🦶 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.

✅ 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.