Sizing It Up: Histories of the Brannock Device and Shoe Sizes Tips for a Green Business Cutting Down High Heels

CURRENT PEDORTHICS May/June 2008 www.pedorthics.org

Pedorthic Footwear Association (PFA), 2025 M St., NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20036

CURRENT PEDORTHICS

may/june 2008

FEATURES Departments 6 The Brannock Device: Famous Foot 4 Letter to the Editor Measurer Remains the Quintessential 33 Association News Example of Inconspicuous Consumption 34 Industry News By Berry Craig 40 Pedorthic Industry Events 18 Sizing It Up: Did Shoe Sizes Sprout 42 Pedorthic Educators Directory from Barleycorns By Berry Craig 44 Resource Center 46 Pedorthic Marketplace 22 Fashion That’s Well Heeled: 48 Product Reference Guide Is Insolia the Answer? 26 Goin’ Green: 25 Steps to an Eco-friendly Office By Doug Widenere 30 Member Profile: Stephanie Massie By Berry Craig

CURRENT PEDORTHICS • May/June 2008 1 CURRENT PEDORTHICS

Pedorthic Footwear Association Board of Directors Randy Stevens, C. Ped., BOCped., CFO...... President Headquarters Staff Dane LaFontsee, C. Ped...... Vice President Kristi Hayes, C. Ped...... Secretary/Treasurer Executive Director Mike Forgrave, C. Ped., C. Ped. (C)...... Immediate. Past President Brian K. Lagana Jamie Dick, PT, C. Ped...... Director Arthur Smuckler, C. Ped...... Director. Membership Services Coordinator Michael D. Veder, C. Ped., CO, BOCO...... Director. Faith Ballard, C. Ped., CO...... Director Erin L. McGill Alan Barthold, C. Ped...... Director Director of Education Harlon Compton, C. Ped., CO...... Director. Liz Chiles, C. Ped...... Director Al Baggett John Hooper, C.Ped...... Director Education Associate Stuart L. Pressman, C. Ped., CO...... Director. Stephen O’Hare...... Vendor/ManufacturerLliaison Lauren Kemp Allan J. Weiner...... Legal Counsel Director of Meetings and Conventions Craig Young, MD...... Medical Advisor Raymond L. Fritz, DPM, C. Ped...... Medical Advisor John Rubsamen Allan B. Grossman, DPM, FACFAS...... Medical. Advisor Exhibits and Sponsorship Coordinator Editorial Staff Wayne Horton Jay Strother...... Publisher and Editor Director of Marketing Amie Shak...... Associate Editor William Wargo...... Art. Director Gregory Akroyd Steve Biernacki...... Design/Production. Advertising & Services Erin McGill ...... Membership Tracey Aaron ...... Current Pedorthics Monica Kurlemann...... PFA Symposium

Current Pedorthics (ISSN 1552-8111) is published bimonthly by the Pedorthic Footwear Association (PFA), 2025 M St., NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20036. Telephone: 202-367-1145 or 800-673-8447, Fax: 202-367-2145, Web site: www.pedorthics.org, E-mail: [email protected]. Copyright© 2008, PFA. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission. Letters to the Editor and other unsolicited material are assumed intended for publication and are subject to editing. Articles in CP do not necessarily reflect the opinion of PFA, its Board of Directors or its employees. CP’s use of trademarked names is done in an editorial fashion intended to benefit the trademark owner, with no intention of trademark infringement. Subscriptions are available for $45 per year in the United States ($65 outside USA). Back copies, if available, may be purchased for $5.00 U.S. If you have any questions regarding display advertising or classified ads, please e-mail Tracey Aaron at [email protected] . Please send all product- and industry-related press releases to [email protected] .

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Pedorthic Ad_C.indd 1 9/21/07 11:58:22 AM letter to the editor

The March/April issue of Current Pedorthics included a letter to the editor that generated much discussion. Unfortunately, due to a layout error, the author’s name was unintentionally truncated from the final printed copy. The letter was submitted by Dennis Hagan, BOC Pedorthist, C. Ped., Family Shoe, Bardstown, Kentucky. His e-mail address is [email protected]. The editor regrets the omission. The American Board for Certification in Orthotics offers this reply to Hagan’s letter. Please let us know your thoughts. E-mail Brian Lagana, [email protected] or Jay Strother, [email protected].

Editor: The vote was conducted by Larson Allen LLP, an independent, unbiased auditing firm. The Board of Directors of the American Board • This anonymous individual obviously believes for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and that the process of developing a scope of practice Pedorthics, Inc. (ABC), would like to express our is arbitrary and capricious. ABC has not changed extreme displeasure and disappointment in the the BCP’s C.Ped. scope of practice. There is an unprofessional, inaccurate and misleading Letter ongoing, comprehensive process to update all of to the Editor published by the Pedorthic Footwear ABC’s scopes of practice. Our work on the C.Ped. Association (PFA) in the March/April 2008 issue of scope is spearheaded by Certified Pedorthists. Current Pedorthics . This committee work will not result in any reduction of the Scope of Practice for Certified This letter has taken ABC by surprise. Representing Pedorthists. On the contrary, this study will take ABC’s 2,504 Certified Pedorthists is a priority a scientific and objective look at the pedorthic for our organization. As laid out in ABC’s May educational curriculum and the results of the 2008 Update to the Pedorthic Community, we are current practice analysis study. fully involved and engaged in pedorthic issues, • ABC’s position on state licensure is to provide and our work on certification, accreditation and resources and expertise when asked. The continuing education activities continues to be very author’s misrepresentation of ABC’s role shows a productive. Certified Pedorthists (C.Peds) are active fundamental lack of insight into individual state’s participants and leaders on our Board of Directors legislative processes and ABC’s stated position. and Committees, as we believe it is appropriate • We believe that the author’s disparaging that C.Peds lead the activities relating to pedorthic statements regarding the actions of an individual certification and accreditation. Current projects in support of their own state’s licensure bill are include the development of a comprehensive unfounded and inappropriate. The fact that a practice analysis (role delineation study) and an private individual has volunteered countless update of the scope of practice. Furthermore, hours to the licensure efforts in his home state ABC has reached out to the pedorthic community is not something to be belittled. In the situation by participating in face-to-face meetings, active referenced in this letter, the author ties together participation at the PFA symposiums and direct the status of this individual as an ABC board communication to convey information on ABC’s member with the positions of ABC as a whole. ongoing pedorthic activities. This individual never portrayed himself as a representative of ABC in his state licensure Despite these efforts, one anonymous, misinformed advocacy efforts, and it is unfair and inaccurate individual has taken advantage of the forum to infer such a tie. presented in Current Pedorthics to advance a • In addition, the author does not understand personal agenda. Due to the gross inaccuracies of the generally accepted protocols of a board this letter, we see the need to respond as follows: of directors. It is often necessary for ongoing board activities to be confidential, and executive • The ABC Pedorthic Exam Committee (comprised of committee meetings are commonly closed to nine members, all of whom are C.Peds) evaluated the public to protect the confidentiality of the the 2006 role delineation study conducted by the proceedings. ABC is a credentialing organization, BCP. As described in ABC’s May 2008 Update to not a membership organization. The ABC the Pedorthic Community, the committee found the board members are elected by a thorough, study was incomplete. Work began in March 2008 transparent and open nomination process. Our to revise and contemporize the Pedorthic Practice audited financial statements are included in our Analysis. Work on this project continues and the published Annual Report which is available on final report will be published. our Web site. • Contrary to the statements of the author, the results of the BCP vote authorizing the integration As the article continues, the statements of the into ABC were made public. ABC remains proud author shift from misinformation to blatant of the overwhelming 89 percent affirmative vote. continued on page 47

4 CURRENT PEDORTHICS • May/June 2008

The Brannock Device Famous Foot Measurer Remains the Quintessential Example of Inconspicuous Consumption

By Berry Craig

hen I tell people I work at the Brannock Device She said the metal measurer is also durable. “Once you buy Company, they just look at me,” Tim Follett says. one, you never have to have another one,” Massie adds with W“When I say we make that metal gizmo that mea- a chuckle. sures your foot at the shoe store, they grin and say, ‘Oh, yeah, “ Lowe agreed. “Boy, our Brannocks get a lot of use in our that thing!’” store,” says the Foot Solutions franchisee in Louisville, Follett is vice president of the little company that is Kentucky. “I like the Brannock Device because of its apparently the world’s largest producer of gadgets for sizing consistency – the Brannock has been around for years and the human foot. More than a million Brannock Devices nothing else has been able to take its place.” have been made, all of them in Syracuse, New York, or in Baglione said his Brannocks do double-duty as teaching tools. Liverpool, a Syracuse suburb. “We believe we are the only “People will come in with all kinds of metatarsal problems business anywhere on earth whose sole product is a foot- and wonder why,” adds Baglione, a staff C.Ped. at Nashville measuring device,” Follett says. Orthotics and Prosthetics. “I show them with the Brannock Device that they are wearing shoes way too small.” Almost every PFA member who fits feet to footwear employs a Brannock Device. Among these are Stephanie Massie, Ted Lowe The Brannock Device itself is evidently the de facto shoe size and Michael Baglione. All three are board-certified pedorthists. standard in the United States. “As far as I know, the federal government has never adopted an official standard,” Follett “I’ve never used anything else and wouldn’t use anything else,” says. “But American footwear manufacturers pretty much go says Massie, who owns Heart to Sole, a pedorthics facility in by the Brannock scale.” Fairview Heights, Illinois. “It is precise and uncomplicated.” Almost anyone who has bought shoes knows what a Massie says the Brannock Device has a big edge over other Brannock Device is, but probably not what it is called. measurers. “It gives you the heel-to-ball length, which is essential for properly fitting shoes.” continued on page 8

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PO_10957_Current_Ped_SP08.indd 1 4/15/08 11:12:56 AM The Brannock Device continued from page 6

The Brannock Device allowed for standardization to move forward in show sizing. Manufacture and marketing of this measuring system changed the way pedorthists – and retail shoe sales staff – fit their customers.

The Brannock is so utilitarian that people hardly notice it, Charles F. Brannock of Syracuse even when shoe clerks size them with one. That qualifies invented the “Brannock Scientific the humble measurer as “the quintessential example of Foot Measuring Device,” which the inconspicuous consumption,” wrote Paul Lukas in his book, shoe industry reputedly welcomed Inconspicuous Consumption: An Obsessive Look at the Stuff We as “the most accurate and practical Take for Granted, from the Everyday to the Obscure . measuring device known to orthopedic science,” the Syracuse But the virtually ubiquitous and virtually unsung invention Post-Standard reported. He made does get some appreciation beyond the shoe store. “It showed the first Brannock Devices in 1925, incredible ingenuity, and no one has ever been able to beat when he started the Brannock it,” Syracuse Herald-Journal columnist Sean Kirst quoted Tibor Device Company. Brannock earned Kalman, an industrial designer. “I doubt if anyone ever will, Charles F. Brannock the first patent on his foot measurer even if we get to the stars, or find out everything there is to in 1928, and he ran his firm until know about black holes.” 1992, when he died at age 89. Back on earth, some people think “Brannock Device” sounds By far, the Brannock Device is the foot-measurer most musical. “The Brannock Device” is the name of a Toronto jazz commonly found in American shoe stores, according to shoe band and a Kansas City alternative rock band. “We named historian and author William A. Rossi. But the sizers are also the band because our drummer, Bernie, worked at a shoe used worldwide. store during high school,” explains guitarist Jeremy Schutte of the stateside Brannock Device. “He always wanted to name Even so, Charles F. Brannock’s name is not in history books, a band ‘The Brannock Device’ after looking at plenty of them even those on inventors and inventions. That apparently during his employment. We all liked the name and it stuck.” suited Brannock. “He never really sought publicity for himself,” says Gus Charles, retired Brannock Company Actual Brannock Devices have appeared on TV. Barney, the accountant and the inventor’s longtime friend. “He was a famous purple dinosaur, used one in one a lesson for kids. private person.” Brannocks have been props for The Dick Van Dyke Show, Leave it to Beaver, Newhart and Saturday Night Live . Since 1925, airplanes have gone from biplanes to monoplanes and from propellers to jets. Henry Ford wouldn’t recognize Brannock Devices hung on the wall at Al Bundy’s storied shoe what rolls off Ford assembly lines in Detroit. There is even store in Married With Children. In one episode of the popular a better mousetrap. “But the basic design of the Brannock sitcom, he happily used a Brannock Device to measure the Device has not changed,” Follett says. “Mr. Brannock got it foot of a Spandex-clad female aerobics instructor. right from the start. It was the only thing he ever invented, apparently the only thing he ever wanted to invent.” Vintage Brannock Devices, too, are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s vast collection of historical artifacts and Sal Leonardi, Follett’s father-in-law, bought the Brannock memorabilia. The Washington, D.C., museum also houses an Company from the Brannock estate in 1993. In 1997, extensive collection of Brannock company records. continued on page 10

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“As far as I know, the federal government has never adopted an official standard,” Follett says. “But American footwear manufacturers pretty much go by the Brannock scale.”

