One of the most common questions I get from new patients is “What exactly is a Pedorthist? Is it the same as a Podiatrist?” The simple answer is no, although we have some elements of our practice in common, we are very different clinicians.  There are a number specialized foot care professionals in Canada and can be confusing which professional you should see for your specific concerns.  A Pedorthist's scope of practice specializes only with custom orthotic fabrication and the comprehensive biomechanical evaluation of the lower limbs and gait analysis.  Podiatrists or Chiropodists focus on a more broader range of foot issues:  diseases of the foot, diabetic/open wound care/dermatology, nail care, pharmacoloy, debridement and minor surgical intervention.   I personally underwent 3 years of pedorthic education + 5000 apprenticeship hours and extensive training to obtain my certification in Pedorthics.  Pedorthists are the only clinicians to specialize specifically with Custom Orthotics.  Usually a Podiatrist/Chiropodist, Chiropractor or Physiotherapist will assess you for custom orthotics and then send it to a Certified Pedorthist for fabrication and consultation of the final design.  We are highly educated in postural analysis, movement patterns, musculoskeletal examination and trained in the design, manufacture and clinical fitting of orthotics for the purposes of accommodating foot deformities, realignment of anatomical structures, improving balance and control of biomechanical function and accommodation of special circulatory requirements.  

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Why see a Pedorthist? 

As foot orthotic and orthopaedic footwear specialists, a Certified Pedorthist provides a wide range of services to help patients with an extensive array of foot and lower limb conditions. They undergo extensive training in lower limb anatomy and biomechanics to ease pain and increase mobility.  A Pedorthist will quickly get you on a treatment program to ease your pain and get you back doing the activities you enjoy.