What is a Pedorthist?
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; and,
- Enhancement of the actions of limbs compromised as a
result of accident, congenital deformity, neural condition, or disease.
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A pedorthist can assist in treating conditions such as the following
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Achilles Tendonitis
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Arthritis
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Plantar Faciitis
- Bunions
Websites of interest:
Pedorthic Association Of Canada www.pedorthic.ca
College Of Pedorthics Of Canada www.cpedcs.ca
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As one of the few medical professionals educated in the design, fit,
manufacture, and modification of footwear and foot orthoses (Orthotics),
Certified Members of the Pedorthic Association of Canada (PAC) are regularly
called upon to fill prescriptions and make recommendations.
Every foot requires special attention. Variables such as overall length, heel
to ball length, and width are assessed in both a seated and standing position.
Other variables may include bony deformities of the greater and lesser toes,
instep height, amputations, ulceration, and biomechanical anomalies such as
over-pronation or over-supination, in-toeing or out-toeing.
Orthotics:
Why Orthotics? The term is derived from the Greek "ortho", to straighten. Sciences such as materials engineering, gait analysis, anatomy and physiology, and psychology contribute to the work done by orthotists, the professionals engaged in the field of orthotics. Simpler foot orthotics allow the muscles, tendons and bones of the feet and lower legs to function at their highest potential. When appropriately prescribed, orthotics can decrease pain, not only in the foot, but in other parts of the body such as the knee, hip and lower back. They can also increase stability in an unstable joint, prevent a deformed foot from developing additional problems, and improve overall quality of life.
At some point in their lives, 75% of the population will suffer from foot-related problems that often result in pain or discomfort in the feet, ankles, knees, hips or lower back. But only 2% will seek help. Most people do not relate this pain and discomfort to the true source - their feet. In fact, many people think they have to live with the discomfort or hope it will go away.
Your feet are the foundation of your entire body. They do an incredible amount of work each day. The smallest imbalance can cause a great deal of discomfort, but properly fitted prescription orthotics help restore the normal balance and alignment of your body and bring relief from fatigue and pain. Orthotics are so comfortable that you will want to wear them as much as possible. |