Leonardi moved the firm from a small building in downtown Simmons told Post-Herald columnist Sean Kirst after the Syracuse to roomier quarters in Liverpool. He and Follett inventor died. “Now I’ve seen that device all over the world, modernized production with computers. The company in Paris, in Japan, and I always think of him.” makes three basic models for sizing the feet of men, women and children. The firm also produces custom Brannocks for Brannock, who graduated from Syracuse in 1925, made individual shoe companies and for specialized footwear, from the prototype for his device from his childhood erector set, ski boots to hockey skates. “Despite all of our new technology according to the Post-Standard. In 1925, he sought a patent and new models, we feel there is no need to change the basic for the Brannock Device, explaining that his object was “a foot measuring instrument for accurately measuring either device he invented,” Follett says. foot to determine accurately the size of the shoe, both as to Brannock grew up in the footwear business in Syracuse. In length and width, best suited for the foot being measured.” 1906, his father, Otis Brannock, and Ernest N. Park started He said his device was “particularly simple in construction the Park-Brannock Company, which became “one of the and easily operated and read by unskilled clerks.” largest retail shoe stores in the country,” the Syracuse Evening Made of brightly polished aluminum, Brannock’s newfangled Herald reported. device measured the foot three ways at once: width, plus Charles Brannock made his first devices at the store. He heel-to-toe length and length from the heel to the ball of the wanted to help clerks do a better job of shoe fitting. foot. “It is the heel-to-ball measurement, the most critical measurement in fitting shoes, that made his device unique,” The most common foot-sizer in the 1920s was the Ritz Follett says. Stick, made by the American Automatic Device Company of Chicago. A wooden ruler, the Ritz could measure a foot’s width Even so, Brannock apparently left no records explaining and its length from heel to toe, but not at the same time. exactly how he got the idea for the heel-to-ball measurement. Park told the Herald in 1936 that he and Otis Brannock While young Charles studied business administration at “studied feet and reactions to certain methods of fitting Syracuse University, he helped at the shoe store during shoes and the result was we inaugurated the ‘ball-to-heel’ vacations and in his spare time. “While working at [Park- measurement. We discovered that the ordinary method of Brannock]...he became imbued with the idea that an accurate toe-to-heel measurement was a fallacy in fitting shoes.” foot-measuring apparatus which would permit of no mistakes Brannock emphasized the scientific angle when he marketed in the fitting of shoes would be a boon to wearers of all his devices nationwide. The 1920s was a decade of many shoes,” the Herald reported. new and wondrous inventions; many Americans began to Back on campus, Brannock would wake up nights at the view science almost like a religion. Promotional brochures Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity house to scribble notes and to introduced the Brannock Device as “a new and scientific make sketches of his invention. His roommate, Roy Simmons instrument for correct foot measurement.” Sr., complained. Brannock protested that he would forget his The inventor also saw a psychological and sublime side to ideas if he waited until morning, the Post-Standard reported. his device, calling its operation “intriguing” to customers. According to Albert F. Baier, another fraternity brother, According to the brochures, the Brannock sizer was “a well- Brannock promised his roommate, “‘Simmie,’ I’m working made, attractive looking device for measuring feet,” meaning on an invention, and if it works, I’ll cut you in on the that “the heretofore unsightly fitting device now becomes an dividends,’” the newspaper reported. When Brannock and asset to the appearance of the shoe store.” Simmons saw each other in 1991, Simmons kidded Brannock At first, the Brannock Device was exclusive to the Park- about his dividend checks. Brannock joshed back, “‘Simmie,’ Brannock store. The unique sizer was supposed to attract they’re in the mail.” more customers with the promise of better-fitting footwear. Simmons, who coached lacrosse at Syracuse, and Brannock While clerks measured hundreds of feet with the newfangled were lifelong friends. “I don’t know what inspired him,” continued on page 12

10 CURRENT PEDORTHICS • May/June 2008 1ST

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Sal Leonardi, president of Brannock Device Co. Inc., boxes up the latest Brannock Tim Follett, vice president of Brannock Device Co. Inc., exhibits a new Brannock devices for a shipment. Device opposite one of the originals. measurers, the inventor fine-tuned the devices at his in-store dozen shoe manufacturers distributed Brannock Devices. workshop. “For two years after his graduation young Another 18 independent retailers, measured feet with Brannock fumed and figured and fretted and finally in 1927 Brannock Devices. In addition, 20 department stores were perfected the device known today as the only accurate Brannock equipped. instrument by which feet of all sorts and sizes and degrees of shape can be fitted accurately,” the Herald reported. “...The shoe industry saw [the Brannock Device]..., approved it, and wanted it,” the Post-Standard printed. So did the U.S. That same year, Brannock applied for another patent on his Navy, starting with the battleship Texas. “perfected” device, which was granted in 1929. In 1931, Captain Guy E. Davis, the dreadnought’s executive For many years, Brannock produced only two types of sizers. officer, discovered that many of his sailors suffered foot His original Brannock Device sized the feet of men, women, problems. Poorly fitting shoes were suspected. Later, when boys and girls. In the mid-1930s, he invented a Junior or the battleship’s supply officer happened to buy a pair of Juvenile Model for small children and toddlers. shoes at a San Francisco store, the clerk measured his feet with a Brannock Device. The shoes fit so well that the officer While Brannock was serious about the benefits of his ordered a Brannock for the Texas. After the $15 sizer arrived invention, some of his advertising featured humor. In in the mail from Syracuse, the ship’s 1,400 crewmen took 1935, he took out an ad in the hometown Herald that turns getting their feet measured. New shoes were issued pictured a Brannock Device and one woman whispering where needed and “foot troubles among members of the crew in the ear of another, “I’ll bet you don’t know what this were entirely eliminated,” Davis wrote in the July 1933 issue is.” The ad suggested, “If you have been alert, you will of the United States Naval Institute Proceedings . remember whether or not your shoe dealer used this device to measure your feet the last time you bought a pair of The happy officer also contacted Brannock, suggesting he shoes. If he did, he put your foot through the third degree send “descriptive matter to all of the larger ships of the Navy in a G-Man manner...he got the correct answer...which so that they too might have the benefit of this device, because means an accurate Ball-to-Heel...Toe-To-Heel...and Width it stood to reason that all of the other vessels had the same measurement....‘Syracuse Marches On’...to new laurels by foot troubles that they did on the Texas.” Brannock agreed, taking the mystery and guesswork out of shoe fitting for Mr. also supplying information about the Brannock Device and Mrs. America.” to naval training stations ashore. Several orders resulted, according to Brannock. “Among these orders was one from Brannock also published testimonials to his device in the United States Naval Clothing Depot in Brooklyn, where advertising brochures: “Wouldn’t take a hundred dollar bill the device was put through a series of rigid tests for a period for my machine;” “We are using your devices in all three of of six months,” Brannock was quoted in the Enna Jettick our stores, and all of our boys on the floor are enthusiastic Retailer, a magazine published by the Enna Jettick Shoe about them;” and “It is as essential to the business as Company of Auburn, New York. illumination is to the store.” The Brannock Device evidently passed with flying colors. Brannock’s marketing paid off for the inventor. By 1934, two continued on page 14

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“Suddenly one day in our mail came a communication form manners were important when a doctor treated a patient. the Naval Clothing Depot, inviting us to enter into a formal Likewise, the magazine urged shoe salesmen to practice contract with the United States Government to equip the proper “foot-side” manners. “Beside manner, atmosphere, entire U.S. Navy with Brannock Foot Measuring Devices,” showmanship -- call it what you will. It all breaks down to Brannock recalled. “Needless to say, I was thrilled and the same thing. You’ve got to make a fuss yourself if you want delighted.” He also said that “with no solicitation on our part any importance attached to the thing you are putting over. whatsoever, the merits of the device alone brought about an And this is just as true whether you are dealing with shoes order for equipping the entire Navy.” and fitting devices as it is with stethoscopes and spotlights. Enna Jettick was part of the shoe industry that saw, approved “Which brings us to the point: and wanted Brannocks for fitting footwear. The company made women’s shoes, and Enna Jettick Retailers used “How’s your foot-side manner? 1929-patent Brannock Devices to fit them. “What do you do to inspire confidence in the woman whose foot rests in your hands?” Brannock touted his device in The Enna Jettick Retailer, claiming that “shoe merchandising, to be successful and The answer, according to The Enna Jettick Retailer, was to profitable, must be built on a firm foundation, the corner- start the sale by carefully measuring her feet with a Brannock stone of which is, indisputably, Correct Fitting.” He added that Device. “Even though he might be expert enough to do this “the shoe business...has a unique position in the mercantile quickly, he will take time, making certain that every detail world in that, unlike most businesses, it partakes of the nature of the process is impressed upon the customer. While this of a profession. And the shoe salesman, like a doctor, has a is being done, he will explain the different measurements distinct responsibility to his customers, because a mistake in he is making, showing the customer her arch length, toe the fitting of a shoe can easily endanger a person’s health.” length and width. If she has a secret belief that she knows Brannock reminded Enna Jettick Retailer readers that “the more about her size than the fitting expert, this scientific crippled feet of today are the misfitted feet of yesterday.” demonstration will settle it once and for all.” Another Enna Jettick Retailer article said that good bedside Brannock cautioned that in shoe fitting, “science alone is not enough because it has to be coupled up with the proper art. Then you have a selling appeal which is tremendously successful.” Continuing his comparison of shoe fitters to doctors, Brannock suggested that a good physician “...possesses the art of impressing the patients with this fact that he has this thorough knowledge of his science.” He added, “...It is exactly the same in retail shoe merchandising.” Brannock stressed that his device was especially effective in selling shoes to women, who generally bought more shoes than men anyway. He explained that when a woman goes shoe shopping, “She sees boxes – boxes galore – with numbers on them – mysterious numbers at that. How can AD Page she know that the salesman will know which box to go to in order to get a shoe for her foot that is going to be the correct Pedorthic Newswire (Aetrex) one? Here is where the Brannock Foot Measure comes into Pickup: March/April – the picture to display this Art in shoe fitting.” Brannock said the “drama of carefully measuring the page 40 customer’s foot” with “this scientific looking instrument” immediately impresses her. “This salesman...goes to that wall of boxes, and does pick out the correct shoe...It fits... It is comfortable.” Brannock said it took only a quarter of a minute to measure a foot. “These few 15 seconds are certainly well invested when you realize that you are creating such an impression in the customer’s mind that you have her thinking with you, so to speak. Furthermore, you know exactly what size the foot requires, and you can go to your stock and get the correct

continued on page 16

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size the first time....This factor, plus the confidence gained, Even so, in his application, Brannock again stressed the enables you to close your sales many minutes quicker.” importance of the sizer’s heel-to-ball measuring feature: “It often happens that the fore part of the foot between the ball The I. Miller Shoe Company of New York City, which also joint and the ends of the toes is either shorter or longer than manufactured women’s shoes and operated retail stores, used the normal foot. Usually the fore part of the foot is shorter due a custom-made Brannock Device. The Miller “Measuright to curled toes from previous misfitting. The taking of these two For Accuracy in Fitting” device was designed to size both measurements permits the fitter to determine the correct shoe feet at the same time. As such, it was a forerunner of special length size whether the foot is normal or abnormal.” “double-unit” Brannock Devices produced for the U.S. military in World War II. The Miller model was one of three For almost 40 years, shoe fitters used Brannock’s standard new double-unit Brannocks the inventor sought a single model device for fitting men’s and women’s shoes. To achieve patent for in 1934. He received it three years later. the most accurate measurement, he recommended adding an extra width for a man’s foot and a full size for a woman’s. When World War II began in Europe, the Brannock Device was a standby in shoe stores throughout the United States In 1962, Brannock unveiled a green and silver Growing and in Great Britain and other countries. More than 60,000 Girls’ model of the Brannock Device. “Due to the change had been produced since 1927, the Post-Standard reported. that gradually came about in the fitting characteristics of growing girls’ shoes...I saw the need for a foot-measuring Britain was the largest overseas purchaser of Brannock Device specifically calibrated for this purpose,” he explained. Devices. Brannock sent several of the foot measurers over via “I saw this several years ago in the Park-Brannock Store and ship. As armed conflict approached in Europe in 1939, he developed working models which we used in our Children’s- took care to insure his sizers for “all risk & war.” Growing Girls’ Department. The salespeople on this floor World War II began on September 1, 1939, when Germany literally ‘blessed’ me...” invaded Poland. As the United States prepared for war in May Two years after introducing the Growing Girl’s device, 1941, Brannock met with officers of the Army Quartermaster Brannock unveiled a special Women’s Model. He explained Corps in Washington. The military brass “wanted him to work that “the fitting characteristics of women’s style shoes have out a foot measuring system for the expanding army,” the Post- changed so during the past few years.” Brannock debuted Standard reported. It was no easy task, but Brannock was glad the sizer almost like fashion footwear, characterizing it as to do his patriotic duty. “We are proud and happy to have a part “strikingly attractive” with “beautiful purple and silver scale in serving the best interests of good fitting shoes to the men and plates.” Perhaps seeking a more “feminine” hue for his foot- women going into the various Services of our country,” he said. sizers, Brannock also made a few Women’s Models with pink Brannock knew a civilian Brannock Device would not work toe length scale plates. for military footgear. After testing and experimenting with In 1981, the Park-Brannock store closed. Charles Brannock foot-measurers in army camps, Brannock invented an “Army had run the business since 1962 when both his father and Brannock Foot Measuring Machine” that sized “both feet at Park died. The Brannock Device Company stayed at its the same time, with speed and accuracy,” the Post-Standard downtown address until Leonardi moved operations to published. Basically, the military sizer was two recalibrated Liverpool in 1997. Here, production of Brannock Devices civilian Brannock devices mounted side by side on plywood topped the one million mark. or Masonite. Soldiers were lined up, measured and fitted, assembly-line style. Thanks to Kalman, one found its way into a 1992 industrial design exhibit in New York City. “There is not an ounce Ultimately, Brannock made military devices for most service of waste in this device, and not a single needless motion,” branches, including the new Women’s Army Corps and other Kalman told the New York Times. “It is slick and pure (for female units. Brannock guessed that more than 5 million its function) as an egg.” But the device is not nearly as Army men, most sailors and Marines, and all WACs were fragile, Follett said, adding, “A Brannock Device is almost fitted with Brannock Devices. indestructible unless maybe you ran over one with a truck.” After World War II, Brannock shifted production of his devices away from the shoe store. After a brief stay in a small Lukas sees the Brannock as almost existential. “...I find that building on Oneida Street, Brannock opened a small plant at if you describe the Brannock Device to anyone – anyone – 509 East Fayette Street in 1947. “On the wall in the office at they’ll most likely say, ‘Oh yeah, thing’s really cool – I never the factory is a map of the world,” the Post-Standard reported. thought about it before,’” he wrote. “Precisely. Moreover, most “Wherever a Brannock is in use a red pin is placed. The map of us encounter the Brannock Device during childhood, which of the United States resembles a cluster of flies.” means our Brannock memories tend to be simultaneously primal and nostalgic – a potent combination.” ■

Brannock sought his last patent in 1958 and earned it two Images courtesy of Archives Center, National Museum of American History, years later. But that device evidently did not go into production Smithsonian Institution. or was made only in limited numbers, according to Follett. Images courtesy of Columbia News Web Service.

