Understanding the Role of a Board-Certified Pedorthist

A board-certified pedorthist is a specialized healthcare professional trained in the design, manufacture, modification, and fitting of footwear and supportive orthoses to treat conditions of the foot and lower leg. Working closely with physicians, pedorthists help alleviate pain, manage chronic conditions, and improve mobility with biomechanically engineered solutions such as custom-made shoes, inserts, and braces. Pedorthists are part of the allied healthcare team, playing a vital role in patient care by addressing issues that stem from diabetes, arthritis, injury, congenital abnormalities, and overuse. When a physician refers a patient, a board-certified pedorthist evaluates the patient’s condition and develops a custom care plan designed to prevent or reduce discomfort and slow the progression of disabling lower limb conditions.

A Collaborative Approach to Lower Limb Health

Pedorthists do not diagnose medical conditions. Instead, they rely on the physician’s diagnosis and prescription to guide their treatment plans. Their objective is to complement the work of physicians by implementing non-invasive, therapeutic strategies that help patients achieve better foot and lower limb function. Through careful assessment, a pedorthist determines the best course of action using therapeutic footwear, orthotic inserts, and ankle-foot orthoses. These devices are tailored to each patient’s unique needs, ensuring maximum support, comfort, and effectiveness.

Training and Certification

Becoming a board-certified pedorthist requires completion of accredited pedorthic training programs. These programs equip future pedorthists with foundational knowledge in biomechanics, anatomy, orthotic design, and patient management. After completing formal education and practical training, candidates must pass a national certification exam to earn the board-certified title. To maintain their credentials and stay current with the latest techniques and research, pedorthists also engage in pedorthic continuing education. These ongoing educational efforts ensure that certified pedorthists continue to deliver the highest quality of care and remain responsive to advancements in the field.

Join a Profession That Makes a Difference

Since emerging in the late 1950s, the pedorthic profession has evolved to meet the complex needs of patients with foot and lower limb conditions. With a commitment to personalized care and evidence-based practice, pedorthists help individuals achieve better mobility, reduced pain, and improved quality of life. The Robert M. Palmer, M.D. Institute of Biomechanics, Inc. supports this essential healthcare profession by offering leading pedorthic continuing education and training programs, helping prepare the next generation of experts in this important field.