Welcome to Michael L. Ashley, C. Ped

Comfort, confidence, and mobility start from the ground up and we’re here to help you take the next step.

At Michael L. Ashley C. Ped, you’ll find more than just custom orthotics and diabetic-safe footwear, you’ll experience one-on-one care from a Certified Pedorthist with over 20 years of experience. Every client receives a personalized foot evaluation, professional fitting, and access to a carefully curated range of comfort, custom, safety, and medical-grade footwear.

Everyone deserves to walk through life with comfort and confidence, no matter their income, background, or mobility needs. I believe that finances should never stand in the way of foot health, that’s why there’s no cost to come see me for your custom fitting or evaluation. Donations are always gratefully accepted to support this mission but never expected. Your comfort, mobility, and confidence are what matter most.

Whether you're managing diabetes, coping with foot pain, or simply striving to stay active and independent, your health and mobility are our priority. Every step you take matters. 

πŸ—“οΈ Appointment-only care πŸ€ Serving Cedar Hill & surrounding communities

πŸ“ž (214) 702-8812 | πŸ“§ mlacped@gmail.com

Need a ride? STAR Transit may be able to assist! For more information or to schedule your transportation, call (877) 631-5278 or visit startransit.org.

🦢 Certified Pedorthist vs. Podiatrist: Who Does What?

When patients experience foot pain or mobility issues, it's important to understand which specialist is the right fit. Certified Pedorthists and Podiatrists both play essential roles—but their training, tools, and scope of practice are fundamentally different.

βœ… What a Certified Pedorthist Does

A Certified Pedorthist (C. Ped) is a board-certified specialist focused on non-invasive, biomechanical solutions for below-the-knee conditions. Certified Pedorthists do not diagnose or perform surgery. Instead, we work under a physician’s order or in collaboration with medical providers to:

  • Design and fabricate custom foot orthoses and therapeutic footwear

  • Modify shoes to relieve pain, improve alignment, and support mobility

  • Perform gait analysis and biomechanical assessments

  • Educate patients and case managers on proper orthotic use and expectations

  • Address a range of conditions, including plantar fasciitis, overpronation, neuropathy, arthritis-related pain, and more.

Certified Pedorthists specialize in functional outcomes, helping patients walk better, feel better, and stay active through expertly crafted devices and footwear.

🩺 What a Podiatrist Does

A Podiatrist (DPM) is a licensed medical doctor trained to diagnose and treat conditions of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Their scope includes both medical and surgical care. Podiatrists:

  • Diagnose fractures, infections, ulcers, and structural deformities

  • Manage diabetic foot care and complex wounds

  • Prescribe medications, order imaging, and perform surgeries

  • Provide comprehensive care for skin, nail, and bone conditions

  • May refer patients to a Certified Pedorthist for orthotic or footwear solutions

Podiatrists are the go-to providers for medical intervention, especially when a condition requires diagnosis, prescription, or surgical correction.

🀝 Working Together

In many cases, Podiatrists and Pedorthists collaborate to ensure patients receive the most effective care. A Podiatrist may diagnose a condition and refer the patient to a Certified Pedorthist for custom orthotics or footwear modifications, creating a seamless path from diagnosis to relief.

πŸ‘£ How I Can Help You

Helping people move better isn’t just my job, it’s my purpose.

From diabetic foot protection to custom orthotics for shift workers, I offer personalized care that reduces pain, restores mobility, and prevents long-term complications.

I specialize in:

  • βœ… Diabetic & therapeutic footwear

  • βœ… Custom functional orthotics

  • βœ… Post-surgical support

  • βœ… Workplace footwear consultation

  • βœ… Fall prevention & senior mobility

  • βœ… Foot fatigue solutions for standing occupations

βœ… Daily Foot Care Checklist

Clean & Inspect

  • Wash feet daily with warm (not hot) water and mild soap

  • Dry thoroughly—especially between toes

  • Inspect feet morning and evening for cuts, blisters, swelling, or color changes

  • Use a mirror or ask for help to check soles and between toes

Moisturize Safely

  • Apply fragrance-free lotion to tops and bottoms of feet

  • Avoid lotion between toes to prevent fungal growth

Toenail Care

  • Trim nails straight across—never into corners

  • Use a nail file to smooth edges

  • Avoid cutting nails too short or using sharp tools

Footwear & Socks

  • Wear clean, seamless socks daily (preferably white to spot drainage)

  • Choose well-fitting, protective shoes—no barefoot walking, even indoors

  • Break in new shoes gradually and inspect inside before wearing

When to Call a Specialist

  • Redness, swelling, or warmth

  • Cracks, sores, or wounds that don’t heal

  • Tingling, numbness, or burning

  • Thickened or discolored toenails

  • Frequent blisters, corns, or calluses

🦢 Take Control of Your Foot Health

Diabetes can affect more than your blood sugar; it can impact your feet in ways you might not expect. From proper daily care to the right footwear, prevention is the key to staying mobile and avoiding complications.

Senior Foot Health in DFW

Serving the dignity and mobility needs of older adults across North Texas.

