PEDORTHISTS

A Pedorthist is a professional, trained in the assessment, design, manufacture, fit and modification of foot appliances and footwear, for the purposes of alleviating painful or debilitative conditions and providing assistance for abnormalities of the lower limb.

Under the direction of a Physician, a Canadian Certified Pedorthist provides custom orthotic devices, orthopaedic footwear, footwear modifications or custom made footwear to assist in alleviating painful lower limb conditions. They perform in depth evaluation through observation of surface anatomy and palpation of limbs, gait analysis, range of motion testing and footwear analysis; as well as a review of potentially complicated health factors. BioPed Pedorthists cast, manufacture, fit and adjust custom orthotics best suited to correct or accommodate the foot condition. They also fit, modify, cast and measure for custom footwear for all foot types.

In Canada, Pedorthists require a post-graduate diploma to attain Canadian Pedorthic Certification - acquired after successfully completing up to a three year apprenticeship and examination process. Testing includes knowledge on biomechanics, disease, anatomy, orthotics fabrication, fitting as well as footwear function, design and modification.

Pedorthists are one of four approved professionals to provide custom made orthotics. BioPed Pedorthists are members of the Pedorthic Association of Canada and are governed by a strict Code of Ethics. As well, continuing education is mandatory as required by the College of Pedorthics of Canada.