
Question: A woman came in with pain and swelling along the course of PT tendon in tarsal tunnel. MRI confirms partial tear. Here's the tough part. She's a professional actress doing a one-woman show....on her feet several hours once or twice 6 days weekly and contracted for another year. She’s wearing a BK pneumatic walker when off stage, but how to treat her onstage? She is not willing to switch to shoe gear that will accept an AFO. Her present costume shoe is a dress shoe with 2" heel. Right now she's just using a compression dressing because she feels it helps. She is taking ultrasound since some studies do indicate it may speed healing. What pedorthic treatment can you recommend to protect the tendon?
- Robert S. Schwartz, C. Ped., Eneslow Pedorthic Enterprises, Inc.
- Robert S. Schwartz, C. Ped., Eneslow Pedorthic Enterprises, Inc.
Response: As you know, ulcers are usually caused by pressure. Relieving the pressure can help. Also, (not pedorthically related) I have heard of people closing ulcers with total casting. Have to talk with a Ankle and Foot MD for more info on that. Are you using a gel insole, plastizote etc? Have you marked the areas and created cavities so that there is no pressure? Also, are you putting him in a rocker type shoe (maybe even a met bar)?
Question: In regards to pedorthics and AFOs I am quite confused at this point. It is clear that this is a divided issue. Somewhere I was given the understanding that my scope of practice as a C.Ped. was sub-malleolar and that any involvement of the ankle itself was to be left to the CO in our office. Apparently this must not be the case across the board and I was wondering at what point C.Peds began including the lower leg into their practice. Are the lines limiting scope of practice grey and somehow left to personal interpretation? If pedorthists were always allowed to include the lower leg then I don’t understand why it wasn’t included in my Pedorthic education (including the Pedorthic exam itself)? AFOs are obviously more revenue which would be great for my practice but at what point is it to be done by an orthotist rather than myself?
-Mark C. Scheibelhut, C. Ped. , O.S.T.
Question: I would like to find a central fabrication facility that does high quality custom orthosis in a timely fashion. I have not been very impressed with the quality and options of “custom” orthotics offered by some of the Diabetic shoe manufacturing companies. Some are little more than a good OTS orthotic. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
- Kay Drew L.C. Ped.
Response: Having been in the profession since 1975, I can help direct you to a laboratory to meet your needs. If you would please give me your contact information, I will contact you to discuss your goals, desired designs, cost parameters, turn-around time needs, etc. I am well versed in both nationally known podiatric laboratories, as well as labs that our students are associated with and orthopedic oriented laboratories. My husband and I were the co-founders of OSI Labs/Allied OSI Labs and Southwest Laboratories until we sold our shares of stock to begin our dream of founding a not-for-profit pedorthic school.
- Pamela Haig, C. Ped.
- Vice President & Founder
- The
Robert M. Palmer, M.D., Institute of Biomechanics, Inc.,
- Phone:
765-557-7216
Question: I would appreciate a suggestion on how
to treat a condition called equino varus or tip toeing. My son has been walking
on tiptoes since he started walking at 12 months. I was told not to worry about
it for at least several years. His condition didn't change so I took him to a
pediatric orthopedist at age 5.
It turned out he was born with
tight achilles and very little ankle dorsi flexion. I was told by the
orthopedist that if he doesn't walk normally by age 9 or 10 surgical corrections
would be an option. He loves to play sports and it requires a lot of running
around. He is now 12 years old.
At age 5 or 6 he wore a night
splint with 5° dorsiflexion to stretch the achilles, a SMO at age 6, then hinged
AFO, did some physical therapy and exercises but the problem had not been
resolved. He's done much better since then and tries to use his full foot but
every now and then I can still see him come up on his toes whether he is wearing
high-top sneakers or barefoot.
Is there another device/appliance
out there I don't know about, or perhaps a certain shoe that can keep the foot
down. After all, I am trying to achieve a heel-to-toe walking pattern. Any
suggestions will be helpful.
- Vicki K., C.
Ped.
Response: Your son may benefit from the
Z-Coil shoes. Although they do not promote shoes for children, if your son is
responsible and will follow the guidelines, that the shoes could get caught in
bicycle spokes, on ladders, etc., then this shoe just might be the answer. It
has a coil in the heel area that can be adjusted to small, medium or large. I
would suggest a more flexible coil to allow the achilles tendon to stretch out,
but not too soft, as to create achilles tendonitis. After your son has begun
with a firmer heel coil, you could exchange the coil to a more soft coil.
