D1. Q. What is a Certified Pedorthist and why should I see one? A. According to ABC, "Pedorthics is the design, manufacture, modification of pedorthic devices, to prevent or alleviate foot problems caused by disease, congenital defect, overuse or injury. An ABC Certified Pedorthist is an individual who has studied foot anatomy and pathology, biomechanics, shoe construction and modification, foot orthosis fabrication and materials, footwear fitting and patient/practice management and is credentialed by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics, Inc. To become certified, a pedorthist must meet initial educational requirements and pass a comprehensive written exam given by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC) which is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. Once certified, a pedorthist must meet continuing education and annual renewal requirements to maintain pedorthic certification. The certified pedorthist must also adhere to the ABC Code of Professional Responsibility to ensure the highest scope of professional competence and deportment." Or put another way: "Basically, pedorthists are highly trained professionals skilled in the design, fit and function of shoes and orthotics."
They are experts in external below-the-ankle care. I would also like to add that they practice both the “science and art” of making feet comfortable. Proper shoes and orthotics should not only fit your feet but also your lifestyle."- Seamus Kennedy, CPed, from InMotion magazine, Volume 15, Issue 3, May/June 2005, published by the Amputee Coalition of America A Certified Pedorthist is a footwear specialist. He/she has studied foot and lower limb anatomy; pathology; biomechanics (movement of the human body); gait analysis; footwear fitting; lower limb orthotic design; shoe design, construction and modification; and patient and practice management. As they design, manufacture, modify and fit footwear and orthotics, their goal is to alleviate foot problems caused by congenital defects, injuries, overuse, and diseases such as diabetes and arthritis. Footwear, when properly fitted, can relieve or accommodate temporary or permanent foot problems. A Pedorthist works as part of your health care team. When appropriate, doctors refer patients to us as specialists in using footwear and orthotics to address lower limb problems. Certified Pedorthists understand the interaction between a person's feet and their shoes. We are skilled at evaluating a person's feet and their footwear. We help you select the proper shoes, and then modify those shoes to help you maintain or regain as much mobility as possible. When your ability to walk is affected, everything that touches your foot, such as bandages, splints, braces, foot orthotics, socks and shoes, all interact with your foot. That is why your footwear is a very important part of your recommended treatment plan. Foot orthotics are also an important part of footwear. They can accommodate foot abnormalities, support and relieve a variety of foot conditions, and also improve the function of your feet. A pedorthist helps in selecting, fitting and modifying your shoes so that the orthotics and the shoes function well together. Pedorthics offers a wide range of conservative, non-surgical treatment options. Doctors refer their patients to a pedorthist for footwear to help relieve pressure, to redistribute weight, to accommodate foot abnormalities, to support conditions, to prevent further damage to the foot, and to prevent foot injuries. We also can address foot related problems such as pelvic imbalances and lower back pain, to mention a few. At Cobbler's Corner, we have 3 certified Pedorthist on staff and our goal is to help our customers and/or patients avoid foot problems and enable them to maintain an independent and active lifestyle. Whether you are experiencing foot problems associated with diabetes, arthritis, congenital defects, injuries or overuse or are simply looking for a shoe that will provide unsurpassed comfort, Cobbler's Corner has the solution! Cobbler's Corner in Columbiana, Ohio is a state licensed, nationally accredited pedorthic facility. We have 3 Certified Pedorthists on staff. We are also a full service shoe retailer, stocking such major brands as Worx and Red Wing work shoes; Danner and LaCrosse boots; diabetic shoes by Drew, P.W. Minor, Apex and New Balance; Brooks and Aetrex athletic shoes; and Kumfs dress shoes and sandals. With a repair facility and a custom orthotic and shoe modification lab on site, we can make any adjustments necessary to assure a perfect fit. Make sure your footwear, instead of being part of the problem,
is part of the healthy solution! Cobbler's Corner has 3 Certified Pedorthists on staff with appointments available Monday through Friday. Click here for store hours and available appointment times.
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D2. Q. What kind of training is required to become a pedorthist? A. The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC) is the national certifying and accrediting body for the orthotic and prosthetic professions. It is the body that regulates who becomes a certified pedorthist (CPed). For detailed information on the steps involved in becoming certified, you should visit the organization’s Web site at http://www.abcop.org/Default.asp*
*By clicking on this link, you will be directed away from this Website. According to ABC, "To become certified, a pedorthist must meet initial educational requirements and pass a comprehensive written exam given by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC) which is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. Once certified, a pedorthist must meet continuing education and annual renewal requirements to maintain pedorthic certification. The certified pedorthist must also adhere to the ABC Code of Professional Responsibility to ensure the highest scope of professional competence and deportment." Briefly, to become a certified pedorthist, one needs to complete a four-step process: - Obtain college credits in ancillary courses, such as anatomy, physiology or biomechanics.
- Complete a minimum of 120 hours of pedorthic education in a program reviewed and approved by the ABC.
Many approved courses are given throughout the country several times a year. - Gain practical hands-on work experience in pedorthics.
