I am a C.Ped, can I cast for an AFO?

‘The Scope of Practice for a C.Ped consists of standards set by ABC. Included within the ABC scope for a C.Ped is the right to provide custom molded ankle gauntlets, which fit the definition of a SCFO (Subtalar Control Foot Orthosis).  It is also stated that a C.Ped may provide a “below the ankle partial foot prosthesis”.

From the ABC Scope of Practice manual:

“The profession of pedorthics is the provision of patient care and services by or under the direction and supervision of an ABC certified pedorthist to provide the application of a pedorthic device for the prevention or amelioration of painful and/or disabling conditions of the foot and ankle. A prescription is required for any pedorthic device, modification, and/or prefabricated below the knee orthosis addressing a medical condition that originates at the ankle or below.

‘Pedorthic devices’ means therapeutic shoes, shoe modifications made for therapeutic purposes, below the ankle partial foot prostheses, and foot orthoses. It also includes subtalar-control foot orthoses (SCFO) designed to manage the function of the anatomy by primarily controlling the range of motion of the subtalar joint. Excluding footwear, the proximal height of a custom pedorthic device does not extend beyond the junction of the gastrocnemius and the Achilles tendon.”

In simple terms, when treating a medical condition that originates at the ankle or below, a Certified Pedorthist can dispense a SCFO, or gauntlet, that does not extend above the junction of the gastrocnemius and the Achilles tendon. An Arizona Standard AFO, a standard height Arizona Articulated AFO, a Partial Foot AFO or a Partial Foot Walker would, in most cases, qualify.’