You may find z-coils in your area, if not I have attached the email address of
Al Galegos, the inventor and founder of the z-coil shoes. They are located in
Albuquerque, New Mexico. al@zoil.com
- Pamela Haig, C. Ped.


BECOMING A CERTIFIED PEDORTHIST
Join A Growing Service Profession: Pedorthics
Pedorthics is a professional field covering the design, manufacture, modification and/or fit of footwear. Pedorthics encompasses shoes, orthoses and foot devices that prevent or alleviate foot problems caused by disease, overuse, injury or congenital defect. Certified Pedorthists work with patients and their footwear to conform to a doctor's footwear prescription as part of the patient's treatment
To become a certified pedorthist, you must take a pre-determined number of
course hours in pedorthics and pass a certifying examination overseen by
either The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics &
Pedorthics® or Board for Orthotists/Prosthetists Certification, Int’l.
Both the ABC and BOC are independent certification bodies that set standards for
the profession and are recognized by the National Commission for Certifying
Agencies.
More information, including FAQ's
Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification
For information on the Canadian certifying organization:
The Pedorthic Association of
Canada
UPCOMING COURSES AND EVENTS
BECOME A CERTIFIED PEDORTHIST
COURSES
The Robert M. Palmer M.D.,Institute Of Biomechanics "A Not-For-Profit School" has uniquely designed courses to provide pedorthic education for the retail, clinical or biomechanical knowledge seeking pedorthist. Course dates for Levels 1-3 in a variety of locations in the United States, Hong Kong, Mainland China and Korea are available. Click here to view a detailed calendar including dates and locations, information and pricing.
The Pedorthic Footwear Foundation has several scholarships and grants for 2007. Visit http://www.pedorthics.org/ and then click on the "Foundation" tab for more information.
Traveling Courses To Your Area sponsored by The Robert M. Palmer, M.D., Institute Of Biomechanics, Inc. a not-for-profit pedorthic school. Please contact us to discuss your needs at phone: 765-557-7216. Email: pam@pedorthicbiomechanics.org or visit our Web site at: http://www.pedorthicbiomechanics.org/.
CFS Allied Health Education: Pedorthic Certification:
Exam Review
This review is focused on supplying the student with the
skills and knowledge needed to pass the ABC Certified Pedorthic exam by
presenting exam-like questions, exploring possible answers, and discussing
rationales for correct and incorrect answers. Contact CFS Allied Health
Education at (918) 266-3678 or visit http://www.learnpedorthics.com/ for more information.
*ABC and The American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics are registered trademarks of the The American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics, Inc., which is not affiliated with CFS Allied Health Education and does not endorse this review.
Oklahoma State University has uniquely designed courses to provide pedorthic education for the retail, clinical or biomechanical oriented individual. Your next course option is to begin by enrolling in our Level 1 Online Program! Then you are required to attend a Level Two: Hands-On program. Once you have successfully completed these courses, you may enroll in our Level 3 Online Program! Contact Information: Jerry Wilson 918-293-5330 or Andrea Autaubo 918-293-5330 or visit our website http://www.osu-okmulgee.edu/ Click here for course listings.
For more information on the Scholl College pedorthic pre-certification course: Contact the Special Programs Office at 847-578-8410, email Ellie.Wydeven@rosalindfranklin.edu or click on www.rosalindfranklin.edu/scpm/ce/.
The National Shoe Retailers Association is pleased to bring training and CEs directly to you, without the additional cost of travel, food, lodging, registration fees or lost work time.Our affordable WISER Sales Training DVD makes in-house training easy – and there’s now an online exam for Continuing Education credits from ABC and BOC.
WISER Sales
Training provides quality training
for new sales associates and re-motivates experienced sales staff. The DVD
format makes it easy for employees to train at times convenient for them, and
for employers to offer quality training without hiring outside trainers or
taking the most experienced staff off the sales floor. ABC’s Category 1 CEUs for WISER Sales Training total 21.75 credits
(2.5 scientific, 19.25 business), good through year 2010.BOC’s credit total is 20.34 (6.42 CPE
Category 1, 13.92 Category 2).
Pricing for the program is as follows:
DVD, workbook and guide for trainers –
Members: $295 (Non-Members $395)
Additional Handbooks: $10 each
Online Test – Members: $100 (Non-Members: $200)
For more information or to order,
clickhttp://www.nsra.org/wiser_intro.php?ad=pn
or call or email Kim Surasky at 1-800-673-8446, ext. 318, kims@nsra.org.