- Study the appropriate materials and books about pedorthics and shoe-fitting, and pass the certification exam, which is held twice a year.
In addition, a Certified Pedorthist is required to continue his/her education by attending classes and seminars which are focused on keeping the Certified Pedorthist current in the latest information and techniques of proper foot care. These education requirements are necessary for maintaining continuing certification. The Pedorthist must also renew certification each year. Cobbler's Corner has 3 Certified Pedorthists on staff with appointments available Monday through Friday. Click here for store hours and available appointment times.
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D3 Q. Why do I need a Pedorthist just because I have diabetes? A. Diabetes increases a person's risk of having foot problems. Even ordinary problems can get worse and lead to serious complications. Since the extreme consequence is amputation, caring for the diabetic foot is a daily priority.
Diabetes frequently results in neuropathy, or nerve damage, in the feet. Nerve damage can lead to loss of feeling in the feet, leaving a person unable to feel pain, heat or cold. The gradual loss of feeling in the feet lessens the ability to judge whether shoes or orthotics fit and perform properly. Friction or rubbing may go unnoticed and worsen into a blister, a break in the skin, or an ulcer. You could have a tack or stone in your shoe and walk on it all day without knowing it is there. Also circulation can be hindered if shoes are tied too tight. On the other hand, the feet may have too much movement in the shoes if they are tied too loosely, allowing the feet to slide forward in the shoe, resulting in the toes hitting the end of the shoes. Poor blood flow or changes in the shape of your feet or toes may also cause problems. The longer a person has diabetes, the more likely he is to develop this problem.
A Certified Pedorthist, being the footwear specialist on the health care team, works toward long term maintenance of healthy feet and prevention of foot damage. Measuring a person's feet, evaluating their footwear, and making sure their new footwear fits properly is just the beginning of the path to healthy feet. Our goal is to help the diabetic person prevent foot complications by educating them on how to properly care for the diabetic foot and footwear. We also communicate any potential problems to the other specialists on the health care team.
The wear and tear on a shoe reflects patterns of movement, examining this wear shows us where problems such as blisters, calluses and ulcers are most likely to start. To alleviate foot problems, a pedorthist may fabricate foot orthotics or modify the interior and/or exterior of the footwear. Foot orthotics can only be worn in a shoe; hence it is absolutely necessary that the orthotics, shoes and feet all be treated as one unit. Only then can all be assured that the orthotic is working effectively.
Another thing to keep in mind is what type of activities the person performs while wearing the shoes. And what is the foot's major need; protection, accommodation or support. Shoes and foot orthotics not only protect the feet; they improve the function of the feet. Foot problems can lead to stress on other parts of the body. Since the feet, legs, knees, hips, and back all work together, proper footwear can enhance a person's ability to physically perform, just as improper footwear can degrade physical performance.
Once the adjustments are made, continuing follow-up care with the pedorthist is essential to ensure that the shoes, orthotics and modifications continue to perform properly. Also, persons with diabetes must examine their feet everyday, and tell their pedorthist immediately if they see any changes or develop any problems.
Care of the diabetic foot needs the team approach with the person having diabetes being the team leader. The Certified Pedorthist is the footwear specialist who works with the patient and the other members of the health care team to make sure shoes and orthotics, instead of being part of the problem, are part of the healthy solution. Cobbler's Corner has 3 Certified Pedorthists on staff with appointments available Monday through Friday. Click here for Store Hours and Available Appointment Times.
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D4. Q. When I visit a Pedorthic Footwear Specialist, What should I expect him/her to do. A. 1.) Expect to have both feet measured. Over the course of your lifetime, your feet will change in both size and shape. For many people, one foot is slightly longer and/or wider than the other. 2.) Expect current footwear to be evaluated. The wear and tear on a shoe reflects patterns of movement. This reveals where problems such as blisters, calluses, sores and ulcers are most likely to start. 3.) Expect a diabetic/arthritic foot evaluation. This will include a scan of your feet to identify pressure points and foot type. Identifying pressure points and making insole or shoe modifications to relieve the pressure are essential in the prevention of foot ulcerations. 4.) Expect to be asked to purchase new shoes which will be properly fitted to the correct size and shape of your feet. We have found that 75% of new customers entering our store are wearing the wrong size and/or wrong shaped shoes. For a diabetic, this can be a very serious problem. 5.) Expect follow-up visits (at no extra charge) to be scheduled to insure that your feet and footwear are functioning well together. 6.) Expect to receive instruction in diabetic foot care and proper maintenance of your footwear. Cobbler's Corner has 3 Certified Pedorthists on staff with appointments available Monday through Friday. Click here for store hours and available appointment times.
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Whether you are experiencing foot problems associated with diabetes or arthritis,
or are simply looking for a shoe that will provide unsurpassed comfort,
COBBLER'S CORNER HAS THE SOLUTION!!! For advice on footwear, socks, and foot care products, contact
our State Licensed, Nationally Accredited Pedorthic Facility.
Contact information is available through this link or you may submit questions
or comments through our "Feedback" and "Ask the Pedorthist" pages. |
