Also, C.Peds must keep their knowledge and skills updated through continuing education. The pedorthic evaluation process includes taking a brief health history of the patient, so potential problems can be avoided. In some cases, the C.Ped. will also need to make a model of the patient's foot before beginning the prescription work. After a few weeks, a follow-up visit is desirable to assure that the footwear is functioning as prescribed. It's a set of instructions from a doctor regarding a foot problem.
Footwear prescriptions are conservative, or non-surgical, methods of addressing foot problems.
Footwear can relieve pressures, redistribute weight, accommodate deformities or defects, prevent injuries and preclude the worsening of disease or damage to the foot. Shoes are simply apparel for most people, but for people with certain medical conditions, shoes and other footwear devices are a part of their treatment plan. In such cases, footwear is a medical necessity. The most common problems a footwear prescription addresses are probably bunions or bunionettes, heel pain, supination or pronation, matters related to diabetic neuropathy, conditions related to arthritis, forefoot pain, claw toes or hammer toes, interdigital neuroma, limb length discrepancies, congential defects, sports injuries and other foot injuries due to accidents. Many insurers will pay for foot orthotic devices, but not for the shoes a patient needs to wear the orthoses effectively.