2008 FOOT SOLUTIONS C. Ped. TRAINING COURSE INFORMATION Foot Solutions is an accredited facility that hold classes three
times per year. The company's course will offers the certificate needed in all
three levels to sit for the C.Ped Exam. The facility is located at2359
Windy Hill Road, Suite 400, Marietta, GA 30067
July 25: 1-day cram session
October 31: 1-day cram
session
For application and fee
information, contact:
Tracy Strickland 1-866-338-2597 EXT: 206 tstrickland@footsolutions.com
Betty Hubauer 1-866-338-2597 EXT: 201 betty@footsolutions.com
Dr. William Faddock 1-866-338-2597 EXT: 209 bfaddock@footsolutions.com
AUGUST 2008
Eneslow Pedorthic Institute, 470 Park Avenue South @ 32nd
Street, New York, NY 10016-6819, Phone: 212-477-2300. EPI Pre-Certification
Course: August 11th - August 26th 2008 $3,995
EPI Pre-Certification
course is a two and a half week all inclusive course to prepare individuals to
become a Board Certified Pedorthist. The EPI course is also designed to
help health care professionals enhance their practices (ATC, CO, CPO, DC, DPM,
MD, PT). Pedorthic treatment has proven to provide incremental patient benefits,
particularly when added to other treatment protocols. The awarding of an ABC/BOC
fitter certification provides the certified pedorthist with an appropriate and
meaningful recognition of professional competence. Contact Sarah Goldberg at
(212) 477-2300 ext 211 or sarah@eneslow.com.
Special Note: Aetrex is offering each Aetrex Customer a special $2,000 savings on Aetrex purchases of $4,000 for each person who attends the Eneslow Pedorthic Institute Pedorthic Pre-certification Course. Enroll Now!
OCTOBER 2008
Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science will offer their 3-level competency based training course for future pedorthists from October 14-30, 2008 for the classroom session. The pre-course online session is available prior and must be completed by October 6, 2008. The Pre-Certification Course in Pedorthics has been approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Pedorthic Education (CAPE). Podiatric Physicians and other medical professionals may be considered for advanced placement based on the podiatric/medical education and year of graduation.
For more information on the Scholl College pedorthic
pre-certification course: Contact the Special Programs Office at
847-578-8410, email Ellie.Wydeven@rosalindfranklin.edu
or click on www.rosalindfranklin.edu for a
Scholl College Special Programs listing.
BECOME A THERAPEUTIC SHOE FITTER
For additional information on the Aetrex Worldwide Therapeutic Shoe Fitter Course, please contact the Aetrex Marketing Department at: marketing@aetrex.com.
AUGUST 2008
Aetrex Worldwide Therapeutic Shoe Fitter Course: August 12 (Birmingham, AL), $195.
Aetrex Worldwide Therapeutic Shoe Fitter Course: August 21 (Raleigh, NC), $195.
SEPTEMBER 2008
Aetrex Worldwide Therapeutic Shoe Fitter Course: September 5 (Greenwood Village, CO), $195.
Aetrex Worldwide Therapeutic Shoe Fitter Course: September 14 (Pasadena, CA ), $195.
Aetrex Worldwide Therapeutic Shoe Fitter Course: September 16 (Portland, OR), $195.
OCTOBER 2008
Aetrex Worldwide Therapeutic Shoe Fitter Course: October 14 (Louisville, KY), $195.
Aetrex Worldwide Therapeutic Shoe Fitter Course: October 21(Rochester, NY), $195.
Aetrex Worldwide Therapeutic Shoe Fitter Course: October 27 (Atlanta, GA), $195.
DECEMBER 2008
Aetrex Worldwide Therapeutic Shoe Fitter Course: December 5 (Orlando, FL), $195.
For additional information on the Aetrex Worldwide Therapeutic Shoe Fitter Course, please contact the Aetrex marketing department at (800) 526-2739 or marketing@aetrex.com.
ADDITIONAL COURSES
Oklahoma State University is offering various courses ranging from instruction in shoe fitting to biomechanics and pathomechanics of the foot. To view a complete listing of 2007 courses and dates, please click here.
CFS Allied Health Education is pleased to announce their new ABC Approved Therapeutic Shoe Educational Course. An ABC certified fitter of Therapeutic shoes is an individual trained and qualified in the provision of non-custom therapeutic shoes and non-custom diabetic multi-density inserts. This two-day course fulfills the educational requirements needed to apply for the ABC Certified Fitter of Therapeutic Shoes credential. To learn more, please visit CFS Allied Health Education's website at http://www.learnpedorthics.com/ for course dates or call (918) 266-3678.
ENESLOW PEDORTHIC INSTITUTE 1-on-1 or Group Tutoring Available; Eneslow Training & Tutoring Program, Individual and Small Group Program
WHO SHOULD COME:
Those who wish to improve their pedorthic,
sales, retailing, biomechanics and business skills.
