An Introduction to Pedorthics
Eric Vainer is a licensed pedorthist who has worked in the healthcare industry for more than two decades. Eric Vainer currently serves PALA Community Care in Brooklyn, New York, in the position of administrative director. Medical professionals who assess and treat conditions afflicting the foot, ankle, and other lower extremities are known as pedorthists. A credentialed pedorthist can provide a patient with a number of options regarding the selection and modification of footwear, or orthotics, in effort to mitigate discomfort and lack of mobility related to foot and ankle pain. Certain types of footwear or pedorthic devices may need to be specially designed and created by a credentialed pedorthist. Orthotics must be carefully fashioned so that both the inside and outside of a shoe, work boot, or sandal can support proper foot function and full range of motion. In order to address specific needs, such as weight redistribution or lower back pain, a pedorthist offers highly personalized care, fitting and modifying footwear for each patient’s needs. A credentialed pedorthist continues to check in with his or her patients to ensure that the orthotics continue to function as intended.