A pedorthist is a medical professional who specializes in the use of footwear and supportive devices to address conditions, which affect the feet and lower limbs. Pedorthists work with a variety of people, from athletes to diabetics, to promote foot health, maximum mobility, and comfort. In order to become a pedorthist, they study anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, to learn about how the body moves and which conditions affect the feet and lower legs. Typically an associate’s degree is required before a pedorthist trains specifically with an institution, which teaches people how to apply corrective footwear and orthotic devices to patient care. After completion of training, a pedorthist can apply for certification through the professional organization and then pursue a career.
The services of a pedorthist can be invaluable in the treatment of a wide range of conditions. Using proper footwear can be vital for people with conditions like diabetes, for example, to ensure that the feet are supported and comfortable. Pedorthics devices can also be used to increase mobility for people with disabilities, and to handle specific circumstances like partial foot amputations. Many professional athletes also use the services of a pedorthist to help them select the most efficient and suitable footwear for their sports and body types. Often, a pedorthist works with a podiatrist, a doctor who specializes in the treatment of conditions of the feet.
The podiatrist may recommend a pedorthist to a patient, sending information about the patient to the pedorthist so that the specialist can assist the patient with his or her needs. Pedorthists can also work with physical therapists and other support staff to help patients live active, healthy lives. In addition to working with a range of specialized footwear, a pedorthist can also make custom modifications to shoes, or develop orthotic devices to help a patient with a specific problem. Frequent visits may be recommended to ensure that the footwear still fits and meets the needs of the patient, with the pedorthist making adjustments as necessary. At Morgan’s Shoes we offer free foot screening by pedorthists who are trained to evaluate your feet and suggest the right footwear for your daily activities. We will take the time to help you decide what the right footwear is for you based on your doctor’s diagnoses. We can help reduce pain caused by injuries or deformities that require special accommodations such as extra depth/ therapeutic shoes for diabetics, combined with the right prefabricated orthotics for specific types of arches. And if you don’t have any known problems, we can help you prevent future problems by suggesting what is best for your feet. We not only use the good old-fashion brannock device but also a new state-of-the-art IStep machine which scans your feet for pressure points to helps us determine what is best for you. All of this is free of charge and can be done in a matter of minutes. If you are crunched for time, we suggest you call and make an appointment with one of our pedorthists, otherwise walk-ins are always welcome and accommodated.