Prepare for Your Appointment at The Shoe Tree Foot Clinic
Do you have flat feet? Are you considering consulting a pedorthist? Make sure you are prepared for your appointment. Read the answers of our foot care specialists to commonly asked questions about footwear and pedorthics. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you’d like to know more about the different services provided at The Shoe Tree Foot Clinic.
What is a pedorthist and what do they do?
A pedorthist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the assessment, the creation, the modification and the fitting of footwear and foot orthoses. You can rely on your Canadian-Certified Pedorthists to provide you with a pedorthic assessment that consists of, an evaluation of your lower limbs, an analysis of your lower limb alignments and movement patterns, and a gait analysis.
What is a foot orthotic?
Foot orthotics are also known as foot orthoses and custom shoe inserts. They are custom-made three-dimensional inserts that you can place in your shoes to ease the pain and discomfort. They decrease the pressure areas and stabilize your feet.
Your orthotics may feel a bit strange the first time you put them on but they will feel more comfortable after a period of consistent wearing. They should last you between three and five years, depending on wear. Remember, your inserts are only as good as the footwear you put them in. Book an appointment at our clinic or at The Shoe Tree to get expert advice on footwear and shoe fitting.
How do you make sure your shoes will fit properly all day?
Before buying a new pair of shoes, make sure that you try them on later during the day, when your feet are swollen. This will ensure that your footwear will fit properly.
Every year, have your feet measured. Your feet are probably not the same size and may even change in size year after year. Always buy shoes that fit the larger foot and leave 3/8” to ½” of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Make sure that the widest part of your foot sits in the widest part of the shoe.
What type of modifications will the pedorthist make to my shoes?
Your pedorthist may stretch your shoes, remove seams, add balloon patches to alleviate pressure spots, split soles to increase the room inside of your shoes, excavate the inside of your shoes to reduce pressure, reinforce your shoes on the sides to add stability, add lifts to the soles of shoes to address leg length discrepancies and much more.