Pedorthics is the design, manufacture, modification and fit of footwear which includes, but is not limited to, shoes and foot orthotics in order to improve problems caused by overuse, congenital conditions, diseases or injuries.  Pedorthics is a well-established allied health profession that provides a valuable service to public health and requires knowledge of anatomy, pathology and biomechanics including human locomotion, gait analysis, kinesiology and other related subjects.  Products made by Pedorthists are designed to enhance mobility, decrease pain, improve function and promote a more confident YOU!

 

While Pedorthists focus on providing products from the ankle down to the foot, problems that can be addressed with foot orthotics can occur much higher up the movement chain.  In addition to foot ailments like hammertoes, bunions, heel spurs, Achilles tendinitis and Plantar Fasciitis, disorders such as chronic ankle sprains, shin splints, hip pain, and even low back pain could be aided with foot orthotics.

 

Pedorthists specialize in using specific shoes, shoe modifications for therapeutic purposes and foot orthoses to address leg-related problems and pathologies that originate at the ankle and below.  Pedorthists understand the components of footwear and the relationship between feet and pedorthic devices/shoes which makes them highly skilled at evaluating feet, providing foot orthoses and fitting footwear.

 

When a foot requires medical attention, footwear becomes a key component in the person’s treatment, recovery or rehabilitation.  Everything that encompasses or touches the foot interacts with the foot and affects a person’s ability to walk.  Pedorthists can choose and modify footwear or other pedorthic devices to help people maintain or regain as much mobility as possible.

 

Pedorthists have the skill and knowledge to modify the inside and outside of footwear which includes fabricating items to further assist in a person’s recovery or performance.  Items like foot orthotics are an important component of footwear that can accommodate, support or relieve specific conditions, as well as improve the foot’s overall function.  In addition to creating an appropriate foot orthotic, Pedorthists can provide personalized attention in choosing, fitting and modifying shoes so that the foot orthotics can be used effectively.

 

Pedorthists allow for a large range of conservative and non-surgical treatment options by providing footwear and pedorthic devices to prevent injuries, reduce risk of overuse injuries, compensate for muscular or skeletal imbalances, relieve pressures, redistribute weight, accommodate or support medical conditions, and to reduce risk of further damage to the body.