16 CURRENT PEDORTHICS • May/June 2008 Problem dogs? Make them happy again with Natural Step’s comfort and style.

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8 By Berry Craig

10 Barleycorns have been used for: A. making bread C. measuring feet B. brewing beer D. all of the above 11 If you answered “D,” phone Meredith Vieira. You might be the next millionaire. 12

he story in our industry is that shoe sizing started with based inch and foot, Rossi wrote. “But as to shoe sizes, barleycorns. Reported, in 1324, King Edward II of Edward didn’t give this the remotest thought.” England (1284-1327) decreed that: T Evidence – rather, lack of it – backs up Rossi’s claim. There is • three grains of barley placed end-to-end would be an “inch;” no record that Edward II said anything about shoe sizes. • 36 lined up barleycorns would be a “foot;” and Even if Edward wasn’t the father of shoe sizing, some • a single barleycorn -- about one-third of an inch – would shoemakers – called “cordwainers” in medieval England – did be a “shoe size.” use the barleycorn standard for measuring feet. “They loosely Purportedly, Edward and his agreed that each barleycorn (one-third inch) would represent nobles were tired of having to one full shoe size (they gave no thought to half sizes),” get their feet measured every Rossi wrote. time they needed new shoes. The Other English cordwainers ignored the barleycorn scale. medieval monarch claimed it cut So did shoemakers in other countries. They sized shoes as down on their hunting time. So he they pleased. proclaimed standard sizing. Rossi said the earliest record of a real shoe-sizing scheme dates That’s not what really happened, to a 1688 English book, Academy of Armory and Blazon. The according to Professional Shoe author, genealogist Randle Holm, cited an English shoemakers’ Fitting by William A. Rossi: “In guild that went by a shoe-size scale based on a quarter-inch. Edward’s day, as in the many King Edward II The scale was limited to England, according to Rossi. centuries before, there was much confusion about measurements of Rossi wrote that the next reference to a shoe size system all kinds,” explained the American shoe historian and author. appears in The Illustrated Handbook of the Foot, written by “This often caused problems among tradesmen, landowners, Robert Gardiner and printed in 1856, also in London. scholars and others because the standards for measuring “Here, for the first time in any general agreement among anything were so loose and unreliable.” shoemakers, the one-third inch scale was used. Again, it applied only to England.” Hence, English folk who needed measurement standards turned to their monarch. The king did decree the barleycorn- continued on page 20

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JOB NUMBER BLEED NA 7.5x10 FILE NAME: 63555J_MRPAIN7.25x9.75_Current Pedorthics.indd TITLE SAFETY DATE: Thursday, March 27, 2008 9:45 AM Mr. Pain IMAGES: background.tif • GRASS.psd • CENTER_RIGHT_ CLIENT FLOWER.psd • PALM.psd • LOWER_LEFT_FLOWER.psd • LOWER_ Brooks RIGHT_FLOWER.psd • UPPER_LEFT_FLOWER.psd • FINAL_INFINITY.psd • FILENAME FINAL_GLYCERINE.psd • HEADLINE.psd • FINAL_ADRENALINE.psd • BLUE_LOGO.psd MRPAIN7.25x9.75 OUTPUT: InDesign CS2 / PDFx1a PUB Current Pedorthics FULL PAGE TRIM 7.25x9.75 Sizing It Up continued from page 18

“Whatever the foot measurement, it is only an indication of shoe size,” Rossi cautions. “…Shoes are not uniform. They can be influenced by a variety of factors: style, heel-height, last, patterns, materials, brand or manufacturer, etc.”

Rossi wrote that “the world’s first full-fledged shoe sizing 8-½As, too, not because the Brannock or Ritz measured her system” didn’t arrive until 1880. It was devised by an wrong, but because sizes vary from shoe to shoe. American, Edwin B. Simpson of New York City. The Simpson system was based on the old one-third-inch standard. Rossi’s book points out that “for many years there have been strong advocates, both inside and outside the shoe industry, But it was new in other ways, according to Rossi. urging that shoe sizes be ‘standardized’ so that all shoes of identical size and width would measure and fit the same.” • It was the first scale to use half sizes (one-sixth-inch) and Shoe manufacturing and retailing is a global business without ball width measurements. a global size scale, they argue. • It was the first to employ proportional measurements or sizes throughout the entire last and shoe. Even so, footwear industry experts seem to doubt that a • And it was the first to have separate scales for infants’, universal shoe size scale is on the horizon. Shoe styles and children’s, women’s and men’s lasts and shoes. types are too varied to work with one scale, they say. Also footwear is made in many countries. Thus, developing – Simpson’s system was evidently too revolutionary for or enforcing -- standardized sizing would be hard if not immediate acceptance. Rossi wrote that it took eight years impossible, according to experts. for the U.S. and British shoe industries to embrace it. “The introduction of half-sizes plus widths meant a substantial Different countries go by different size scales, too. Today, and costly increase in their inventories,” Rossi explained. many shoes fitted by PFA members are marked in multiple “But they were competitively forced to follow as other scales – U.S., British and European, perhaps most commonly. manufacturers and retailers adopted the system.” There are also Centimeter and Mondopoint scales. Simpson’s scale apparently guided Charles F. Brannock when Conversion charts are available. The Brannock Company he invented his “Scientific Foot Measuring Device” in the has one on its Web site. It shows, for example, that a U.S. 1920s. By far, the Brannock Device is the most commonly woman’s 8 translates to a 6-½ English, 40 Euro, 24.5 used shoe fitting tool in the United States: More than a Centimeter and a 25 Mondopoint. million of the aluminum measurers have been made. Experts say it would be almost impossible to design a Because there is no official shoe size standard, government or practical measuring device that would accommodate all or otherwise, in the United States, many shoe companies more even most of the world’s size scales. Computers might be the or less go by the Brannock Device scale when sizing their answer, but they are much more expensive than manually shoes, says Tim Follett, vice president of the Brannock Device operated Brannock Devices or Ritz Sticks. Co. in Liverpool, N.Y. “We’re pretty much the size standard by default,” he adds. In any event, most PFA members probably would agree that even the most precise foot-measuring gadget provides the Besides the Brannock Device, there are other foot sizers, starting point – not the end – of the shoe-fitting process. notably the Ritz Stick, a wooden ruler made by Woodrow “Whatever the foot measurement, it is only an indication Engineering of Sister Bay, Wis. But the absence of an industry of shoe size,” Rossi cautions. “…Shoes are not uniform. or government size standard means that the size shown on They can be influenced by a variety of factors: style, heel- the Brannock Device or the Ritz Stick might not be what the height, last, patterns, materials, brand or manufacturer, etc. customer needs in a particular shoe. Therefore, a foot measuring 7C, may or may not fit into a 7C shoe, depending upon any combination of influences For example, if a female’s feet measure an 8B on a Brannock affecting size and fit.” Device or a Ritz Stick, most of her shoes probably are 8Bs. But chances are her closet also shelters 7-½Cs and even And no two barleycorns are the same size either. ■

20 CURRENT PEDORTHICS • May/June 2008 The Golden Age Foot Health & Wellness for Life

Join pedorthic professionals from around the world as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the PFA Annual Symposium and Exhibition. Mark your calendars!

Visit www.pedorthics.org for the latest on Symposium programming.

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F e P ll vi Nash fashion that’s well heeled Is Insolia the Answer?

igh heels remain the fashion choice for many women. The ultimate of which is the ‘Manolo Blahnik Syndrome’ - A desirable pair of high-heeled shoes can be a the highly controversial discussion in podiatric circles about Hquest for many – just like the high-end shoes in a women undergoing foot surgery in order to successfully fit well-known former HBO television series (now hit movies) into the popular New York fashion designer’s mega-dollar starring four New York fashion mavens. high heel creations. Why do high heels remain popular, given the fact that For years women have suffered for their love of high heels. most women complain that they can be a pain? There are A high heel, as opposed to a shoe with a reasonable lift in many theories: the back (say 2 inches or less), is one that raises the seven talus bones (calcaneous, and talus – or rearfoot and cuboid, • They make the woman taller, which increases a woman’s stature, navicular) and the three cuniform bones (termed the ‘midfoot’ above the metatarsals and phalanges/toes – together termed • They are an accessory to fashion styling. the forefoot). • And, many women like how high heels affect the appearance of their legs and body. How high the calcaneous is raised above the mid and forefoot and at what angle depends on the height on the heel and Where the brand wars in the “sneaker” world are essentially the pitch of the last. But typically a high heel is raised more about “coolness” among kids in the inner city; heels are all than two inches at the heel, causing the metatarsals to slant about power and status and impressing observers. toward the phalanges at an angle of between 40 and 55 Sorry shoe industry: This may come as a huge surprise, but degrees. Without exception, high-heeled shoes are not good from a medical perspective raising a woman’s foot three or for the feet, even though experienced shoe designers choose more inches off the ground at the heel and transferring the to ignore the facts. resulting pitch of the last into an “ice cream cone shape” at the metatarsals is not conducive to foot health – especially in That’s not to say heels cannot be endured, perhaps to the the long term. point of tolerance. In fact research conducted by Howard Dananberg DPM, inventor of the Insolia® System revealed just This may be the driving force behind the preponderance of how deeply ingrained the “finished look” of high heels is on women who frequent podiatrist clinics awaiting treatment the woman’s psyche. Some women with naturally high arched for conditions and ills that result from wearing fashion heels. feet actually insist that three-inch heels are comfortable.

22 CURRENT PEDORTHICS • May/June 2008 However, the determining comfort test is to ask, “Given a choice, would you wear heels to hike or run in?” Obviously, the answer is “no” and this is borne out by the fact that as women mature they either voluntarily or are forced to reduce their waking time spent in heels. Another study conducted by Professor D. Casey Kerrigan, associate professor and director of research at the department of physical medicine at Harvard Medical School, has found that the pressure that walking in wide-heeled shoes as compared to stiletto-heeled shoes exerts the same, if not more pressure on the foot, which has been linked to knee osteoarthritis. British experts welcomed these findings: “There is a serious message here,” Dr. Madeline Devey warns as secretary for the Arthritis Research Campaign.

The Problem: Foot Pathomechanics In previous studies, women’s complaints of foot pain regarding high-heeled shoes have been well detailed. These include pain in the digits, balls of the foot, ankle instability, and pain in the muscles of the legs and lower back. Almost 85 percent of women list one or more of the above problems as a regular occurrence with the use of high-heeled shoes. Take a look at these statistics from The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society: • Women account for 90 percent of foot surgeries in the United States at an estimated cost of $2 billion a year. • 82 percent of women reported having foot pain. • 72 percent of women reported one or more foot deformities. • 86 percent of women wore shoes one or two width sizes too small (an average of 1.2 cm smaller). In the • In the 20 percent of women who reported no foot pain, there was only an average of 0.56 cm discrepancy between the width of the shoe and their foot. • 20 percent of women had pain in the ball of the foot and 58 percent in the toes. • 75 percent of women had neglected to have their foot measured in more than five years. • 60 percent noted that their foot size has increased. • Women with size 8 or larger (U.S. sizing) had more pain and deformities than others. • 50 percent of women were dissatisfied with their ability to find dress shoes that are fashionable and comfortable. This is despite the fact that 60 percent said they paid between $50 and $200 for shoes. There is a reason for these figures: The standard high-heeled shoe construction creates an angle of the heel seat to the ground surface (known as the heel pitch or “wedge angle”). Think outside the box.Live inside our shoes. In essence, this creates a ramp effect, with the foot sliding forward into the toe box. The generally narrow toe box, aside Women’s Advance Athletic Comfort E3730 from its fashionable attributes, acts to prevent the foot from (800) 225-2192 | [email protected] | www.advancefootwear.com this forward motion, and thus creates a continuous pressure on the digits. In other words, the proverbial “caught between a rock and hard place” slogan is brought to life.

continued on page 24

CURRENT PEDORTHICS • May/June 2008 23 Fashion That’s Well Heeled continued from page 23

Without exception, high-heeled shoes are not good for the feet, even though experienced shoe designers choose to ignore the facts.

Excessive loading of the metatarsal heads, particularly the If we accept the ideal normal barefoot distribution to be longest second metatarsal is also exacerbated by this same 50-50 between forefoot and heel and that exaggerated 3- to ramp effect. Previous studies have shown that women who go 4-inch heels change this dynamic to more like 80-20 toward from flat athletic type shoe gear to 2-inch heels have nearly the forefoot, the Insolia® System places the foot in the a 64 percent increase in pressure to the forefoot. Subjective optimal position, relative to the height of the heel. Depending descriptions of women confirm this finding. on heel height, stride length and heel-to-toe gait rhythm, the Insolia® System offers the wearer much closer to a 50-50 Finally, someone has come to the rescue. With perhaps the balance between heel and forefoot. Its range is 64-36 percent best biomechanically correct approach to ladies heels to-date, (forefoot to heel), an improvement in weight distribution Dr. Howard Dananberg, a well renowned New Hampshire and the resulting reduction in pressure on the metatarsals, podiatrist, has introduced his Insolia® System into ladies especially when one considers this is done internally without footwear. Heels are directly related to body alignment and padding or supports and without changing the all important weight distribution and therefore cannot be alleviated by aesthetic look or height of the shoe. padding alone. Test results show that a woman wearing high heels ® The patented Insolia System, which is currently incorporated without the Insolia® System experiences 64 percent into 12 DKNY (Donna Karan New York) high heel models, more forefoot pressure over a pair of athletic shoes. With shifts the weight off the metatarsals to the heel of the shoe Insolia® this pressure is reduced to 22 percent increase in without altering the height or pitch of the last. This is done forefoot pressure. Insolia® has already been licensed to be biomechanically by incorporating a geometric parabola into the manufactured into Amalfi, a Nordstrom’s private label brand shank area of the insole board combined with an asymmetrical and Ipanema, another fashion label. heel cup to seat the calcaneous; thus redistributing the body’s weight toward the heel as opposed towards the toes. The Insolia component effectively changes the DNA of shoes. At least, the option is now on the market to offer ladies a ® The essence of the Insolia System is to reverse the talar compromise by allowing them to wear the high heels they declination that occurs with foot plantarflexion with talar crave but at the same time considering biomechanical design positional change, the wider portion of the talus is placed to avoid the resulting foot problems, such as Bunions, Hallux into the ankle mortise thus creating an intrinsically stable Valgus, Metatarsalgia and various Neuromas. foot. Additionally, with this change in ankle plantarflexion, there is a concurrent weight shift from the ball to the heel. With patents issued or pending in more than 40 countries, With the increased heel weight bearing, less stress in applied this revolutionary shoe technology is different from anything to the forefoot. else on the market today. With successful sales already in Europe and Asia – worldwide, more than 1 million shoes Other accommodations are made as well to encourage a with the Insolia technology have been sold – U.S. retailers more broad weight bearing of the forefoot rather than a and brands are now adopting the Insolia component across concentration on the longer second and third rays. Illusions the full spectrum of price points. ■ as to toe box shape and other aspects lead to a product that appears high styled yet functions as a comfortable alternative to standard heeled footwear.

