WHAT IS A CERTIFIED PEDORTHIST (C.Ped)?

Pedorthics (ped-or'-thiks) - the design, manufacture, modification and fit of footwear, orthotics and devices to alleviate foot problems caused by disease, overuse, or injury.

Everything that surrounds or touches a foot - whether it is a foot orthotic or arch supports, shoes, boots, socks, hosiery, night splints, bandages, braces, partial-foot prosthetics, or other devices - interacts with a foot. The correct footwear is crucial to maintaining foot health as well as foot and ankle treatment plans.

The C.Ped scope of practice is the ankle and below. Often a C.Ped will select and/or modify footwear in conjunction with orthotics to help people regain or optimize lower extremity biomechanics.

A Podiatrist will often take an image of the foot by means of a plaster or fiberglass cast, foam mold or computer scanned image. Recommendations are then completed for the cast or image. The Pedorthist then creates the orthotic with the desired accommodations.

The C. Ped. completes educational requirements approved by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prostetics, and Pedorthics (ABC) and passing a written exam. 

The board-certified pedorthist works together with the doctor and patient to achieve the best results.