By Teresa Alpert

Consumers of high-end running/walk footwear products are coming to you not only to fit them with footwear, but also to solve problems and enhance their performance, prevent injuries and enhance wellness. Some retail shoe stores, and certainly online direct purchases, do not offer the expertise that is required to provide the solutions the consumer is seeking to justify the expensee of the purchase. Pedorthists have an opportunity to network with retailers and vice versa to share their knowledge and distinguish themselves as a niche market for their consumer base. Not everyone needs to be a doctor, but when you are fitting shoes, you need solutions that solve problems and immediately promote improved biomechanical outcomes. “The Pedorthic Toolbox” is your opportunity to engage in conversations with your clients, patients, customers–the people you help every day. So what’s in it?

1. Knowledge: Understand Basic Anatomy

The foot has 26 bones, use the terminology but don’t talk over someone’s understanding. The heel bone is the calcaneus, the ball off the foot is made up of metatarsals. Understand pathologies or diagnosis and complaints that your clients express to you. “I have pain in my big toe every time I push off and sprint, my doctor told me I have a bunion.”  You as the professional need to know that they need a stiffer sole, shoe, rocker, or an orthotic with a turf toe extension to control Hallux Rigidus. Diagrams, foot models and samples can be very helpful tools. (Figure 1)

2. Ancillary Foot Aides

Together with your client you will define the problem and brainstorm solutions. You are the expert and will pick the appropriate inventory and complementary enhancements to assure you are implementing a comprehensive educated purchase.

Understand the pathology and what solutions must help reduce shear, friction, and pressure, relieve pain and enhance performance during walking and running. Fitting aides, tapes, instructions on how to cut and file their nails, proper foot hygiene and foot and toe exercises are ideal examples of solutions you can offer. Samples in your toolbox for them to try on will give them confidence that together you are implementing that shared purchase decision. (Figure 2)

3. Footwear

Everything begins with and ends with footwear. Knowing your inventory and understanding the mechanical properties of the function of the footwear is critical to helping your clients. If your referral source sends someone to your store or office and the only information you have is Achilles pain, understand that a negative heel height could be detrimental to treatment. If someone presents with Gout understand that your footwear inventory with a rigid carbon shank with a rocker is going to be beneficial. Today the athletic and comfort shoe market offers so many features to enhance foot health and biomechanics. Often in my experience if you have provided your client with properly fitted footwear, the need for a custom orthotic is diminished. And don’t forget the socks, they are the first interface to the foot. Equally as important is to check for edema or lymphedema, make the appropriate referrals and measure and fit for compression socks. (Figure 3)

The new tools you have today will enhance your customers’ experience and your confidence in solving their shoe-fitting challenges. Continue to learn, and join your colleagues at Pedorthic Footcare Association.

Teresa specializes in lower extremity biomechanics. She is a respected leader in her industry, lecturer, and educator. She holds a faculty appointment at the University of Colorado as the Orthotist at the Foot and Ankle Institute. She created and implemented the DME, O&P division for the orthopedic department. She is responsible for training the Residents and Fellows, working with the Gait Lab, and researching and directing patient care. Teresa Alpert completed her orthotics and prosthetics coursework at Northwestern University in 1987. In addition, she attended Ball State University, Apex University, and Eneslow Pedorthic training. Certified by both the ABC and BOC as an Orthotist and Pedorthist, Alpert has been in private practice for over 30 years. Teresa was the past Chairwoman for (BOC) the Board of Orthotist, Prosthetists, Pedorthics Certification, and Education Chairwoman for the National Shoe Retailers Association. She was past president of Pedorthic Footcare Association (PFA) and currently is the Executive Director. Teresa is passionate about helping people each step of the way.