24 CURRENT PEDORTHICS • May/June 2008 6QR%QXGT OCVGTKCNEQPVQWTU VJGHQQVRTQXKFGU 2QN[5JGNN NCUVKPIEQOHQTVCPF CXCKNCDNGKP KPETGCUGUUJQEM CDUQTRVKQP VJTGGFKHHGTGPV HNGZKDKNKVKGU

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Environmental (Actually, Any of Change Starts These 24 Steps with One Will Help You Begin a Green Small Step Journey for By Doug Widener Your Office)

f have not yet adopted a plan for going green, these steps and using e-mail instead of traditional paper memos. provide a variety of ways to get started. Some are easy (For those items that still need to be printed, check to Iand can be implemented for little or no cost, while some see if your printer can print multiple pages per sheet involve more planning and upfront investment. Whether and/or print on both sides of the paper). you choose one, some or all of them, you will be making a positive impact on the earth and our collective future. 4. Compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs use 25 percent the electricity of standard light bulbs and can last up to 15 1. Paper, cans, glass bottles and certain plastics are easily times as long. LED lights are even more efficient and are recyclable in most areas and are readily accepted by becoming increasingly available in the marketplace. most municipal and private waste-hauling contractors. Place recycling bins next to waste receptacles and place 5. Turn off lights when rooms aren’t in use. If practical, signage above the bins to encourage your staff members also consider installing motion sensors in offices and and clients to recycle. If your building owner or manager conference rooms. These sensors will automatically turn doesn’t have a recycling program, suggest one be off lights when people are no longer in a room. instituted with the building’s waste-hauling contractor. 6. Implement a policy that ensures all employees turn off 2. Most office supply retail¬ers offer copy paper with computers, monitors and other office equipment each night. recycled content. This paper is comparable in every way 7. Purchase surge-protector strips for workstations and plug to standard copy paper. Use paper with “post-consumer” all electronic devices into the strips. At the end of the recycled content, which means the caper was recycled work day, unplug the strip to prevent “phantom load,” after being used at least once. Also, if available, look which is the electricity that electrical equipment (and for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) label. The surge protector strips) use in their “off” mode. FSC label (and those of other certifying bodies) ensures that any virgin wood used in the paper comes from 8. When your office copier or computers need replacing, sustainable, well managed forests. Other common office purchase models that carry the Energy Star seal. products to look for that contain recycled content or This ensures that the equipment conserves energy by are reused include printer cartridges, pens, mechanical powering down when not in use. pencils, file trays and file folders. 9. Energy Star laptop computers can use 90 percent less 3. Adopt digital document policies to reduce the amount of energy than their desktop counterparts. When desktops paper used. Ideas include electronic document storage need replacing, consider laptops instead.

26 CURRENT PEDORTHICS • May/June 2008 10. Traditional cleaning products and soaps contain performed remotely. Both can significantly reduce the ingredients that are harsh on people and the carbon footprint of your office. environment. Many companies now make green cleaning products that contain natural ingredients that cost the 14. When you need catering services, seek out a company same as harsher products and perform equally as well. that recycles bottles and cans, uses glassware and china rather than disposables (or biodegradable tableware), 11. If your office has a lawn or landscaped outside area, uses local, organic ingredients and composts food waste. consider planting native plants rather than grass. Native plants require significantly less water and chemicals than 15. Many indoor plants naturally filter contaminants grass and provide habitat for a variety of birds, insects out of the air as well as provide beauty to your office. and other animals. Encourage employees to bring in cuttings from their houseplants or relocate unwanted houseplants to 12. Disposable paper, foam and plastic plates, cups and the office. utensils contribute significantly to the waste stream of the office. Instead, purchase ceramic plates and mugs 16. Controlling pests is important to a healthy office, but and glasses that can be washed and reused. If purchasing chemical sprays and other traditional pest control reusable dinnerware is not in your budget, consider methods are dangerous to humans as well as pests. using biodegradable tableware instead of paper and Consider integrated pest management (IPM) strategies foam. This bioware can be placed in compost bins or first. IPM involves a variety of strategies including: standard waste bins and biodegrades naturally in a monitoring first before spraying to ensure that pests are fraction of the time of other disposable tableware. Also, even an issue in your office, using natural insecticides encourage employees to bring in reusable mugs and and plants that naturally deter pests, and installing glasses rather than using disposable ones. mechanical controls like insect barriers and traps. Synthetic insecticides should only be used as a last resort 13. Encourage carpooling, public transportation, walking and implemented by a comprehensive pest management or bicycling as preferred modes of transportation to company that uses IPM strategies as the first alternative. and from the office. If practical, consider implementing a telecommuting policy for jobs that are able to be continued on page 28

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CURRENT PEDORTHICS • May/June 2008 27 Environmental Change Starts with One Small Step continued from page 27

17. Take advantage of natural day-lighting. Leave blinds and 21. Donate old office furniture and computers. Seek out curtains open and look into reorienting your office layout nonprofit organizations, schools and other worthy causes so more people have access to natural light. Besides that could benefit from your previously used equipment. reducing the need for artificial light, natural light has been proven to increase productivity as opposed to the 22. Install a programmable thermostat. If possible, work artificial variety. with your building owner or manger to install a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts 18. Say no to bottled water. Rather than buying bottled the temperature in your office when it isn’t occupied to water, purchase a filtering water pitcher for the office reduce energy consumption. refrigerator or, for larger offices, look into leasing a water filtering system that can be hooked up to an existing 23. Green your restroom. Use toilet paper and hand towels water line. with recycled content and install auto-sensors on faucets and toilets to reduce water use. 19. Green printing. When printing large-scale pieces, seek out printers who offer paper with post-consumer 24. Make your office a “green team.” Share your commitment recycled content. to environmental concerns with your staff and encourage employees to suggest other ways to go green. ■ 20. Invest in modular furniture. Rather than building out office space with standard walls, consider investing in modular furniture, walls and under-floor cabling. These Doug Widener is director of the U.S. Green Building Council - Chicago features allow for your office to adapt and change as Chapter. A version of this article originally appeared in the April needs change with¬out major rehabbing (and the waste 2008 edition of Forum, the publication of the Association Forum of that accompanies it). Chicagoland. It is used here with permission.

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28 CURRENT PEDORTHICS • May/June 2008 Can't Get Your Custom Shoes to Fit?

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Footwear Company 2239 Tyler Avenue, S El Monte, CA 91733 Tel: 1-888-937-2747 Fax: 1-888-990-2245 Member Profile: Stephanie Massie Illinois Pedorthist is Positive on the PFA

By Berry Craig

Massie is equally positive on her career change. “I love coming to work,” she says with a smile. Massie’s clients evidently love her, just as much. They give her cakes, candy bars, flowers and hand-knitted wash cloths and socks. “There’s a man who brings me baklava,” she says. Some gifts come with personal notes. “It’s an honor to know you and see your beautiful smile,” says a message that accompanied a spice cake. “You’re the greatest. To the sweetest lady we know. Please enjoy.” “She just loves to cook,” Massie says of the cake baker. “She came to see me because her feet were killing her.” Massie usually shares her sweet treats with her clients and patients. She provides free coffee, to boot. “It is lovely that they appreciate me,” she says. Massie calls herself “a woman of great faith.” One of her clients visited Bethlehem and brought her back a souvenir plaque. “He said he didn’t buy anybody else a present,” Massie adds, chuckling. The pedorthist dispenses comfort and custom-made shoes plus over-the-counter and custom orthotics. She does her own lab work in the back of her store. “Pain brings most people to me,” she says. “It does my heart good when I can help them. You immediately see the smiles on their faces. They can walk again, pain-free. It’s almost like a miracle.” Massie’s business cards say she supplies “Shoes, Orthotics & Miracles.” Appointments are not necessary. “If I scheduled clients by appointment, I’d be so far behind people would get upset with me,” she explains. “Nobody seems to mind waiting for me when I’m busy. They visit with each other. They talk about their health. They’ll say, ‘I take this or that and it works’ – things like that. They really learn t would be difficult to find anybody more positive on the from each other.” PFA than Stephanie Massie. Massie lives in St. Louis, her hometown, and commutes I“If I didn’t belong, I wouldn’t be here today,” says across the Mississippi River via Interstate 64 to Fairview the board-certified pedorthist who practices in Fairview Heights. “It’s a 30-minute trip each way, and I’m always Heights, Illinois, near St. Louis. “Through PFA I have had against the traffic going and coming,” she says. the opportunity to get to know and to learn from great pedorthists all over the country.” After she graduated from nursing school at the Meramec campus of St. Louis Community College, Massie went Massie calls her practice Heart to Sole. The name is to work at a St. Louis hospital. Looming staff cutbacks autobiographical. prompted her to seek employment elsewhere. “I knew as a nurse I could go somewhere else, but I wanted to do “I was a cardiology nurse,” she says. “Now diabetic footwear something different.” is my specialty.” continued on page 32

30 CURRENT PEDORTHICS • May/June 2008 * Not all widths and sizes available in all styles

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Watch a short instructional ﬁlm on www.propétusa.com You Tube™ by typing Propet A5512 in the search ﬁeld Member Profile: Stepahnie Massie continued from page 30

Edith James, C.Ped., was seeking help at Comfort Shoe “When I first opened, I sent brochures, scrip pads and Specialists, her St. Louis store. “I didn’t know anything about business cards to the doctors – chiropractors, too,” she says. shoes, but with my medical background, I was familiar with “Now I’ve got 193 doctors from Illinois and Missouri in my diseases of the feet,” Massie says. laptop who refer patients to me. I’m truly blessed to have so many doctors having faith in me to care for their patients. James, one of the most successful pedorthics retailers in the country, put Massie on the payroll. She spent seven years “The patients come in and tell me, ‘Doctor said I should see at Comfort Shoe Specialists and got board certified. Massie only you.’ How wonderful is that?” started Heart to Sole in 2004. The pedorthics facility is in a small shopping center. More than a few referrals – especially women – have sabotaged themselves with their shoes, according to Massie. Massie decorated the store herself. Framed footprints in She confesses that it can be tough coaxing a female out of multiple colors adorn the wall behind the cash register. “I fashion footwear into “sensible shoes.” call it ‘Favorite Feet,’” she says with a smile. “We made it on my patio. It is my footprints – and the footprints of my four “Pain causes people to change their shoe styles,” she explains. children, my four grandchildren and my ‘granddogs’ Mattie “Pain tells them, ‘Change shoes or stop walking.’ But they and Coal. Everybody who comes in seems to like it.” learn that when they change their shoes and start taking care of their feet, they feel better all over.” About half of the people who walk through Massie’s front door have diabetes. “Many of the others are like this elderly Massie says 40-something moms who have seen the light woman who came in and said her feet hurt. She told me her in their footwear choices sometimes spread the gospel of that she had a whole drawer of [orthotics], and none of them sensible shoes to their 20-something daughters. “First, I worked for her.” meet mother, who is a smart woman, and next time I meet the daughter. They tell me, ‘Mom said I needed to come and Massie invited the woman to come back with some of see you,’” Massie says. “I have whole families of moms and the inserts. daughters who come in.” “She was putting them in the wrong shoes. I even added a First-timers, she adds, are often surprised at the service they little cushion for her, and she was OK. I really enjoy working get at a pedorthics facility. “At least once a day, somebody with elderly people. That’s why diabetes is my specialty. It is a will tell me, ‘I haven’t had my foot sized since I was a kid,’” joy for me if I can help save a foot from being amputated.” she says. “It’s ridiculous that most people who work in shoes stores don’t bother to measure their customers’ feet – or don’t Many of Massie’s clients are referrals from endocrinologists, know how.” orthopedists, internists and podiatrists. “The doctors over here are a great bunch of people,” she says. “They tell me Everybody gets measured with Brannock Devices at Heart to they can’t do with shoes what I do with shoes and that makes Sole. “We couldn’t get along without them,” she says. ■ us a good team.” Massie educates physicians about the importance of therapeutic footwear.

32 CURRENT PEDORTHICS • May/June 2008 Association News

Small Steps to the Top By Shane Hayes, C. Ped.

Success in a pedorthic practice is doing a lot of little things right! Every time you send a thank-you or follow-up letter to your physicians, include a sheet from the PFA RX pad with your imprint on it. The pads are designed to help referring doctors write footwear prescriptions. Two pads of 50 cost only $5 from the PFA Learning Center. You can even get a little fancier by laminating them with your business card inside. Marketing your practice is a never ending effort. Success, the choice always is yours. PFA IS HERE TO HELP. Contact us any time at www.pedorthics.org .

