Athletes have an inherent need to train , compete or perform , even if they are injured . This was especially true at the 2004 Athens Olympics . Myself , along with seven other Credentialed Pedorthists were invited to participate as a part of the onsite-medical team for the Olympic Summer Games that year . For several weeks , we were privileged to treat athletes alongside physicians , trainers , physical therapists and others from around the globe .
The pedorthists were there as representatives of the Pedorthic Footcare Association ( PFA ) and of the profession We were happy to go for the experience . More importantly , though , we were excited to show the world what we could do .
On that worldwide stage , we worked without the comfort zones of our own practices and without the kinds of materials and resources we are used to having at our sides . We had to act quickly with the patients streaming through the doors with injuries and pain . Most athletes insisted on returning to competition immediately as they were cleared by their trainers and personal physicians . Whether it was a quick fix and follow-up treatment or in-depth examinations and more serious problem solving , these athletes were focused solely on competing .
After training for years , an injury could eliminate an athlete from medal contention . Our job was to understand , invent and treat the patient ( athlete ). Today ’ s athletes , whether participating in Olympic Games or professional sports , are not satisfied with the suggestion , “ If it hurts , don ’ t do it .” Our knowledge of footwear , orthotic fabrication and biomechanics , as well as our clear understanding of both the athlete ’ s body and goals , puts the credentialed pedorthist in a unique position . Basically , we can ’ t tell them to throw in the towel or take six months off to heal . It ’ s not realistic to expect patient compliance when competition is on the brain .
The credentialed pedorthist , as part of the health care team , can and should work closely with sports medicine physicians , physical therapists and athletic trainers to support and treat athletes . By providing foot management , such as orthotics , and direction in the choice of footwear , we create a solid base for necessary treatments , such as selective muscle strengthening and stretching . Pedorthists wanting to work with talented athletes must increase their knowledge of biomechanics and body functions in different sporting endeavors and also be current on the pros and cons of current footwear trends . Comprehensive care of this kind is a great support for the physician in treating and avoiding overuse injuries and helps the athlete accomplish his or her goals .
Pedorthic management can be an effective component in athletes ’ success and long-term participation in their chosen activity , but treating athletes and their special injuries requires broadened knowledge , time spent with each athlete and the expansion of the pedorthic practice . Credentialed pedorthists are health care providers . Our job is not to sell the latest trends in footwear ; rather , we should think of our athletes as patients . They come to us expecting knowledge and care . We must provide the best footwear and foot care possible . Our job is to enable our patients to perform at their highest abilities — whether that is to run a marathon , compete or perform professionally or to simply walk with their children or grandchildren .
So whether you are treating a high school football player , ice skater , professional baseball player , a women ’ s basketball star or a baby boomer who has taken up running marathon s , you need to remember that these people do what they do for a reason . To treat them , you must care for their competitive spirit as well as their feet .
When we take the team approach to treating athletes by combining our specialty with those of the physicians and physical therapists , we create a valuable role for our profession in the growing realm of sports medicine . Treating athletic patients requires special training , increased time with each patient to evaluate their needs and mechanics and special understanding of the need for those individuals to be the best they can be . ■
Dane LaFontsee , C . Ped ., president of Orthletek in Brookfield , Wis ., began his career as a ballet dancer and later directed a ballet company . He is an educator at the Medical College of Wisconsin and former chair of the Council on Pedorthic Education ( COPE ). He also served the Pedorthic Footcare Association ( PFA ) Board of Directors for 14 years and is the immediate past president of the association .
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