What is Pedorthics?
ped-OR-thics: the design, manufacture, modification, and fit of footwear and orthoses.
Non Surgical Treatments for Conditions of the Lower Limb
Pedorthists have been trained to manufacture and modify both footwear and orthoses. This gives pedorthists a unique understanding of how to properly fit orthotics, good footwear and appropriate shoe modifications work together to address the issues of the patient. The result is a biomechanically correct support system that addresses the patient's foot conditions, without need for surgery. Pedorthists can design footwear and orthoses to treat many biomechanical conditions, including those caused by neurological and systemic disorders. A well designed orthosis can provide relief from many painful or debilitating conditions of the legs and feet. Since pedorthists address the lower extremity as a system, the function of the foot orthoses is dependent on the use of appropriate footwear. Without proper footwear, an orthosis can lose many of its benefits.
It is important to note that Pedorthists do not diagnose conditions- that is the responsibility of the physicians. Pedorthists, like pharmacists, fill a prescription written by a medical doctor whom have assessed, diagnosed and decided on a treatment plan.
A pedorthist is an individual who is trained in the assessment, design, manufacture, fit and modification of foot appliances and footwear for the purposes of alleviating painful or debilitating conditions and providing assistance for abnormalities or limited actions of the lower limb. The pedorthist provides devices and footwear to assist in:
- 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
- Enhancement of the actions of limbs compromised as a result of accident, congenital deformity, neural condition, or disease