What is it? ... How do you say it?

PEDORTHICS... (ped-or'-thix)
The field of knowledge relating to orthoses (supportive devices) of the foot and ankle.

PEDORTHIST... (ped-or-thist)
A trained professional who provides care to improve function and / or decrease pain and discomfort of the foot and ankle.

Pedorthic devices or modifications are designed to improve ambulation and / or decrease pain and discomfort of the foot and ankle. Pedorthic devices are custom fabricated orthoses, (supportive devices) ranging from shoe modifications and inserts, all the way to custom molded footwear.

Improperly fit shoes are a common cause of foot discomfort. However, for individuals experiencing foot discomfort and pain due to trauma, sports, stress, or foot deformities related to such diseases as arthritis or diabetes, a custom pedorthic device may be beneficial.

At Peters Orthopedics, a pedorthic service generally requires three appointments. Evaluation, recommendations, measurement and impression taking are part of the first appointment. After being fabricated in our lab, the device is fit and delivered at the second appointment. A follow up appointment, about a week following delivery, addresses further concerns and adjustments. Issues that arise after the follow up appointment may be addressed by contacting the office.

Medicare and private insurance carriers set specific guidelines that define plan benefits for pedorthic services. Since third party funding assistance varies with individual plans, it is suggested you contact your insurance provider to determine specific benefits.

-Custom Molded Foot Orthotics:

Custom Molded Foot Orthotics are supportive devices fabricated to meet individual medical and comfort needs. They serve as both a preventative and a treatment device.

Custom fabricated foot orthotics, designed to off load pressure and transfer weight throughout the foot, may offer medical benefit and comfort to individuals of any age who—

• Do considerable walking…
• Stand for extended periods …
• Are either the casual or the serious athlete...
• Have mild foot deformities…
• Experiences discomfort in the knees, back, shoulders, or neck…

Fabricating a custom foot orthosis first involves taking an impression of the patient’s foot; a cast is made from the impression. Various cushioning and weight absorbing materials are next layered together and vacuum formed over the cast to create a pedorthic device specific to the patient’s needs. At the fitting appointment, this device is shaped to fit inside the patient’s shoe.

Foot orthotics can be interchanged among various shoes as long as the basic size and shape of the shoes are similar. The ‘life expectancy’ of the devices depends upon individual wearing conditions.

-UCB and SMO:

A foot orthosis designed to control mid and hind foot instability. The plastic device, custom fabricated from patient mold, surrounds the foot to provide optimum support.

The SMO is designed similar to a UCB, but also provides support to the ankle joint.

-Shoe modifications:

A common custom shoe modification may involve adding external elevations, rocker bottoms, wedges, or internal lifts to a patient’s shoe.

-Custom Molded Shoes:

Custom molded shoes may be a consideration when a patient is unable to comfortably wear ‘off the shelf’ shoes. Custom shoes, crafted from a mold of the individual foot, are designed to accommodate individual shape and medical needs.

Pedorthics Care and Use:

Mild, short term aching in the foot, legs, hip or back may occur during the adjustment period following delivery of a pedorthic service. This is due to muscle fatigue and change in foot position and function. A gradually increased wearing schedule is suggested. It may take 1-3 weeks for the body to fully adjust to changes created by the new pedorthic device. If skin breakdown or excessive discomfort develops, it is recommended the device not be worn and the office be contacted to schedule an appointment with a practitioner.

• Plastic pedorthic devices may be wiped clean with isopropyl alcohol.
• Do not wear or immerse pedorthic devices in water.

Do not use a hair dryer, furnace vent or other heat source to dry pedorthic devices as the heat may damage the materials or alter the shape of the device.