Pedorthics

Pedorthics is a specialized healthcare discipline focused on the design, manufacturing, fitting, and modification of foot appliances, primarily footwear and foot orthoses, to alleviate problems caused by disease, congenital conditions, overuse, or injury. The term derives from the Greek roots "pedo," meaning foot or child, and "ortho," meaning to straighten or correct.

A professional in this field is known as a pedorthist. Pedorthists work with patients who have a wide range of foot and lower limb conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, and discrepancies in leg length. Their goal is to improve a patient's mobility, stability, and comfort while reducing pain. This is achieved through comprehensive patient assessment, followed by the provision of therapeutic footwear, custom-made shoe inserts (orthotics), and modifications to existing shoes, like adding lifts or altering soles.

Education for pedorthists typically involves specialized training and certification. In the United States, the Board for Certification in Pedorthics administers the Certified Pedorthist (C.Ped.) credential, which requires a combination of academic coursework, practical experience, and a board examination.

The practice is closely related to, but distinct from, podiatry and orthotics and prosthetics. While podiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat foot diseases, and orthotists/prosthetists address broader limb and spinal support, pedorthists concentrate specifically on solutions through footwear. Pedorthics plays a crucial role in preventive care, especially for diabetic patients, where properly fitted shoes can help prevent serious complications like foot ulcers.