A Certified Pedorthist, or C.Ped (C), is a practitioner who provides:

• Assessment through observation of surface anatomy and palpation of the limb, gait analyses, range-of-motion testing, footwear analysis and review of potentially complicated health factors;

• Casting, manufacturing, fitting and adjusting orthoses (sometimes called orthotics;

• Fitting and modifying standard and orthopaedic footwear;

• Accommodating/incorporating complementary assistive devices; and,

• Casting and measuring for custom footwear and/or orthotics.

Canadian pedorthists consult with patients based on a referral from a prescribing healthcare professional such as a family physician, and are integrated members of health care teams, focused on helping patients achieve and maintain proper foot care and health.