Whether you're a caregiver, case manager, or senior yourself, our specialized services offer:

  • βœ… Custom Orthotics by Mail – Foam impression kits with clinical oversight

  • βœ… Diabetic-Safe Footwear – Medicare-eligible options available

  • βœ… Fall Risk Screening – Designed for aging feet and mobility challenges

πŸ“ Proudly serving Dallas–Fort Worth and surrounding communities πŸ”— Learn more about Senior Foot Health in DFW here Senior Foot Health in DFW

National Custom Orthotic Mail Order Program

Precision care delivered coast to coast.

We’ve redefined access to true custom orthotics no retail templates, no shortcuts. Our nationwide mail-order program uses foam impression kits and clinically guided intake to ensure every orthotic is tailored to your unique needs. Whether you're a case manager, provider, or individual seeking relief, we make it simple, secure, and effective.

βœ… Who it's for

  • Adults with non-diabetic foot conditions

  • Case managers seeking reliable, referral-ready solutions

  • Employers supporting workforce foot health

πŸ“¦ How it works

  1. Request your foam impression kit

  2. Complete the guided intake form

  3. Receive your custom orthotics by mail crafted to clinical standards

πŸ”— Refer or enroll today National Custom Orthotic Mail Order Program

 

🧭 Not Sure Where to Begin?

Start your foot health journey based on who you are patient, business, or healthcare provider. We’ll help you navigate to the solutions that matter most. Looking for innovative virtual solutions? Explore our Virtual Pedorthic Consultations today!

πŸ‘Ÿ Individuals & Patients

Whether you're managing chronic foot pain, recovering from surgery, or searching for diabetic-safe footwear, we're here to guide you toward comfort, safety, and confidence. Explore solutions like custom orthotics, amputation care, and educational resources tailored to your needs. πŸ‘‰ See Foot Care Resources

⚠️ Safety Footwear

Foot protection isn’t one size fits all, especially in tough, hazardous jobs. We outfit those working on concrete, gravel, rooftops, or rigs with:

     

    • Safety toes to prevent injuries

    • Puncture-resistant soles for sharp surfaces

    • Weather-proof for heat, cold, rain, and oil

    • Diabetic-safe with durable support

    🏒 Businesses & Organizations

    Prioritize comfort, safety, and wellness for your team. From slip-resistant footwear to diabetic-safe options to custom orthotics, we offer tailored solutions for employees across all industries. See how foot health can strengthen your workforce, improve morale, and reduce injury risk. πŸ‘‰ Explore Employee Foot Health Support

    🩺 Medical Professionals & Collaborators

    Improve patient outcomes through collaborative care and culturally aware education. Our Certified Pedorthist services integrate seamlessly into existing treatment plans with tools for interdisciplinary support and timely referrals. Partner with us to enhance mobility, health literacy, and inclusive access for your patients. πŸ‘‰ Connect for Collaborations & Referrals

    πŸ‘£ About Me — Supporting Our Community One Step at a Time

    I’ve proudly served as a Certified Pedorthist since 2004, after completing my training at the respected Eneslow Pedorthic Institute in New York City. Over the past two decades, I’ve delivered expert foot care services in a range of settings: from doctors’ offices and dialysis centers to nursing homes and retail environments.

    Throughout my career, I’ve worked with people managing everything from neuropathy and amputations to plantar fasciitis and limb length discrepancies. I take pride in collaborating with professionals such as Podiatrists, Endocrinologists, Chiropractors & others to ensure each client receives the most effective, personalized care possible.

    Here in Cedar Hill and surrounding areas, I’m committed to making high-quality care accessible and inclusive. That includes offering special discounts to local businesses, supporting mobility solutions for workers on their feet, and partnering with organizations to promote workplace wellness.

    You’ll find me by appointment at: πŸ“ 610 Uptown Blvd, Suite 2000, Cedar Hill, TX 75104 Let’s take the next step toward comfort, confidence, and community health—together.

     

    πŸ“š Foot Care Resources

    Expert articles, recovery guides, and educational tools. From managing plantar fasciitis to selecting diabetic-safe shoes, our free guides empower you to take informed steps toward better foot health. πŸ”΅ Browse Articles

    Helping DFW clients walk stronger, safer, and pain-free, with footwear designed for every need.

    🏷️ Exclusive Discounts for Local Businesses

    At the heart of every thriving community is the success of its local businesses. That’s why we’re proud to offer exclusive discounts tailored to businesses in the DeSoto area and beyond. Whether you’re just starting out or have been established for years, we’re here to help you grow with affordable, top-notch services.

    βœ… Customized packages designed for small businesses

    βœ… Flexible pricing that works with your budget

    βœ… Dedicated support and personalized solutions

    Let’s build success together. Contact us today to discover how we can help your business thrive!

     

    πŸ‘£ Take the First Step Toward Better Foot Health

    Personalized care, expert fittings, and comfort-focused solutions by appointment only.

    πŸ“ž Call Today: (214) 702-8812

    πŸ“§ Email: mlacped@gmail.com

    🌐 Learn more: foot-fitexpert.com

    Serving Cedar Hill and surrounding communities with over 20 years of experience in foot care and mobility solutions.