Q:

What books are needed to begin my pre-certification online course and where do I purchase them?

A:

The RMPI recommends the book titled: Introduction to Pedorthics to be utilized as a study tool when performing the Level 1 and Level 3 Online Courses. However, the book titled: Contemporary Pedorthics is widely used as a day-to-day clinical reference tool post-course. This book is also referenced by the Author of RMPI's Level 3 course as a means to completing the Level 3 Course Assignments. However, with the benefits that the internet offers, many students utilize the internet to complete the Level 3 course assignments.  If you are new to the foot and ankle profession, retailing or healthcare profession, the RMPI suggests both books as well as the following study tools: The Professional Shoe Fitting Book or the Video "When The Shoe Fits" and the PFA Reference Guide.  The RMPI does offer a review course to aid in the successful completion of the ABC or BOC National Pedorthic Exam.

All books can be purchased through the PFA's Resource Center via Online Ordering at http://www.pedorthics.org/  and the order will be directed to the following department:

Education/Learning Center Specialist 

Pedorthic Footwear Association

1-800-673-8447  Ext. 318

If the books are on back order - you may also attempt to purchase them through Oklahoma State University - Okmulgee, as they closed their pedorthic program in 2009 and may still have inventory on hand:

The OSU - Okmulgee Bookstore

1801 E. 4th Street, Okmulgee, OK  74447

918-293-4950 or 1-800-722-4471 Ext. 4950

Q:

I have a diabetic patient with a hallux and 5th ray disarticulation.  Normally I would make a hallux and 5th ray filler, but his second digit is deviated medially across the distal end of the 1st met head, in the space of the hallux where the filler would go.  His foot seems to fit well into the shoe and he may not need a filler for the 5th ray either.  What would you suggest I do?  I'm wondering if I should make a custom orthothic for him at all, maybe just the standard semi-custom direct mold diabetic insert would be sufficient.

A:

Does the second digit have the range of motion available to put it back into it's correct position? If not, then yes, a filler would still be good as well a a carbon fiber plate to stop the shoe from looking clown like.  Can you send me a digital picture of this foot? Also, what is the hindfoot alignment when standing in resting calcaneal stance position, single limb stance? What is his forefoot plane of deformity? If his forefoot is neutral, you have more options. If it is a forefoot varus or the remaining stump of the amputation is a forefoot varus, you really need to balance the forefoot with either intrinsic or extrinsic posting to prevent compensation onto the remaining medial stump.