Pedorthists like to maintain that good health starts from the ground up, and it is widely appreciated that foot health is an important key to overall health. This point was underscored again in a recent longitudinal study of 2,110 adults.1 The authors tracked the participants for a mean follow-up of 10.8 years and concluded that within their study group, “taking at least 7,000 steps/day had a 50 percent to 70 percent lower risk of mortality.” Interestingly, there was no association of step intensity with mortality regardless of adjustment for step volume. To put it directly, their results suggest taking at least 7,000 steps per day can extend your life regardless of the speed you walk. Although pedorthics can be viewed as a subspecialty below the ankle, pedorthists work closely with orthotists and prosthetists to ensure their respective modalities function optimally. O&P facilities and clinics already recognize this natural alliance by employing certified pedorthists and certified prosthetists/orthotists to work side by side providing seamless service to their patients.
