When to Consult a Podiatrist vs. a Pedorthist

Podiatrist examining patient's foot

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When is it time to see a podiatrist about your foot problems? If you are typical, you probably first tried to get relief from your foot pain with over-the-counter insoles. Some people then visit a store that has a pedorthist to get a custom shoe fitting and insole recommendation. Three podiatrists comment on the limitations of these methods and when it is best to see a podiatrist instead.

Podiatrists vs. Pedorthists

Both are professionals trained to care for feet, but there are significant differences between podiatrists and pedorthists. Podiatrists are medically and surgically qualified to treat foot and ankle problems, while pedorthists are allied health professionals.

The three experts who provided guidance about the differences between the two professional include:

  • Dr. Brian Harley, Chief of Podiatry, Wellstar Windy Hill Hospital, Marietta, Georgia
  • Dr. Lisa Klemeyer of the Aesthetic Family & Podiatry in Sarasota, Florida
  • Dr. Andrew J. Schneider, Tanglewood Foot Specialists, Houston, Texas
Podiatrists
  • Can prescribe medication, treatment, and surgery

  • Education includes four years of podiatric medical school and three years of hospital residency training

  • Use the designation DPM (doctor of podiatric medicine)

  • May also be board certified and complete fellowships

Pedorthists
  • Trained in footwear fitting, orthotic design and fabrication, and shoe construction and modification

  • Must complete 1,000 hours of practical experience and pass certification exam

  • Use the designation C.Ped (certified pedorthist)

  • May require a state license

Podiatrist

The podiatrists noted that you can only get a true diagnosis of the cause of your foot problems by seeing a podiatrist or physician. While high-quality orthopedic insoles and changes to your shoes may help, this is best done after being assessed by a medical professional. Some symptoms that warrant seeing a podiatrist include:


A podiatrist will use X-ray, ultrasound, and other methods to diagnose the problem. The podiatrist is able to diagnose underlying causes of pain and discomfort that shoes and inserts alone cannot treat.

For example, numbness and tingling may be due to diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which might even be the first sign of undiagnosed diabetes. A podiatrist can refer such problems to other physicians or he may specialize in treating diabetic foot problems.

For many orthopedic problems, a podiatrist can prescribe medication, administer injections, prescribe custom orthotic devices, and, when necessary, perform surgery.

Pedorthist

Pedorthists are not licensed to diagnose acute issues, but they are skilled at recommending shoes and insoles. A pedorthist can be consulted when there is a persistent ache or pain when walking or running, according to Dr. Schneider. "The pedorthist then will be in a good position to recommend a particular shoe, insert, or combination to improve the gait, foot efficiency, and reduce the level of pain." For example, a pedorthist might recommend a pair of walking shoes for high arches.

The podiatrists said that they may refer a patient to a pedorthist after diagnosing a condition that can be treated with shoe modifications or braces. But they say it is best when a pedorthist works together with a podiatric physician.

Visiting a shoe fitting or insole store can be of value. Here are some of the situations noted by the podiatrists:

  • To get a foot analysis and recommendation for an over-the-counter arch support or insole
  • To get a recommendation for a shoe the will maximize the effectiveness of a custom orthotic prescribed by a podiatrist
  • To have a custom insole produced to support your foot properly, which may include casting and molding
  • To have a podiatric prescription filled for diabetic therapeutic shoes and accommodative inserts, custom shoes, and custom modifications to shoes
  • When looking for shoes for specific issues such as flat feet, painful arches, painful heels, bunions, hammertoes, diabetes, and arthritis

Dr. Harley notes that people should not be fooled by over-the-counter or online "custom" orthotics which are not truly custom, just to save some money. "With orthotics and braces, you get what you pay for. You get not only a quality product, but the training behind it which allows the pedorthist to diagnose the problem, determine which materials are needed, and fabricate the inserts properly."

Sources
Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  • Your Path to Becoming a Pedorthist. Pedorthic Footcare Association.

  • Harley, Brian. Email interview. May, 2010.

  • Klemeyer, Lisa. Email interview. May, 2010.

  • What Is a Podiatrist? American Podiatric Medical Association.

  • Schneider, Andrew J. Email interview. May, 2010.

By Wendy Bumgardner
Wendy Bumgardner is a freelance writer covering walking and other health and fitness topics and has competed in more than 1,000 walking events.