Did you kick off the new year with a resolution to be more active? Healthy feet and lower limbs have a huge impact on your overall wellness and mobility. Make an appointment to see a Canadian Certified Pedorthist as a part of your resolution to be healthier in 2021. If you’ve never seen a Pedorthist before – click here to find one near you.
What can you expect from your first appointment with a pedorthist?
What to bring & wear:
- Shoes you primarily wear for different activities – for example your running shoes, everyday walking shoes and shoes you wear to work
- A prescription from your doctor if you have one
- Details about the pain you may have and when it occurs and what it feels like. Write down descriptions of the pain or discomfort you’re having in the weeks leading up to your appointment so you can provide as accurate details as possible
- Wear shorts or loose-fitting pants that can be easily pushed above your knees for the assessment
Topics for discussion:
Your Pedorthist will ask you many questions including:
- Where and when is your pain and discomfort?
- What activities you do and what footwear you use in those activities? The activities you take part in may be related to your foot problems
- Related medical issues? For example, if you have diabetes or broken bones with pins in, it will affect how well you move and what kind of pain you will have.
Your Pedorthic assessment will include:
- The Pedorthist will examine your shoes for fit and the pattern of wear on the shoes
- Assessment of your foot type
- Your feet and legs will be examined to see how much motion is found at certain joints and to see where the pain might be found in the feet and legs.
- The Pedorthist will watch you walk or run. How you walk can be causing some of your troubles and could be compensating for the pain that you have
Finally, if the Pedorthist recommends custom orthotics for treatment, a copy of your foot will be made to make the orthotics to the exact specifications of your feet. This is called “casting” and it can be done with casting foam, plaster or with a 3-dimensional scanner. Once your custom orthotics have been made by your Canadian Certified Pedorthist (usually at their on-site lab) you will be asked to come back to get your orthotics. At this point you will get a chance to try the orthotics in your different shoes and have any minor adjustments made before taking them home to start wearing.
Your Pedorthist may also recommend purchasing new shoes and can help you find the perfect model and fit for your feet. The shoe fit is important for comfort and being pain free. There needs to be enough room at the toe for length and width to fit your feet and the orthotics. The shape of the shoe also needs to fit the foot properly to avoid rubbing and friction issues.
For more information about your first visit to a Pedorthist, watch this video.
By Jim Pattison, C. Ped (C)
