Why Should I Refer My Patients to a Pedorthist?

Robert E. Dulberg, OST & C. Ped.
A Custom Comfort Shoes, Inc.
1452 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd.
Hallandale, FL 33009
(954) 457-1202
(800) 670-1991
email

What is a Pedorthist?-- Dorland's Medical Dictionary defines Pedorthics as the art concerned with the design, manufacture, fitting and modification of shoes and related foot appliances as prescribed for the amelioration of painful or disabling conditions of the foot and limb. A Certified Pedorthist assists Doctors in evaluating the patient's needs for proper footwear and modifications in relation to foot problems. and functional losses.

Orthotists specialize in the design, manufacture, and expert fitting of braces. Prosthetists design, manufacture and fit artificial limbs. Neither specialty is thoroughly educated in the selection, design, manufacture, or expert fitting of special footwear. The most expertly fitted brace or prosthesis can be rendered inadequate or even harmful by improper selection of footwear.

Expertly chosen and modified footwear can have a profound effect on the gait, adaptation, recovery, and stamina of the patient. This is why medical specialists are increasingly referring their problematic patients to certified pedorthists. In the past few years the medical profession (especially Diabetologists, Rheumatologists, Orthopaedic Surgeons and Physical Therapists), have realized the benefits of special footwear and expert Fitting in the overall care of their patients.

Certified Pedorthists are trained, tested certified and maintain their credentials just like other allied health professionals! The Board for Certification in Pedorthics (B.C.P.) is recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. (NCCA).

Robert E. Dulberg, OST & C. Ped.

  • President and General Manager of A Custom Comfort Shoes, Inc.
  • Runs In-House Orthotics lab.
  • Member of Prescription Footwear Association (P.F.A.), American Diabetes Association, ADA-Foot Council, Parkway Regional Medical Center- Diabetes Education Committee.
  • O.S.T. (Orthopedic Shoe: Technician) Trained at Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, under Carl Riecken, Clyde Edwards, Dr. Henzlik Et al
  • C. Ped (Certified Pedorthist) Trained at Northwestern University Rehab Institute, Chicago, under Dr. William Coleman, Herb Steb, Robert Schwartz, Barry Ullman Et al