Canadian Certified Pedorthists are custom foot orthotic and footwear experts. Pedorthists C Ped (C) are one of the few healthcare professionals trained in the assessment of lower limb anatomy and biomechanics.
With specialized education and training in the design, manufacture, fit and modification of foot orthotics and footwear, Pedorthists help to alleviate pain, abnormalities and debilitating conditions of the lower limbs and feet that if left untreated could result in limited mobility.
For people with lower limb ailments, pedorthics can be the difference between being able to watch, and being able to do.
Your first visit to any OKAPED office begins with a 1 hr biomechanical exam. This detailed appointment allows us to make the appropriate recommendations of treatment for you. In the appointment we will examine the following:
OKAPED's Pedorthists have specialized training in observing client's walking and running patterns (Gait). It is crucial that a gait analysis is performed on each client to help determine what types of treatments should be considered. Foot and leg alignment may appear one way when clients sit, stand or lay on an exam table but true understanding of what type of gait pattern they have only occurs when the client is walking or running.
OKAPED clinicians use Slow Motion Video analysis to aid in analyzing your gait. Many motions are imperceptable to the naked eye and OKAPED has used the advantages of Video from its 1st day in operation.
Runners will be asked to run as well so please bring your current and old runners. We need to analyze a slow motion video of runners as a standing analysis or simply watching a person walk can not be extrapolated into how someone will run.
If your injury or concerns are related to cycling or to skiing you should book a sport specific assessment for those sports.
Foot orthotics are devices made to address biomechanical of physiological problems. They can be used to treat conditions in the feet such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia or arthritis. They are also used in helping conditions of the knee, hip as well as the back. The most important aspect of the Orthotic is the examination process and knowing if a Foot Orthotic is an appropriate treatment choice for your condition.
Unlike over-the-counter solutions, custom-made foot orthotics require a prescription from a physician and are made specifically for the patient following an assessment of their feet and legs by a trained professional such as a Canadian Certified Pedorthist. In order to evaluate the patient's specific and unique requirements, the pedorthist performs a gait (walking) analysis of the patient as well as a hands-on biomechanical assessment of the feet and lower legs. The pedorthist then takes a three-dimensional model of the patient's foot and an orthotic is made from raw materials.
Custom Foot Orthotics are:
The functional lifespan of a foot orthotic varies from patient to patient. The materials used to make the foot orthotic, the patient's foot structure, current levels of activity, age and physical condition all have an impact on the lifespan of a foot orthotic. Durability of materials is an important consideration in orthotic fabrication because the foot orthotic must remain strong enough to do its job. The shell of the foot orthotic is the strong material that shapes it. It generally lasts longer than the top cover (the material used as an interface between the shell and the patient's foot). The foam materials often used as top covers will compress over time but can easily be replaced. The lifespan of a foot orthotic should be measured not by when the finishing touches (the cover material) wear out but by how long it meets the foot's changing needs for support, correction and pressure redistribution. If your symptoms begin to return it is a good idea to have your orthotic reassessed to determine if modifications or a new device are necessary.
A stock shoe can be altered in many different ways to improve its fit and function. We specialize in footwear modification services that enable many types of foot and leg deformities as well as injuries to be accommodated in most stock footwear.
Some examples of these services are:
These modifications can be made to everyday footwear – as well as athletic footwear. Canadian Certified Pedorthists have the experience and knowledge to modify sports footwear such as hockey, speed or figure skates, and boots for hiking, skiing or snowboarding. Some modifications are not appropriate for all types of footwear and your options should be discussed carefully with your Pedorthist at OKAPED.
