The Art of Pedorthic Follow-up
Sure , even after going through this wellrehearsed dissertation , I still get some patients stating that they didn ’ t know that the inserts were adjustable and that they could have and should have come back to have them adjusted .
I follow up with patients until we have achieved the desired and physicianexpected results . If optimal results are not achieved , I may seek an order for a different modality , but , at that point , I always suggest that patients follow up with their physicians .
Only by adjusting custom foot orthoses can they best address any patient ’ s anatomy and pathology . I suppose the reason so many of the foot orthosis studies fail to show the true benefits of FOs is
the simple fact that , in every case , they use a specific “ cookie cutter ” insert to do the study . I believe they are trying to find a cure-all insert that is reproducible and can be made by anyone . This is what science typically seeks to find — at least from what I ’ ve read .
There is no simple way to measure every patient ’ s individual intrinsic and extrinsic muscle strength and weakness ; their leg strength and weakness ; their core musculature ; and their balance static and dynamic in relationship to their individual gait pattern . Add skeletal deformities and anomalies to the mix , and we have one underlying truth . Every patient and every etiology is unique and there is no “ cookie cutter ” device that can address the uniqueness of each and every one of us .
Are you receiving the industry ’ s one and only
Pedorthic e-newsletter ?
• Stay informed with the latest industry news
• Communicate & connect with industry professionals
• Receive up to date information regarding pedorthic reimbursement , diabetes and products
• Learn about upcoming courses and seminars
And the best part is that it ’ s FREE !
Simply email us at editor @ pedorthicnewswire . com
with “ subscribe ” in the subject line .
Because we are all uniquely different , we all require a custom foot orthosis unique to us and our individual anatomy and pathology . Cookie-cutter inserts that are not easily adjusted or are just unable to be adjusted to address the uniqueness of each and every one of our patients are never going to achieve optimum clinical results . For you diehard rigid FO lovers , a more rigid or sturdier FO can be made to the model of the functional FO upon reaching clinical success .
The art in any science is a combination of the practitioner ’ s ability to listen , address , balance , problem solve and achieve results through the creative use of the tools we are given in school and those we develop with years of practice . View every patient as an individual and unique challenge . Address each one with a creative vigor that is never satisfied until optimal results are met . ■
Ted Rolling , C . Ped ., CO , DAPWCA , is a certified pedorthist with Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics in Columbia , Mo . He is also certified as a diplomat in wound care with the American Professional Wound Care Association and is a past president of a local chapter of the American Diabetes Association .
28 Pedorthic Footcare Association www . pedorthics . org