The first part of the orthotic assessment involves taking a patient’s history. This helps us to develop a foot care solution unique to your individual needs. During the history taking, we’ll ask a number of questions including:

• Have you been to see your Doctor about the discomfort you are experiencing?
• Where does it hurt? When did it start? How long has it hurt?
• Do you have any pre-existing health conditions such as Arthritis or Diabetes

Following the history taking the pedorthist will begin observation of the foot and lower limb including:

• Static weight bearing or postural exam
• Dynamic weight bearing or gait analysis exam (watch you walk)
• Non-weight bearing exam of foot structure and any abnormalities/deformities (calluses, bunions, blisters, toes positions)
• Exam of current footwear

The final step of the assessment is the biomechanical examination of the foot. Here the pedorthist will check the following:

• Palpate or touch the foot for pulses/warmth/edema/tenderness
• Movement testing to determine what structure is likely producing symptoms

The end goal of the assessment is determine the cause and type of the discomfort and match the discomfort with an appropriate treatment plan within the scope of practice of a Canadian Certified Pedorthist C Ped (C).