Many people suffer from aches and pains in their ankles and feet. Too often, we assume the discomfort is something we just need to live with, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Even if you spend most of your days on your feet, you can get relief.
Foot specialists, such as Pedorthists, are experts are caring for your feet and eliminating aches and pains. The support they provide is crucial to your overall health. Remember that your feet are the foundation for the rest of your body and that if they are not well, you could experience discomfort elsewhere in your body.
It’s also important to remember that other aches and pains in your body may actually be connected to a problem with your feet. When your step is out of alignment with the rest of your body, it can lead to pain in your back, hips, and legs. That’s where services offered by a Pedorthist can help.
What is a pedorthist?
A pedorthist is a professional healthcare provider that focuses on treating injuries, conditions, and issues with your lower limbs. Their training includes assessing lower limb anatomy, muscle and joint function, and treatments such as foot orthotics or appropriate footwear for different conditions. In Canada, you can request a referral to a pedorthist from your physician, physiotherapist or chiropractor.
What does a pedorthist do?
When you visit a pedorthist, they’ll begin with an assessment of your lower limb anatomy, biomechanics. This will also involve discussing your current symptoms with them, such as what pains and aches are felt and when you feel the most discomfort. They’ll also want to know about your medical history, which gives them an understanding of your entire health history. This helps them narrow down what the issues may be with your lower limbs.
You can help your pedorthist by bringing your footwear for them to examine and any orthotic prescriptions or devices that you are already using. It’s also helpful if you wear loose-fitting clothing to make a physical examination of your legs and feet easier.
A pedorthist will likely observe you walking and moving so they get an idea about what the issue may be. This is called gait analysis. They’ll look at your body alignment as you move. You may also be given a computerized gait analysis or video analysis so the pedorthist can better identify the problem.
Once they have identified the issues, your pedorthist will create a treatment plan. This may involve having custom-made orthotics designed to help your condition. If this is part of your plan, you can expect to have your foot measured. This process includes either plaster, foam, wax or a 3D laser that takes an impression of your foot. Your custom-made orthotics will be created from this impression.
Treatments offered by Pedorthists:
- custom-made foot orthotics
- orthopedic and athletic footwear
- footwear modifications
- compression socks
- footcare accessories
Benefits of seeing a pedorthist
The biggest benefit you’ll see from a pedorthic assessment is a reduction in pain and discomfort. Yet, it will impact your whole health as you cannot be as active as you’d like to be if your feet are in pain. Other benefits of pedorthist care include:
- Improved balance
- Increase circulation
- Gain a wider range of motion
- Better posture
Pedorthist services usually include providing you with custom-made devices to help correct your walk, stance, or condition of your foot.
Conditions a pedorthist treats
Like many other medical professionals, pedorthists specialize in treating certain conditions. Some of the most common issues they help patients with include:
- Foot pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Calluses
- Corns
- Bunions
- Knee, hip or back pain
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Claw toes
- Hammer toes
- Athletic injuries
- Balance problems
Poor circulation
When to see a pedorthist
Many people have learned to live with foot pain and discomfort when they don’t have to. Even if your job requires you to be on your feet for long periods of time, you don’t need to assume that your foot pain is part of life. Foot pain is not always a result of standing for a long time. You could have a serious condition or deformity that is causing your pain. Seeking advice from a Pedorthist will allow you to determine what is as the source of your discomfort and the treatment options that are available to you.
If you’re wondering when the right time to see a pedorthists is, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you have new or lingering pain?
- Does it interfere with daily living and your enjoyment?
- Do you have Diabetes or Arthritis?
- Are you struggling to find shoes that fit well and are comfortable?
- Have you suffered from an injury to your foot or lower limb?
In Canada, a Pedorthist can help you find relief from foot pain or lower limb discomfort. They are certified to assess your movement, particularly walking, provide information about your condition and ways you can fix it, and they also provide custom-made footwear and devices.
If you’ve been living with aches, pains or discomfort in your feet, legs or back, if you’ve had an injury to your feet, or if you’ve noticed problems with your shoes, consult a Canadian Certified Pedorthist and get back to doing the activities you want to do.
At CWG, we offer a wide range of pedorthic services. Why not contact our office today?
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