PFA Discount Shipping Program Announces Name Change of FedEx Kinko’s to FedEx Office PFA members, now save 64% on every freight FedEx Corporation (NYSE: FDX) recently changed the shipment—inbound and outbound—with the PFA Discount name of FedEx Kinko’s, the world’s leading provider of Shipping Program! document solutions and business services, to FedEx Office. The PFA Discount Shipping Program, which is managed by Because of your overwhelming support of the PFA Discount PartnerShip, will continue to offer the FedEx Office member Shipping Program, PartnerShip is proud to announce that benefit to PFA members. we’ve increased your Yellow Transportation discounts to a new 64% discount for every freight shipment routed The FedEx Office name better describes the wide range of through the PFA Discount Shipping Program . services available at its retail centers and takes full advantage of the FedEx brand — long recognized for excellent customer Along with these additional increased Yellow Transportation service, quality and reliability. The centers will be rebranded discounts, the PFA Discount Shipping Program still offers during the next several years. significant savings inbound and outbound with FedEx Express®, FedEx Ground®, and FedEx Home Delivery®, to “Kinko’s was primarily a copy and print-service provider meet all of your small package and LTL freight shipping needs. when it was acquired in 2004,” said Brian D. Philips, president and chief executive officer of FedEx Office. How much will you save on inbound and outbound “The name FedEx Office more accurately represents our shipments? Visit http://www.partnership.com/57pfa/ broader role of providing superior information and services discounts.asp to see a complete list of PFA Discount Shipping through our company-owned, digitally connected locations Program discounts. around the world. We are a back office for small businesses and a branch office for medium to large businesses and If you’re enrolled in the program and shipping, you mobile professionals.” don’t need to do anything—your new 64% Yellow Transportation discounts take effect immediately. If you PFA Discount Shipping Program members will not have to aren’t enrolled and want to take full advantage of the new re-enroll in the new FedEx Office, and the discounts and services 64% discount, and the other discounts and services available users have come to rely on will remain the same. To enroll in to you through the PFA Discount Shipping Program, simply the free program or to review your savings opportunities with all visit http://www.partnership.com/57pfa/ to enroll in this the services the PFA Discount Shipping Program offers, visit our free program today! website at www.PartnerShip.com/11PFA . Take control of soaring shipping expenses—enroll now! ■

CURRENT PEDORTHICS • May/June 2008 33 Industry News

FDA Announces New Labeling The FDA urges healthcare professionals to promptly report serious and unexpected adverse reactions associated with Changes for Regranex Regranex to the FDA MedWatch reporting program:

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced • online at www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm; the addition of a boxed warning to the label of Regranex • by returning the postage-paid FDA form 3500 (available in Gel 0.01% (becaplermin) to address the increased risk of PDF format at www.fda.gov/medwatch/getforms.htm) to cancer mortality in patients who use three or more tubes 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787; of the product. Regranex is a topical cream indicated for • faxing the form to (800) FDA-0178; or the treatment of leg and foot ulcers that are not healing in • by phone at (800) 332-1088 diabetic patients. The WARNINGS section of the product has been updated Revised Accreditation Deadlines for to include a BOXED WARNING and a description of the epidemiologic data that is the basis for the revised label. DMEPOS Competitive Bidding These data come from a retrospective study that compared cancer incidence and cancer mortality among 1,622 patients In order to participate in the Medicare Durable Medical exposed to Regranex to 2,809 otherwise similar patients who Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) were not exposed. The results were consistent with no overall Competitive Bidding Program, suppliers must meet quality increase in cancer incidence among the patients exposed to standards and be accredited by a CMS-approved Deemed Regranex. However, there was a five-fold increased risk of Accreditation Organization. Suppliers that are interested in cancer mortality in the group exposed to three or more tubes bidding in the second round of the program must be aware of of Regranex. changes to two key deadlines: In late March FDA issued an Ongoing Safety Review Suppliers must have been accredited or have applied for Communication on Regranex notifying the public that it was accreditation by July 21, 2008 (change from May 14, 2008) to conducting a safety review. This follow-up communication is submit a bid for the second round of competitive bidding. CMS in keeping with FDA’s commitment to notify the public of any cannot accept a bid from any supplier that was not accredited regulatory changes with this FDA approved product. or that did not apply for accreditation by July 21, 2008. Regranex is a medicine that is a recombinant form of human Suppliers will need to be accredited to be awarded a platelet-derived growth factor which is applied directly contract. The accreditation deadline for the second round to diabetic foot and leg ulcers that are not healing. The of competitive bidding is January 14, 2009 (change from recombinant form of platelet growth factor has a biologic October 31, 2008). activity that is much like that produced naturally by the body. Growth factors cause cells to divide more rapidly. It is for this Suppliers must be accredited before this date to be awarded reason that the manufacturer continued to monitor studies a contract. Suppliers should apply for accreditation begun before Regranex was approved in December 1997 for immediately to allow adequate time to process their any evidence of adverse effects such as increased numbers of applications. cancers. In a long term safety study completed in 2001, there CMS has extended the latter deadline because a significant were more deaths from cancer in people who used Regranex number of suppliers in the 70 metropolitan statistical areas than in those who did not use it. (MSAs) included in Round Two of the DMEPOS Competitive Following the report of the study completed in 2001, an Bidding Program had not applied for accreditation. Suppliers additional study was performed using a health insurance in these MSAs that do not meet these accreditation database that covered the period from January, 1998 through deadlines cannot become DMEPOS competitive bidding June, 2003. This study used the database to identify two contract suppliers and will therefore be unable to furnish groups of patients with similar diagnoses, drug use, and use competitively bid items to any beneficiary residing in of health services, one of which used Regranex and one group any part of the competitive bidding area during the that did not. The results of this study showed that deaths contract period. from cancer were higher for patients who were given three or For a list of the CMS-approved Deemed Accreditation more prescriptions for treatment with Regranex than those Organizations, visit http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ who were not treated with Regranex. No single type of cancer MedicareProviderSupEnroll/01_Overview.asp. For was identified, but rather deaths from all types of cancer, information about the Medicare DMEPOS Competitive combined were observed. Bidding program, visit http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ DMEPOSCompetitiveBid/ .

34 CURRENT PEDORTHICS • May/June 2008 Marketing Rules for DME Suppliers, Marketing Prohibitions When enrolling in the Medicare program, DMEPOS suppliers Including Contract Suppliers agree to abide by the 21 DMEPOS supplier standards that are Under the DMEPOS Competitive codified in regulations at 42 CFR Section 424.57. The area of marketing prohibition is addressed as one of the standards Bidding Program that must be met. Failure to comply with this standard may result in the supplier’s Medicare number being revoked. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reminds DMEPOS suppliers that all of the existing rules and regulations concerning marketing DMEPOS to beneficiaries Use of HHS or CMS Logos under the fee-for-service program also applies to DMEPOS All of the existing rules and regulations regarding supplier suppliers under competitive bidding, and the Centers marketing to beneficiaries under the Medicare fee-for-service for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) makes no program apply under the Medicare DMEPOS competitive differentiation between contract and non-contract suppliers bidding program. For example, suppliers are prohibited from under the marketing rules. misusing symbols, emblems or names in reference to CMS or Medicare. The use of such logos, names or words in its Just as important to remember, Medicare does not have advertisements which may convey a false impression that its specific rules or guidelines that provide direction as to items or services are approved, endorsed or authorized by the what a provider is allowed to do in marketing its items and agency are prohibited. services to the public. Medicare doesn’t try to interfere with the internal administration or processes that a DMEPOS supplier uses to run its business; however, there are certain prohibitions that do apply to the DMEPOS supplier. continued on page 36

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CURRENT PEDORTHICS • May/June 2008 35 Industry News

Marketing Rules for DME Suppliers… continued from page 35 1. The beneficiary has given written permission to the supplier to contact them by telephone about furnishing a However, in limited situations, a DMEPOS supplier may DMEPOS item; be authorized to promote these prohibited logos, names 2. The supplier has furnished a covered DMEPOS item and or endorsements only if they have obtained a specific and the supplier is contacting the beneficiary only regarding the written authorization from the agency. Such permission is furnishing of the item; or granted only by CMS’ Public Affairs Office. 3. If the supplier has furnished a covered item to the If a DMEPOS supplier is found to misrepresent and produce beneficiary during the past 15 months of the telephone such logos, names or words in its advertisements through contact ,the supplier may contact the beneficiary about various means (newspapers, magazines, television, mailings, other items that they are able to provide to the beneficiary internet websites, etc.) and has not been authorized to use if needed. such logos or a manner that misrepresents, the supplier may be subject to sanctions imposed by the Office of the Inspector General (OIG). The sanction is a civil monetary penalty. Depending on the type of conveyance, the penalty may not CMS Monitoring of DMEPOS exceed $5,000 to $25,000 for each violation identified. Marketing Under the Competitive Unsolicited Telephone Contacts to Bidding Program Medicare Beneficiaries CMS will be actively encouraging the monitoring of non- Section 1834(a)(17) of the Social Security Act prohibits compliance with the marketing prohibitions noted in this DMEPOS suppliers from making unsolicited telephone article. CMS will promote the awareness of these prohibitions contacts – cold calling – to Medicare beneficiaries. However, through calls with the DMEPOS supplier communities, there are three exceptions to this rule: through the beneficiary and supplier outreach activities of

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36 CURRENT PEDORTHICS • May/June 2008 the Competitive Bidding Implementation Contactor (CBIC) Ombudsman and various other activities being coordinated from CMS’ regional offices. CMS will suggest the public report potential violations to their respective CBIC Ombudsman, to (800) MEDICARE, or to the OIG Hotline. If reported to the CBIC Ombudsman, the Ombudsman will be directed to forward the potential violation to CMS Program Integrity contact. If reported to 1-800-MEDICARE, they will forward the information to the DME MAC or DME Program Safeguard Contractor (PSC), who in turn will forward the information to the Program Integrity contact. Furthermore, CMS Regional Offices will proactively do environmental scanning of the marketed materials. Where Regional Office staff identifies potential marketing violations, they will forward the information to the CMS Program Integrity contact. Once referred to the CMS Program Integrity contact, the information will be reviewed and where appropriate, will be further developed for possible sanctions either by CMS or the OIG. If anyone has knowledge of a potential marketing violation by a DMEPOS supplier, they may call and report the violation to (800) MEDICARE or (800) HHS-TIPS. Additionally, persons receiving any written materials which are in violation of marketing rules should be prepared to make the materials available to CMS.

“Maximizing Your Reimbursement” Medicare Workshop

The Jurisdiction C Provider Outreach and Education team (CIGNA Government Services) is offering a full-day Medicare Workshop on how to maximize your reimbursement. The workshop will provide Medicare updates and recent changes within the DME MAC program. Participants will be able to visit the “help desk” where they will receive personalized assistance from subject matter experts covering a variety of topics. Scheduled topics include: • Special presentation by the Competitive Bidding Contractor • CGS and Competitive Bidding • Documentation and Proper Billing: Detailed education how to correct costly errors • CERT Reduction Plans: What you need to know to Think outside the box.Live inside our shoes. decrease errors • Top Denials and Resolutions: What NOT to do Men’s Advance Athletic Comfort E3230 • Questions and answers (800) 225-2192 | [email protected] | www.advancefootwear.com

continued on page 38

CURRENT PEDORTHICS • May/June 2008 37 Industry News

“Maximizing Your Reimbursement” Medicare Workshop New DMEPOS Competitive Bidding continued from page 37 Web Page Re-Design CMS recently announced the release of its newly redesigned The remaining 2008 workshop are as follows: Web page on the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program. Denver, CO October 14, 2008 This dedicated web page provides the most current and Houston, TX November 11, 2008 reliable information for Medicare providers, suppliers and Dallas, TX November 13, 2008 referral agents. The Web address is: (http://www.cms.hhs. gov/DMEPOSCompetitiveBid). Sign-in/registration runs from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., followed by the workshop from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Registration is $65 per person. New Supplier Medical Review For more information, and to register on-line, visit http:// www.cignagovernmentservices.com/jc/education/ CMS has implemented several initiatives to prevent improper workshops.html . payments before a claim is processed and identify and recoup improper payments after a claim has been processed. The overall goal of CMS’ claim review programs is to reduce Advance Beneficiary Notice payment errors by identifying and addressing billing errors of Noncoverage concerning coverage and coding made by suppliers. One strategy utilized to reduce payment error is a pre- The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has payment review conducted on new suppliers, which is implemented use of the revised Advance Beneficiary Notice performed by medical review. As an example, Noridian of Noncoverage (ABN) (CMS-R-131). This form replaces the Administrative Services (NAS) performs pre-payment reviews following existing forms: in accordance with CMS’ Progressive Corrective Action (PCA) Plan. This review involves 20-40 claims that are randomly • ABN-G (Form No. CMS-R-131G) – Advance Beneficiary selected for a pre- payment review. The supplier is asked to Notice (General) provide the requested medical documentation to support • NEMB (Form No. CMS-20007) – Notice of Exclusion from the services billed. When medical records are requested, the Medicare Benefits provider must submit them within the specified time frame This revised ABN form is for providers, physicians, or the claim will be denied. practitioners, and suppliers for all situations where Medicare payment is expected to be denied. Both the form The review of claims will focus on accurate billing and are and notice instructions have been posted on the Beneficiary subject to medical review before payment can be authorized. Notice Initiative web page at www.cms.hhs.gov/bni . Once suppliers have established the practice of billing correctly, they are removed from pre-payment review. Some key features of the new form are that it: Suppliers will be notified of a review by letter, beginning • Has a new official title, the “Advance Beneficiary Notice of with a notification letter. Education will be provided to the Noncoverage (ABN)”, in order to more clearly convey the supplier if the review indicates a need. Education will be purpose of the notice; done by mail, phone or referral to suppliers. • May also be used for voluntary notifications, in place of the Notice of Exclusion from Medicare Benefits (NEMB); Resources • Has a mandatory field for cost estimates of the items/ 1. Medicare Program Integrity Manual, Chapter 3, services at issue; and Section 3.4.7 • Includes a new beneficiary option, under which an 2. Medicare Claim Review Program Booklet: www.cms.hhs. individual may choose to receive an item/service, and pay for it out-of-pocket, rather than have a claim submitted to gov/MLNProducts/downloads/MCRP_Booklet.pdf Medicare. CMS is allowing a six-month transition period from the date of implementation for use of the revised form and instructions. All providers and suppliers must begin using the new ABN (CMS-R-131) no later than September 1, 2008.

