Choosing a Foot Care Professional
Posted by: ABLE Orthotics on April 6, 2010
As a buyer, you need to be aware that when looking for a medical foot-care professional it pays to do some research and be well informed.
Footwear and orthotic experts, Canadian Certified Pedorthists, are one of the few health-care professionals educated and tested in how to assess, modify, design and fit both footwear and foot orthotics. Many individuals with a variety of backgrounds dispense “custom foot orthoses”, but not all orthotics or providers are created equal.
As part of your due diligence here are some information to check out:
- Reputation: A lot of problems can be avoided simply by inquiring about the company or individual’s reputation in the community and with other health-care professionals.
- Assessment: Inquire about their assessment approach. How thorough is their assessment? Do they take a comprehensive history? Do they observe your feet in action? Do your research and don’t be fooled by complicated terms, techno speak or computerized gadgets.
- Fabrication: In fabricating orthotics, do they use a “one material suits every situation” or can they tailor their approach and use different materials based on your specific needs?
- Qualifications: Are they specifically trained in biomechanics and fabricating orthotics? In some cases individuals selling custom orthotics, while well qualified in their own field, are unqualified or have very limited training in providing foot orthoses. As an example while I like my dentist I won’t go to him to have my arm set if it is broken. In the same way if you need orthotics Canadian Certified Pedorthists are orthotic and footwear experts.
- Results: Will they follow up with you to ensure they get results? Sometimes, with more complex situations, it takes some adjusting and fine-tuning to get it right. Is your health care professional going to follow up to ensure results? For how long?
Like many things in life, it pays to invest time upfront to ensure you get the best solution for you. In your lifetime you will spend a lot of time on your feet, make sure you get the best care and solution so that you are as comfortable as possible.