What is a Pedorthist?

What is a Canadian Certified Pedorthist?

A Canadian Certified Pedorthist (C. Ped (C)) is a biomechanical specialist that is trained in lower limb anatomy and muscle and joint function. A C. Ped (C) is an expert in foot mechanics, custom orthotic design, and footwear fitting.

All C. Ped (C)’s are regulated by the College of Pedorthics of Canada (www.cpedcs.ca) and are members of the Pedorthic Association of Canada (www.pedorthic.ca).

What are custom foot orthotics?

Custom foot orthotics are devices, or insoles, that are manufactured specifically to an individuals feet to support, align, and accommodate foot abnormalities. Orthotics are inserted into appropriate footwear to treat foot, ankle, leg, knee, hip, or back pain.

Why see a C. Ped (C) vs other foot care professionals?

1. No other foot care professional spends as many hours training specifically on foot mechanics, orthotic design, orthotic manufacturing and modification, and footwear fitting as a C. Ped (C).
2. A C. Ped (C) will spend 30-60 minutes in a biomechanical assessment appointment getting to know you, your feet, your footwear, and your lifestyle to determine if custom orthotics will be beneficial and to appropriately design the correct pair of orthotics. Very few other foot care professionals will spend this amount of time with you.
3. A C. Ped (C) not only designs your orthotics for you, they will continue to work on and modify the orthotics on site through the fitting and adjustment process. Almost every orthotic needs some minor modifications to improve the fit inside footwear, to provide optimal support and comfort to your feet. A C. Ped (C) is one of the only professionals that can do this work on site while you wait. Most other orthotic providers need to send the orthotics away to a lab and can take up to 2 weeks to return.
4. C. Ped (C)’s are the only professionals that are trained and certified in both orthotic AND footwear fitting. Foot orthotics will only work at their optimum if they are fit into appropriate footwear. A C. Ped (C) will evaluate your current footwear and can fit you with new footwear if necessary.

How much do orthotics cost and are they covered by insurance?

Custom foot orthotics should cost between $500 and $550 INCLUDING a full 30-60 minute biomechanical assessment. Orthotics provided by a C. Ped (C) are covered by most private insurance plans in Canada.

Should orthotics hurt your feet?

No. Custom foot orthotics should never hurt your feet, even when they are brand new. There is a break in process that is necessary when wearing orthotics for the first time and your C. Ped (C) will review this with you. If this process is followed correctly then you should be wearing your orthotics comfortably in under 2 weeks.

If you have any questions about orthotics, footwear, or your foot or leg pain then please visit Kintec Salmon Arm at 117 Hudson Ave NE or call us at 250-517-7337.

******If you have ongoing foot, leg, or back pain please consult with your family doctor.