38 CURRENT PEDORTHICS • May/June 2008 Noridian Administrative Services “duplicate” claims may result in a referral to the NAS fraud investigative unit. Noticing Continuous Billing Trend To check on the status of a claim that was submitted, NAS DME staff has noticed that some suppliers bill the same but which has not yet been paid after the payment floor claim repeatedly or bill weekly for items that can only be timeframe has been reached, use the Interactive Voice billed monthly. Response system. The IVR is available from 6 am-6 pm CT, Monday-Friday, by dialing (877) 320-0390. The IVR Chapter 6 of the Supplier Manual explains the timeframes instructions for checking the status of claims can be found for releasing claim payment as follows, based on CMS in the IVR Guide [PDF] located in the Contact section of our requirements: Suppliers who file paper claims will not be DME web site, www.noridianmedicare.com/dme . paid before the 29th day after the date of receipt of their claims (i.e., a 28-day payment floor). However, clean claims If questions remain on the status of claims after using the filed electronically can be paid as early as 14 days after IVR, NAS supplier contact center representatives can be receipt (i.e., a 13-day payment floor) reached by dialing 1(866) 243-7272. ■ Suppliers should not consider rebilling claims until the payment floor has been reached. Patterns of billing

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CURRENT PEDORTHICS • May/June 2008 39 Pedorthic Industry events

september 2008 UPON REQUEST September 13 – 22 Eneslow Pedorthic Institute Robert M. Palmer, MD, Institute of Biomechanics, Elwood, IN 470 Park Avenue South @ 32nd Street, New York, NY Pedorthic Pre-certification Course – Level 2 Training and Tutoring Program, Individual and Small Groups Contact [email protected]; phone (765) 557-7216; or, Contact Sarah Goldberg, (212) 477-2300 ext 211 or visit www.pedorthicbiomechanics.org [email protected]. COURSES OCTOBER 2008 Robert M. Palmer M.D., Institute of Biomechanics October 11 – 20 1601 Main St., Elwood, IN Robert M. Palmer, MD, Institute of Biomechanics, Elwood, IN Courses providing pedorthic education for the retail, Pedorthic Pre-certification Course – Level 2 clinical or biomechanical knowledge seeking pedorthist. Also offering traveling courses to your area. Course dates Contact [email protected]; phone (765) 557-7216; or, for Levels 1-3 in a variety of locations in the United States, visit www.pedorthicbiomechanics.org Hong Kong, Mainland China and Korea are available. Contact Pam Haig, (765) 557-7216; October 14 – 30 [email protected]; Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin www.pedorthicbiomechanics.org University, North Chicago, IL Pre-Certification Course in Pedorthics CFS Allied Health Education Contact Ellie Wydeven at [email protected]; Pedorthic Certification: Exam Review phone: (847) 578-8410; visit www.rosalindfranklin.edu This program focuses on supplying the student with the skills and knowledge needed to pass the ABC Certified October 31 Pedorthic exam by presenting exam-like questions, exploring possible answers, and discussing rationales for Foot Solutions, Marietta, GA correct and incorrect answers. One Day Cram Session Phone: (918) 266-3678 or visit www.LearnPedorthics.com Contact Tracy Strickland, (866) 338-2597, ext. 206; Betty Hubauer, (866) for additional information. 338-2597, ext. 201; or, Dr. William Faddock, (866) 338-2597, ext. 209

Oklahoma State University Courses providing pedorthic education for the retail, NOVEMBER 2008 clinical or biomechanical oriented individual. Contact: Jerry Wilson, (918) 293-5330, or Andrea November 6 – 9 Autaubo, (918) 293-5330, or visit www.osu-okmulgee.edu. Pedorthic Footwear Association Scholl College at Rosalind Franklin University The Golden Age: Foot Health and Wellness for Life Pedorthic pre-certification course 50th Annual Symposium & Exhibition Contact: Ellie Wydeven, Special Programs Office, (847) Gaylord Opryland Hotel 578-8410, [email protected], or visit Nashville, TN www.rosalindfranklin.edu/scpm/ce Contact: (202) 367-1145; [email protected]; www.pedorthics.org MONTHLY November 15 – 24 Riecken’s Orthotic Labs Robert M. Palmer, MD, Institute of Biomechanics, Elwood, IN 5115 Oak Grove Rd., Evansville, Ind. SAFIO Class, second Pedorthic Pre-certification Course – Level 2 Friday of every month. Four casting stands provided, Contact [email protected]; phone (765) 557-7216; or, visit limited to eight students. www.pedorthicbiomechanics.org For more information, contact Darlene at 800-331-8040. November 17 – 22 American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics, Alexandria, VA C. Ped. Testing Dates (application deadline is March 1, 2008) Visit www.abcopp.org

40 CURRENT PEDORTHICS • May/June 2008 DECEMBER December 6 – 15 Robert M. Palmer, MD, Institute of Biomechanics, Elwood, IN E veryday Pedorthic Pre-certification Course – Level 2 C omfort Insole Contact [email protected]; phone (765) 557-7216; or, visit www.pedorthicbiomechanics.org Because Everyday is Different! The durable Everyday Comfort Insole is november 2009 engineered for relief and will provide all-day comfort everyday! They are designed to be pushed to the November 19 – 22 limits! anatomical design is what makes Pedorthic Footwear Association the difference. This insole immediately supports the 51st Annual Symposium & Exhibition arch, cradles hurting heels and eliminates overall Gaylord Texan Resort & Conference Center foot pain. An extra soft mid section is designed to provide extra support to the metatarsal. Grapevine (Dallas), TX Contact: (202) 367-1145; [email protected]; www.pedorthics.org · Full size insoles that can be cut for optimum fit. · Two shockproof gel sections provide additional NOVEMBER 2010 absorption in high impact areas, which help relieve stress to lower back and legs. November 18 – 21 q Moisture management system keeps feet dry and Pedorthic Footwear Association and the Pedorthic Association of minimizes blisters. Canada North American Pedorthic Congress q Anti-bacterial coating. Hilton in the Walt Disney World Resort q Grip panels keep insoles stuck to shoe. Orlando, FL Contact: PFA: (202) 367-1145; [email protected]; www.pedorthics. org; PAC: (204) 975-8200; [email protected]; www.pedorthic.ca

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CURRENT PEDORTHICS • May/June 2008 41 Pedorthic VenEdudcoatro Nrsews Directory

A PFA Pedorthic Educators Member exclusive, this directory highlights pedorthic education programs offered by member schools-in-good-standing. Statements about a provider or its services are the responsibility of the company and do not imply endorsement by the Pedorthic Footwear Association or its Board of Directors.

CFS Allied Health Services, Inc. P.W. Minor Contact: Rick Sevier, BS Ed., C. Ped. Contact: Gretchen DiFante, Dennis Janisse 507 W. Denny St., Catoosa, OK 74015 P.O. Box 678 – 3 Treadeasy Ave., Batavia, NY 14020 Phone: (918) 266-3678 Phone: (585) 815-0659; Fax: (585) 343-1514 Fax: (918) 266-1657 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.pwminor.com Website: www.learnpedorthics.com ABC approved Certified Fitter of Therapeutic Shoes course. Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine Online and distance continuing education; CDs and DVDs; Contact: Ellie Wydeven pedorthic exam review CDs. 3333 Green Bay Rd., North Chicago, IL 60064-3095 Phone: (847) 578-8410 Eneslow Pedorthic Institute Fax: (847) 775-6521 E-mail: [email protected] Contact: Robert S. Schwartz, C. Ped. Website: www.rosalindfranklin.edu 470 Park Avenue South @ 32nd St. New York, NY 10016 Phone: (212) 477-2300 or (800) ENESLOW Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine Fax: (212) 353-2876 Contact: Kendrick A. Whitney E-mail: [email protected] 8th & Race Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19107 Website: www.eneslow.com Phone: (215) 625-5373 E-mail: [email protected] Eneslow Pedorthic Enterprises was founded in 1926 to Website: www.tmspm.temple.edu serve the medical community and public by providing footwear and related devices to prevent and relieve painful and debilitating conditions that are managed at the foot and International School of Pedorthics lower extremity. The Eneslow Pedorthic Institute (EPI) was Contact: Kathy Meanwell created in 1995 to enhance the pedorthic profession and offer P.O. Box 2748 pedorthic education and training to healthcare professionals Broken Arrow, OK 74013 and the public. EPI is headed by Justin Wernick, DPM, Phone: (918) 872-1212 CPED, Medical Director, and Robert S. Schwartz, CPED, Fax: (918) 872-1213 Managing Director and includes a multi-disciplinary faculty. E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.pedorthiceducation.com Foot Solutions Corp. Pedorthic Training Center Contact: William F. Faddock, DPM, C. Ped. 1730 Cumberland Dr., Ste. 5, Marietta, GA 30060 Phone: (866) 338-2597 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.footsolutions.com

Oklahoma State University-Okmulgee Contact: Jerry D. Wilson, C. Ped. 1801 E. 4th St., Okmulgee, OK 74447-3901 Phone: (918) 293-5330 Fax: (918) 293-4603 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.osu-okmulgee.edu OSU offers both traditional classroom based classes as well as internet based distance learning classes at home.

42 CURRENT PEDORTHICS • May/June 2008 Useful Web Sites for Pedorthists

Government Entities/Reimbursement/Coding/Billing www.acsm.org American College of Sports Medicine www.cms.hhs.gov Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) www.diabetes.org American Diabetes Association (ADA) www.medicarenhic.com National Heritage Insurance Company Jurisdiction A DME MAC www.aofas.org CT, DE, DC, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI and VT American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) www.administar.com www.aopanet.org AdminiStar Federal Jurisdiction B DME MAC American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) IL, IN, KY, MI, MN, OH, WI - (temporarily WV and VA) www.apma.org www.cignagovernmentservices.com American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Cigna Government Services Jurisdiction C DME MAC AL, AR, CO, FL, GA, LA, MS, NM, NC, OK, PR, SC, TN, TX VI www.apta.org American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) www.noridianmedicare.com/dme/index.html Noridian Administrative Services LLC Jurisdiction D DME MAC www.amputee-coalition.org AL, American Samoa, AZ, CA, Guam, HI, ID, IA, KS, MO, MT, Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) NE, NV, ND, Northern Mariana Islands, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY www.bocusa.org www3.palmettogba.com/dmecs/jsp/index.jsp Board for Orthotic/Prosthetic Certification (BOC) Durable Medical Equipment Coding System (DMECS) www.charcot-marie-tooth.org Online coding assistance from SADMERC Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association (CMTA) www.palmettogba.com www.nata.org Statistical Analysis Durable Medical Equipment Regional National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) Carrier (SADMERC) www.pedorthic.ca www.palmettogba.com Pedorthic Association of Canada (PAC) National Supplier Clearinghouse www.twoten.org Two Ten International Footwear Foundation Links to Allied Health Organizations www.wocn.org www.aadenet.org Wound Ostomy & Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) www.oandp.org Professional Publications American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists (AAOP) www.biomech.com www.aapmr.org Biomechanics American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (AAPMR) www.footwearnews.com Footwear News www.aaos.org American Academy Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) www.aopanet.org O&P Almanac www.abcop.org American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association American Board for Certification in Orthotics & Prosthetics, Inc. (ABC) www.oandpbiznews.com O&P Business News www.amerchiro.org American Chiropractic Association (ACA) www.acfas.org American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS)

CURRENT PEDORTHICS • May/June 2008 43 Resource Center

From coding and billing to Medicare compliance to reading foot and ankle x-rays, PFA has your interests covered. To order any of the new titles or the many classic titles already offered through the Resource Center, visit PFA’s web site, www.pedorthics. org and click on the Resource Center button. Alternatively, you may request a 2008 Resource Center catalog and order form by e-mailing your name and mailing address to [email protected], and placing “2008 Resource Center Catalog Request” in the subject line, or phoning PFA at (202) 367-1145.

Foot and Ankle Radiology This text/atlas of radiography introduces the scope of diagnostic radiology applicable to podiatric medicine, including normal and pathological presentations of the foot and ankle. It covers the principles of radiographic interpretation, normal and variant radiographic anatomy and development of the foot and ankle, systematic evaluation of bone and joint disorders, as well as bone and joint abnormalities. An excellent guide to the radiographic presentations of pathologic conditions, this book acquaints the reader with specific radiologic pathology of the foot and ankle and offers a solid understanding of general diagnostic radiology and pathologic correlation. It also demonstrates how to systematically analyze a radiograph and identify conditions that are intrinsic to the foot or that represent manifestations of extrinsic disease. By Robert Christman, DPM, FACPR, ABPOPPM, Director of Radiology; Associate Professor, Department of Medicine; Director of Online Learning; Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine Philadelphia, PA Hardcover, 608 pages.

PFA Members: $150 – Non-members: $170

Introduction to Podopediatrics Great for those who work with lower limb problems in children. Sixteen chapters on topics such as psychological considerations in children, pediatric gait, orthopedic conditions affecting children, orthotic management, and more. Edited by Peter Thompson, Russell Volpe. Forward by Justin Wernick, DPM. Hardcover, 371 pages.

PFA Members: $70 – Non-members: $95

Neale’s Disorders of the Foot: Diagnosis & Management General clinical guide to origins, diagnosis, and conservative management of common foot disorders. Chapters on functional disorders, and examination techniques. 25 contributors, mostly podiatrists. Edited by: Donald L. Lorimer, Gwen French, Maureen O Donnell, J. Gordon Burrow. Hardcover, 702 pages.

PFA Members: $85 – Non-members: $110

The Foot and Ankle in Sport Five major sections address athletic evaluation, sport syndromes, anatomic disorders in sports, unique problems in sports and dance, and athletic shoes, orthoses, and rehabilitation. Last section discusses the shoe in sports, foot orthoses, and rehabilitation of the elite athlete. Includes more than 400 illustrations. Editor: Donald E. Baxter, M.D. Hard cover, 407 pages.

PFA Members: $135 – Non-members: $160

Professional Shoe Fitting Manual Comprehensive textbook on shoe fitting. Discusses foot anatomy, problems related to shoes, problems of fitting, shoe anatomy, materials, lasts, and sizes, plus fitting for infants, children, and problem feet, and adjustments in fitting. Author: William Rossi, D.P.M. Soft cover, 160 pages.

PFA Members: $25 – Non-Members: $50

44 CURRENT PEDORTHICS • May/June 2008 When the Shoe Fits DVD Educational 2 1/2-hour course in a DVD collection. Includes 2 DVDs, companion reference book, instructor’s guide, and 100-question test for reviewing the 11 instructional sections. Sections: foot evaluation and measurement, testing for fit, fitting the special foot, foot anatomy and biomechanics, worn shoe evaluation, plus more. Developed by PFA, AOFAS and NSRA.

PFA Members: $150 – Non-members: $250

Introduction to Pedorthics Sections include anatomy and foot function, disorders of the foot, pedorthic management of the foot, shoes, shoe therapy, shoe modification, pedorthic practice management. This classic pedorthic text is authored by PFA, with contributions from numerous practicing physicians and credentialed pedorthists. Soft cover, 310 pages.

Recommended Reading for Pedorthic Students

PFA Members: $99 – Non-members $149

The Complete Footwear Dictionary Over 4,000 footwear terms and definitions, with 100’s of shoe retailing, pedorthic and shoe fashion terms. 2nd edition added over 800 new terms & 160 illustrations to the terms & definitions contained in the original edition. Author: William A. Rossi, D.P.M. Hard cover, 310 pages.

PFA Members: $80 – Non-members: $105

Pedorthic Brochure Series Professionally designed and produced two-color brochures are designed to educate patients, their families, allied health providers and other pedorthic audiences. One brochure fits easily with a cover letter in a business envelope with a single first- class stamp for direct-mail efforts. The brochures are perfect for in-service meetings, education events or as handouts to customers and patients. Brochures are shrink wrapped in bundles of 50. Titles 1. Pedorthics - Footcare Through Proper Footwear 7. What is a Credentialed Pedorthist – 2. Diabetes & Pedorthics - Conservative Foot Care and Why Should I See One? 3. Arthritis & Pedorthics - Enhancing Mobility 8. Ten Tips to a GREAT Shoe Fit! 4. Sports Injuries & Pedorthics - Prevention & Recovery 9. Pedorthics - Footcare Through Proper Footwear 5. Shoes & Pedorthics - Therapy for the Feet (Spanish version) 6. Orthoses & Pedorthics - Treatment as Prescribed 10. Diabetes & Pedorthics - Conservative Foot Care (Spanish version)

PFA Members: 50/$20; 100/$35; 250/ $55 – Non-members: 50/$40; 100/$70; 250/$110

PFA Logoed Items (available to PFA members only) • “Member of PFA” Lapel Pins The pin has a clutch back to fasten it to clothing. $5 each. Quantities of 5 or more pins are $4 each. • “Member of PFA” Point-of-Sale Display 4” x 6” angled white plastic point-of-sale display features the “Member of PFA” legend encircling the association’s logo in blue against the white background. $10 each. Quantities of 3 or more are $9 each. • “Member of PFA” Window Decal The window decal is 5” in diameter and display’s the “Member of PFA” legend encircling the association’s logo. $1 each.