Those who need a
refresher course; prepare for the Certified Fitter of Therapeutic Shoes or
the
Pedorthic Pre-Certification Course and Exam.
SUBJECTS:
PEDORTHICS - SALES -RETAIL MANAGEMENT
Pedorthic Assessment - Pedorthic Shoe
Fitting - Pedorthic Solutions Footwear - Foot Orthotics
Foot Products -
Ready-made - Custom Shoe Constructions and Designs
Shoe Modifications -
Casting and Evaluation Techniques for Custom Shoes & Orthotics - Business
and Practice Management Finance & Administration
Forecasting &
Budgeting - Buying & Inventory Control Marketing & Advertising
Professional Responsibility - Safety - Human Resources Biomechanics
Pediatrics
Pathology of Diseases and Malalignments
HANDS-ON
1-ON-1 INSTRUCTION
$150/ hour for individual training
GROUP
TRAINING
$125/hour per person for two or more participants in the same
program at the same time
$100/hour per person for five or more participants
in the same program at the same time
Fee: Two hour minimum
HANDS-ON 1-ON-1 TRAINING WITH ROBERT S. SCHWARTZ, CPED, OR DR.
JUSTIN WERNICK, DPM, CPED
$250/hour for individual training
&
$200/hour per person for group training
Added Value: An insider’s
look into the retail, pedorthic, sales, store operations, and business
management of Eneslow.
ABC and BOC points may be applied for.
ENESLOW PEDORTHIC INSTITUTE, 470 Park Avenue South at 32nd Street,
New York, NY 10016
Call for more info (212) 477-2300 (Ask for Sarah Goldberg,
CPED) (212) 353-2876 Fax
email: epi@eneslow.com or visit http://eneslow.com/epi
INTERNSHIPS
Internship Course with The Robert M. Palmer, M.D., Institute Of
Biomechanics:
Pedorthic Clinical or Manufacturing Internships Available.
Daily, Weekly or Extended Internship Courses Available. Experience clinical
settings in Orthopaedic, Podiatric, Chiropractic and Physical Therapy Clinics as
well as experience in a BAPFOL approved functional foot orthosis laboratory. We
specialize in diabetic wound care as well as pediatric and adult biomechanics.
Your internship hours can earn you an Associates Degree In Pedorthic
Biomechanics or be used as continuing medical education hours. Please contact
Pam Haig at 765-557-7216 or pam@pedorthicbiomechanics.org.
Comfort Shoe Specialists, state of the art retail pedorthic facility, offers internships for on the job training requirements in beautiful St. Louis. Room is available as an option. Call Edith James, Certified Pedorthist, at 314-822-3300 -- or email Edith@ComfortShoe.com
SEPTEMBER 2008
American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) National Assembly. We're taking the National Assembly to New Heights! Don't miss the county's oldest & largest meeting for the orthotic, prosthetic & pedorthic profession, Sept. 10-14 at The Hyatt Regency Chicago. Earn over 40 CE credits at this five day event. Visit www.AOPAnet.org or contact Tina Moran at tmoran@aopanet.org for more info.
The Robert M. Palmer M.D.,
OCTOBER 2008
The Robert M. Palmer
M.D.,
Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science: Pre-Certification Course in Pedorthics - will be held October 14-30, 2008. For more information on the Scholl College pedorthic pre-certification course, contact the Special Programs Office at 847-578-8410, email Ellie.Wydeven@rosalindfranklin.edu or click on www.rosalindfranklin.edu for a Scholl College Special Programs listing.
NOVEMBER 2008
The Robert M. Palmer
M.D.,
DECEMBER 2008
AOPAversity- Mastering Medicare: Advanced Coding and Billing Techniques. December 1-2, Orlando, Fla. Contact Erin Kennedy at (571) 431-0834 or e-mail ekennedy@AOPAnet.org for more information.
The Robert M. Palmer
M.D.,
Special Note:
Aetrex is offering each Aetrex
Customer a special $2,000 savings on Aetrex purchases of $4,000 for each person
who attends the Eneslow Pedorthic Institute Pedorthic Pre-certification Course.
Enroll Now!
Editor: Faye Rapoport DesPres, M.S.
| Robert Schwartz, C. Ped. | John Mishasek, BOC Pedorthist, C. Ped. | |
| Stephen F. Albert, D.P.M., C. Ped. | Jerome S. Klein, C.O., C. Ped. | |
| Edith James, C. Ped. | Erick Janisse, C. Ped. |
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