CURRENT PEDORTHICS • May/June 2008 45 Pedorthic marketplace

HELP WANTED Seeking to Hire rocket7 cycling shoes We have an immediate opening for a Certified Rocket7 has an immediate opening for a full- Pedorthist. Part time position is open one or two time pedorthist/manager. Seattle area. The ideal C. Ped. Wanted days a week; self motivated and results driven - candidate will have a passion for cycling. Primarily You are 3 short questions away from a great willing to go the extra mile; no evenings or Sundays; labwork, with some customer service. We offer a career move…Are you an independent thinker, we are the fastest growing pharmacy in Del Ray competitive salary, and much more for the best self motivated, detail oriented, goal driven and Beach, FL-area. E-mail resume to jdpromo1@aol. candidate who stays long term. Please send flexible? Do you have at least 3 years experience com or call John at (732) 809-0290. resume to: [email protected]. in clinical patient care? Do you enjoy working in a clinical setting with other health care professionals? If you said yes to these questions, C. Ped. Wanted than we are the place for you! Visit us at Nascott. Growing healthcare services company has an FOR SALE com to find out who we are and what we’re immediate opening for an experienced Certified about, and then send your resume and salary Pedorthist in Milwaukee, WI. Candidates must be requirements to: Nascott, 7379 Washington Blvd., able to work closely with Podiatrists and possess business for sale Elkridge, MD 21075 Attn: Karen Curtis; E-mail strong professional skills. Position includes travel Lucrative pedorthic office/shop with fabrication [email protected] to various long term care facilities. We offer a lab. Medicare accredited. Established patients. well established patient base and a competitive Located adjacent to hospital. Overland Park, KS - compensation package. If interested, please call Kansas City metro. Call (913) 961-8646. Gottlieb Hospital Pharmacy/Shoe Sean at (888) 964-6681 ext 166 or email your Technician resume to [email protected] or fax it to Applicant should have experience in customer 866-657-5400. Website www.healthdrive.com service, record keeping, Medicare DME billing and Classified Rates Windows software. This is a part-time, 32 hours per week position with benefits. Applicants will be Orthotic Lab Manager Wanted in Words Member Non- expected to become certified in shoe fitting. For Beautiful Southern Utah Member further details, please visit www.gottliebhospital.org Well established prefabricated orthotic company 50 or fewer words $25 $45 or e-mail [email protected]. EOE M/F/D/V. with thousands of customers is looking to set up 51-75 words $45 $65 a custom lab facility. We need someone who can manufacture every aspect of custom orthotics. 76-150 words $65 $125 Seeking Certified Per Diem We have a proprietary ultra thin material we have Pedorthist in Westland/ developed that sets us apart from other labs. Milford Michigan and Miami/Ft This position will help design, manufacture and Lauderdale area manage our lab. E-mail or fax resume to john@ jmorthotics.com; (435) 251-8505. AOM Healthcare Solutions (formerly Access Diabetic Supply), an Owens & Minor Company, seeks an experienced Per Diem Pedorthist in the Westland/Milford, Michigan and Miami/Ft C. Ped. Wanted Lauderdale area. The Pedorthist will complete Brownfield’s Prosthetic and Orthotic Technologies therapeutic shoe fittings for AOM diabetic is currently interviewing for a Certified Pedorthist. customers according to Medicare and state Our company employs energetic, self-motivated, requirements. Candidates must posses an active detail oriented individuals who take pride in being license. Email resumes to [email protected] or team players. Brownfield’s is a well-established, fax to 800-477-5815. fast-paced full service facility that will be opening a second state-of-the-art location in late 2008. Certified Pedorthist in Western Massachusetts Wanted The Treasure Valley area is an attractive, growing, family-oriented community only minutes away Excellent opportunity for an independent, from areas that offer great outdoor recreational motivated individual. The right person will enjoy activities. Boise is home to Hewlett-Packard, an attractive salary combined with an excellent Micron, The Morrison Performing Arts Center and working environment. In business for 20+ Boise State Broncos. years, we are a progressive leader of O&P care in western Massachusetts. Our main office has Comprehensive benefits include health, dental, support staff as well as onsite fabrication. This vision, short-term disability insurances, Simple IRA position includes paid medical, vacation carryover plan, paid vacation, sick time, holidays and career from current position, continuing education development. Please contact or send resume to: opportunities, and relocation assistance. Tom Padilla, CPO For more information, contact: Jim Haas, Orthotics 122 N. 5th St. & Prosthetics Laboratories, Inc., Boise, ID 83702 Phone: (888) 432-5488, fax: (413) 733-1389, Phone: (208) 342-4659, ext. 3007 e-mail: [email protected] Fax: (208) 342-8211 E-mail: [email protected]

46 CURRENT PEDORTHICS • May/June 2008 Letter to the Editor continued from page 4 promotion for one certification body over another. We are confident that individual members of the pedorthic community will draw their own conclusions based on accurate information. In closing, we would be remiss if we did not state how disturbed and offended we are by the author’s reference to the some of the patients we serve as “mutilated vets.” We are equally dismayed at the decision by the PFA to publish such statements in the format of an unattributed letter that is directly contradictory to PFA’s stance of all interested parties working together to grow and advance the profession. We welcome any questions regarding the standard setting mission of our organization. Sincerely, Michael J. Allen, CPO, FAAOP President, ABC Board of Directors

When there’s work to be done,

SupremeSupreme S-600 Grinders make it profitable WorkMaster 1000 Designed especially for Supreme S-400 Orthopedic work Supreme S-500 or Sanding production

They are efficient machines with many advantages. . Improves work quality . Reduces labor time . Reliable quality

. Built with U.S. motors and U.S. electrical components . Wide variety of interchangeable accessories Mini Grind Pro

U.S. Customers call: Canadian Customers call: Shoe Systems Plus, Inc. Landis International Inc. 800-354-6278 800-634-0806 www.shoesystemsplus.com Visit us on the Web www.landisinternational.ca

CURRENT PEDORTHICS • May/June 2008 47 Product Reference Guide

This reference guide is intended solely to make it easier for individuals, facilities and companies to locate pedorthic products. Companies listed in the guide are PFA vendor/manufacturer members. Companies may produce additional products beyond those listed, and most companies are pleased to provide additional information on request. As a courtesy to our readers, CP has noted the year the company joined PFA in parentheses after the company’s name. Inclusion in this list does not suggest or imply PFA endorsement of companies or products. For space reasons, company product descriptions are limited to 20 words or less. To‑arrange changes in your company’s listing, e-mail [email protected].

AGS Footwear Group (1995) Apis Footwear Company (2000) Brooks Sports, Inc. (2001) Shoe store supplies, fabricating materials, prefabricated Women’s footwear, 103 sizes; men’s footwear, 98 sizes. Open Walking/athletic shoes in women’s and men’s styles. Delivery orthotics, heel cups and forefoot supports. stock for immediate delivery. includes special orders. Ashland, VA...... 800-446-3820 S. El Monte, CA...... 888-937-2747 Bothell, WA...... 800-2-BROOKS Fax...... 800-822-0180 Fax...... 626-448-8783 Fax...... 425-483-8181 E-mail ...... [email protected] E-mail ...... [email protected] E-mail ...... [email protected] Web site...... www.brooksrunning.com Web site...... www.agsfootweargroup.com. Web site...... www.bignwideshoes.com Acor (1979) Chaco, Inc. (2004) Atlantic Footcare (2007) Paonia, CO...... 970-527-4990 Custom and comfort footwear, inserts and materials. Prothotics prefabricated Therapeutic and Diasole Fax...... 970-527-4997 Originator of Tri-Lam and P-Cell. polyurethane insoles are SADMERC coded and made in the Cleveland, OH...... 800-237-2267 USA. The Therapeutic is also available in anatomical and C.N. Waterhouse Leather Co., Inc. (1998) wide versions. Fax...... 216-662-4547 Manufacturer and distributor of fine leathers, woolskins, E-mail ...... [email protected] N. Smithfield, RI ...... 401-765-8600 suede pig-skins, sheet goods and adhesives for use in the Web site...... www.acor.com Fax...... 401-766-5327 pedorthic footwear and orthopedic industries. E-mail ...... [email protected] Bedford, MA...... 800-322-1177 Aetrex Worldwide, Inc. (1973) Fax...... 781-271-0499 Ready-made triple-density orthotics offering rearfoot posting Atlas International (1994) E-mail ...... [email protected] & metatarsal support options. For pedorthic needs. Complete range of materials, prefabs Teaneck, NJ...... 800-526-2739 and tools. Dansko, Inc. (2007) Fax...... 201-833-1485 Every day we strive to make your world a little easier by Rancho Cordova, CA...... 800-545-6287 E-mail ...... [email protected] providing state of the art comfort footwear. From innovative Fax...... 916-858-3320 Web site...... www.aetrex.com. designs to retailer training, your comfort is our first concern. E-mail ...... [email protected] We realize you lead an active life, and Dansko shoes are Web site...... www.atlasortho.com. constructed with that thought in mind. Our footwear is an Affinity Insurance Services, Inc. (1998) investment in your well-being. Styles may change, but our Affinity Insurance Services administers the PFA product Bintz Company, Inc. (1991) philosophy remains the same. and malpractice liability insurance program. Designed for Sheet goods, inlays, and related products. West Grove, PA ...... 610-869-8335 pedorthists, insurance protection can be customized for Fax...... 610-869-5764 each‑PFA member. Wheaton, IL...... 800-235-8458 E-mail ...... [email protected] Chicago, IL...... 800-544-2672 Fax...... 630-653-5077 Fax...... 312-922-9321 E-mail ...... [email protected] DB Shoes Ltd. (2003) Web site...... www.bintzco.com. Manufacturers of PU direct injection moulded footwear in Alden Shoe Company (1969) EE, 4E and 6E fittings, all with removable socks. Goodyear welt construction footwear for men. Biomechanical Services Inc. (2004) Rushden, Norhamptonshire, England. 00 44 1933 359217 Custom foot orthotics as well as lower extremity evaluation Fax...... 00 44 1933 410218 Middleborough, MA...... 508-947-3926 systems, custom sandals, prefabs, balance therapy tools and E-mail ...... [email protected] Fax...... 508-947-7753 educational courses. Technical support services. Web site...... www.dbshoes.co.uk AliMed, Inc. (2004) Brea, CA...... 800-942-2272 Fax...... 714-990-4060 Diacare/Accufit (2005) Orthopedic products including orthoses and orthotic E-mail ...... [email protected] Marianna, FL...... 850-209-3514 materials, orthopedic supports, walkers and shoes, Web site...... www.biomechanical.com therapeutic modalities, diabetic footwear and more. Doctor Specified (2008) Dedham, MA...... 800-225-2610 Birkenstock Distribution USA, Inc. (1981) The Doctor Specified line has been specially developed for Fax...... 800-437-2966 the discerning consumer or those among us with foot or Birkenstock Distribution USA, Inc. is the exclusive U.S. E-mail ...... [email protected] general health issues. The line includes Diabetic and Medical Web site...... www.alimed.com importer, distributor and marketer of Birkenstock brand Grade categories, which feature socks that are specific in footwear. We believe that comfortable, supportive footwear need and technically advanced. leads to personal happiness and overall wellbeing. This belief American Shoe Corporation (2003) is why our products are designed around the concept that the By incorporating features such as hand-linked seamless toes, extra-deep heel wells, and our proprietary Med Dry® Custom shoe company. Complete lines for diabetic, arthritic shape of the shoe should follow the shape of the foot. and geriatric patients. 15-day manufacturing time and fully moisture management system, we have produced a product guaranteed fit and finish on each pair. Novato, CA ...... 800-949-7301 line unique to the U.S. market. Fax...... 415-209-4955 Hickory, NC...... 828-485-3316 Bedford Hill, NY...... 914-241-0422 E-mail ...... [email protected] Fax...... 914-241-1974 Fax...... 828-485-0049 Web site...... www.birkenstockusa.com. E-mail ...... [email protected] E-mail ...... [email protected] Web site...... www.doctorspecified.com. Amfit Inc. (1996) Branier Orthopedic Custom Molded Shoes (2004) Catalogue contains over 40 styles. Can duplicate any shoe on Dr. Comfort (2004) Footfax-SL 3D Contact Digitizer, Footprinter Foam Casting the market. 12-day turnaround, great fit! Dr. Comfort manufactures, warehouses and distributes the System, precision CAD/CAM Carving Mill, accommodative finest quality extra-depth shoes for diabetics or patients who Sunrise, FL...... 877-524-0639 and functional custom foot orthoses and orthotic sandals. need quality comfort shoes. Fax...... 954-727-2688. Vancouver, WA...... 800-356-3668 E-mail ...... [email protected] Mequon, WI...... 262-242-5300. Fax...... 360-566-1380 Web site...... www.branier.com Fax...... 262-242-9300 E-mail ...... [email protected] E-mail ...... [email protected] Web site...... www.amfit.com. Web site...... www.drcomfortdpm.com

48 CURRENT PEDORTHICS • May/June 2008 Dr. Kong Footcare Limited (2005) Frankford Leather Company, Inc. (1997) Justin Blair & Company (2001) Manufacturer of children’s, men’s and women’s healthy shoes Diabetic seamfree socks, foot comfort products, shoes, shoe Manufacturer of Ralyn Shoe Care and Backroom Supplies insoles, footcare accessories and computerized assessment modification/shoe repair supplies, foam impression kits, specialty and NightCare Foot Care. Distributor for Aetrex, Acor, software. 33 chain shoe shops in Hong Kong. Provides adhesives and more. Same-day shipping. Products from Apex, Darco, Herbal Concepts, Pedifix, Swede-O, Silipos and check and fit services and healthy products for everybody. Soletech, Vibram, EVA, Sher, Dryz, etc. Catalogs available. Therafirm. Kwai Chung, N.T., Hong Kong . . . . . 852-2744-2638 Bensalem, PA...... 800-245-5555 Chicago, IL...... 800-566-0664 Fax...... 852-2744-8845. Fax...... 215-244-4411 Fax...... 773-523-3639 E-mail ...... [email protected] E-mail ...... [email protected] E-mail ...... [email protected] Web site...... www.dr-kong.footcare.com.hk Web site...... www.frankfordleather.com Web site...... www.justinblairco.com.

Drew Shoe Corporation (1968) Gateway Shoe Machine, Inc. (2003) KLM Laboratories (2006) Men’s and women’s depth and comfort footwear in over Lebanon, IL...... 800-752-7897 Valencia, CA...... 800-556-3668 150 sizes. Fax...... 618-537-4131 Fax...... 800-556-3338 E-mail ...... [email protected] Lancaster, OH ...... 800-837-3739 Email...... [email protected] Web site...... www.orthopedicmachines.com Fax...... 740-654-4979 E-mail ...... [email protected] Klogs-USA (2007) Gerda Hoehm/Haflinger (2006) Web site...... www.drewshoe.com Sullivan, MO...... 573-468-5564 New York, NY ...... 212-949-6767 Fax...... 573-468-5560 Fax...... 212-949-8833 Edser (2007) E-mail ...... [email protected] The multidiscipline team at EDSER® consists of experts from the fields of medicine, engineering and informatics. Gravity Defy Footwear (2007) Kumfs Shoes N.Z., Ltd. (1998) Sylmar, CA...... 818-833-4860 With extensive experience in the orthopedic sector, it has Quality, thoughtfully designed shoes and sandals. Orthotics Fax...... 818-833-4888 developed and patented advanced systems exclusively for friendly with specialist designed removable contoured ® E-mail ...... [email protected] EDSER to offer professionals a foot orthosis completely footbeds. customized and scientifically designed. Miami, FL ...... 786-206-6117 Guard Industries, Inc. (1996) El Dorado Hills, CA ...... 530-676-9960 Fax ...... 530-676-9965 Fax...... 786-513-7760 Components for shoe care, foot comfort, orthotics and E-mail ...... [email protected] E-mail ...... [email protected] prosthetics. Complete listing of available products will be Web Site ...... www.kumfs.com Web site...... www.edserlabs.com sent upon request. St. Louis, MO...... 800-535-3508 Euro International, Inc. (1997) Fax...... 314-534-0035 Landesman Bros., Inc. (2003) Preformed insoles, diabetic shoes and materials in different E-mail ...... [email protected] Distributors of foot comfort products, pedorthic, orthopedic hardnesses, especially for diabetics. Web site ...... www.guardmfg.com and wound care supplies. Same day shipping. Tampa, FL...... 800-378-2480 Island Park, NY...... 800-852-8855 Fax...... 813-246-5998 Hapad, Inc. (1988) Fax...... 516-889-1253 E-mail ...... [email protected] Wool felt foot products and sports replacement insoles. E-mail ...... [email protected] Web site...... www.eurointl.com Web site...... www.landesmanbros.com. Bethel Park, PA...... 800-544-2723 Fax...... 800-232-9427 Feels Good Footwear (2006) E-mai...... [email protected]. Langer Inc. (2006) Brookfield, CT...... 203-740-8504 Web site...... www.hapad.com. Deer Park, NY ...... 800-233-2687 Fax...... 203-740-8503 Fax...... 631-667-1203 Email...... [email protected] InStride Shoes (2003) Email...... [email protected] InStride is a manufacturer of Medicare reimbursable, Finn Comfort (1993) multiple width footwear for diabetics that features the three LaZerFit (2006) Luxury comfort footwear. Men’s and women’s walking layer Custom Fit System. Cranberry Township, PA ...... 724-779-3893 shoes, sandals and boots featuring removable/modifiable Hillsborough, NJ ...... 866-9-MY-FEET Fax...... 724-779-3895. orthopedic footbeds. Hand-crafted in Germany. Fax...... 908-359-7434 Email...... [email protected] Thousand Oaks, CA...... 805-375-0038. E-mail ...... [email protected] Fax...... 805-375-0848 Web site...... www.instrideshoes.com Lord Custom Molded Shoes, Inc. (1994) E-mail ...... [email protected] Fashionable custom-molded shoes for men, women, and Web site...... www.finncomfort.de. J.H. Cook & Sons, Inc. (2004) children. Guaranteed fit and service. Shoe Modification Components, Foot Comfort Products and Bohemia, NY ...... 800-SHOES11 Foot Efx Wholesale Foot Care Shoe Repair Supplies. Products from Aetrex, Spenco, Vibram Fax...... 516-471-3090 Products‑LLC‑(2003) and Soletech. Arch support, diabetic inserts, diabetic shoes and comfort shoes. Granite Quarry, NC...... 704-279-5568 MMAR Medical Group, Inc. (2003) Fax...... 704-279-5261. Las Vegas, NV...... 702-259-0955 Distributor of multiple diabetic shoe brands at manufacturer- Fax...... 702-258-6544 direct wholesale pricing. Other products include AFO’s, ankle E-mail ...... [email protected] Jerry Miller I.D. Shoes, Inc. (1977) braces and cam walkers. Orthopedic, custom molded footwear. Web site...... www.footefx.com Houston, TX ...... 800-662-7633 Buffalo, NY...... 800-435-0065 Fax...... 713-465-2818 Foot Management, Inc. (1984) Fax...... 716-881-0349 E-mail ...... [email protected] Manufacturer of custom orthotics. Also carries foam Web site...... www.mmarmedical.com. impression trays, footpads, insoles, felt, foam and mole skin. Joseph H. Deacon Company (2000) Pittsville, MD...... 410-835-3668 Shoe modification and lab supplies. Same-day shipping. MacPherson Leather Company (2005) Fax...... 410-835-8966 Cherry Hill, NJ...... 800-355-7463 Seattle, WA...... 206-328-0855 E-mail ...... [email protected] Fax...... 856-667-0665 Fax...... 206-328-0859 Web site...... www.footmanagement.com E-mail ...... [email protected] E-mail ...... [email protected]

CURRENT PEDORTHICS • May/June 2008 49 Product Reference Guide

Miami Leather Company (2001) PediFix, Inc. (2001) Quality Outcomes, LLC (2007) Wholesaler to the orthopedic, prosthetic, retail shoe and High quality pressure relief footcare products. Quality Outcomes helps remove the stress and worry shoe repair trades. Wide variety of products. Brewster, NY ...... 800-424-5561 associated with complying with the mandatory Miami, FL ...... 305-266-8328 Fax...... 845-277-2851 Medicare accreditation process. Not just guidance and Fax...... 305-266-8728 E-mail ...... [email protected] recommendations, but the leadership and expertise needed E-mail ...... [email protected] Web site...... www.pedifix.com to maintain your specific policies and procedures while Web site...... www.miamileather.com. ensuring your organization continues to comply with Pedors Shoes (1999) accreditation requirements. Let Quality Outcomes handle the organization and paperwork burden so you can see more M. J. Markell Shoe Company, Inc. (1973) Orthopedic shoes with a neoprene forefoot. Men’s, women’s and children’s comfort and orthopedic patients and increase your profits! Marietta, GA...... 800-750-6729 footwear. Fredericksburg, VA...... 800-986-3004 Fax...... 800-446-3101 E-mail ...... [email protected] Yonkers, NY...... 914-963-2258 Email...... [email protected] Web site...... www.qualityoutcomes.org. Fax...... 914-963-9293 Web site ...... www.pedors.com E-mail ...... [email protected] Web site...... www.markellshoe.com. Pedorthic Technology Ltd. (2007) Remington Products (2000) Insoles and sheet packages, rigid arch supports, viscoelastic Causeway Bay, Hong Kong...... 522-332-9375 Mobils by Mephisto (1998) Email...... [email protected] heel cups, 3/4 and full insoles. Extra-depth footwear with a removable footbed and natural Web site ...... www.ezped.com Wadsworth, OH...... 330-335-1571 orthopedic support. Fax...... 330-336-9462 Franklin, TN ...... 800-775-7852 E-mail Adress...... [email protected]. PEL Supply Company (1995) Web site...... www.remprod.com. Fax...... 615-771-5935 Wholesale distributor stocks broad selection of finished Email...... [email protected] foot and arch products, materials and tools for fabricating Web site...... www.mephisto.com foot orthotics. Renia GmbH (2001) Cleveland, OH...... 800-321-1264 Specially-designed adhesives and components for the shoe Munro & Company, Inc. (2000) Fax...... 800-222-6176 industry, shoe repair trade, and O & P industry. Hot Springs, AR...... 501-262-6156 E-mail ...... [email protected] Cologne, Germany...... 49-221-6307990 Fax...... 501-262-6165 Web site...... www.pelsupply.com Fax...... 49-221-63079950 E-mail ...... [email protected] Natural Step (2004) Pepper Gate Footwear, Inc. (2006) Web site...... www.renia.com. Manufacturer of men’s and ladies’ handsewn moccasin Pomona, CA...... 909-865-2171 extra-depth shoes. Available in a large selection of sizes and Fax...... 909-868-7252 Rogers Corporation (1995) widths. Email...... [email protected] Offers a wide selection of specialty materials for‑the health Jupiter, FL ...... 866-500-7463 care industry, including PORON Medical urethanes, Bisco Fax...... 866-540-7463 Pine Tree Orthopedic Lab (2007) silicone materials and Polyolefin foams . E-mail ...... [email protected] As an orthopedic lab, we offer physicians across the nation Web site...... www.naturalstepshoes.com. Woodstock, CT ...... 860-928-3622 high quality leather covered AFO’s (Ankle Foot Orthoses), Fax...... 860-928-7843 custom orthotics, semi-custom orthotics, and diabetic E-mail ...... www.litporonhc.com New Balance Athletic Shoe/Aravon (1990) inserts. For more information on a specific product line, Web site...... www.rogerscorporation.com. A leading manufacturer of technologically innovative athlet- please visit our website. ic products. Recently debuted Aravon comfort performance footwear for women. We pride ourselves in manufacturing high quality devices Ruby Leather & Orthopedic Company Inc. (1998) using the most durable materials possible. With standard Boston, MA ...... 617-746-2303 five business day turnaround, and exceptional customer Milwaukee, WI...... 414-778-2288 Fax...... 617-746-6303 service, it is time to see what PTOL can do for you! Fax...... 414-778-2047 E-mail ...... [email protected] Livermorefalls, ME...... 207-897-5558 Web site...... www.newbalance.com Fax...... 207-897 1117 SAS Shoemakers (1992) E-mail ...... [email protected] SAS makes comfortable shoes that care for all‑feet. Orthofeet, Inc. (1999) Web site...... www.pinetreeorthpedic.com. Manufacturer and distributor of high quality depth-shoes San Antonio, TX...... 210-921-7455 and orthotics. Fax...... 210-921-7460 Prizm Medical, Inc. (2007) E-mail ...... [email protected] Northvale, NJ...... 800-524-2845 Prizm Medical is the premier developer and manufacturer Web site...... www.sasshoes.com Fax...... 201-767-6748 of electrotherapy devices for therapeutic pain management, E-mail ...... [email protected] increased blood circulation, improved range of motion, and Web site...... www.orthofeet.com. retardation of disuse atrophy (muscle wasting) STS Company (1997) Oakwood, GA ...... 770-622-0933 Resin-impregnated tubular and fitted socks made to take PAL Health Technologies, Inc. (2003) Fax...... 678-714-7243 foot and ankle impressions for custom shoes and foot/ankle Custom lab for prefabricated and custom ankle braces E-mail ...... [email protected] orthotic devices. Web site...... www.prizm-medical.com and‑orthoses. Mill Valley, CA...... 800-787-9097 Pekin, IL ...... 800-447-0151 Fax...... 415-381-4610 Fax...... 877-957-5647 Propet USA, Inc. (2000) E-mail...... [email protected]. E-mail ...... [email protected] Leading manufacturer in men’s and women’s comfort Web site...... www.stssox.com. Web site...... www.palhealth.com. walking shoes. Available in up to 5 widths, sizes 5-13 in women’s, 7-17 in men’s. Propet features a vast selection of SafeStep (2004) PartnerShip (2000) Medicare A5500 coded footwear with removable orthotics, secure closure and maximum customization. Factory direct prices of various footwear brands. PartnerShip, in cooperation with PFA, offers members-only discounts and savings on small package shipping with FedEx Kent, WA...... 800-877-6738 Milford, CT ...... 203-874-7722 Ground, and on large freight shipments with Yellow Freight. Fax...... 800-597-8668 Fax...... 203-723-0091 E-mail ...... [email protected] Oberlin, OH...... 800-599-2902 E-mail ...... [email protected] Web site...... www.propetusa.com Fax...... 440-774-2823 Web site...... www.safestep.net P.W. Minor, Inc. (1968) Footwear products for foothealth. Batavia, NY...... 585-343-1500 Fax...... 585-343-1514 Web site...... www.pwminor.com.

50 CURRENT PEDORTHICS • May/June 2008

Product Reference Guide

Sequoia/Comfort Rite (1998) Sroufe Healthcare (2006) UCO International (1987) Quality comfort footwear in a variety of sizes and widths. Ligonier, IN...... 260-894-4171 Materials, tools, and lab equipment for production of New Holstein, WI ...... 800-898-5556 Fax...... 260-894-4092 custom orthotics. Comprehensive line of pre-molded foot Fax...... 920-898-4605 E-mail ...... [email protected] orthosis and Quick-Sil silicone system. Wheeling, IL ...... 800-541-4030 Shoe Systems Plus, Inc. (2003) Superfeet Worldwide LLP (2003) Fax...... 847-541-4144 Ferndale, WA...... 360-384-1820 E-mail ...... [email protected] Complete line of orthotic and prosthetic equipment Fax...... 360-384-2724 Web site...... www.ucointernational.com. including finishers/grinders, vacuum pans, pumps, presses, E-mail ...... [email protected] industrial sewing machines, fume busters and more. Goshen, NY...... 800-354-6278 Vibram-Quabaug Corporation (1998) Fax...... 845-291-7097 Tekscan, Inc. (1994) Quabaug Corporation is the U.S. manufacturer of Vibram E-mail ...... [email protected] Broad range of pressure assessment and clinical/research soling products and Barge adhesives. evaluation tools for use in orthotics, brace evaluations, joint Web site...... www.shoesystemsplus.com. North Brookfield, MA ...... 508-867-7731 biomechanics, and gait analysis. Fax ...... 508-867-4600 Silipos, Inc. (1991) Boston, MA ...... 617-464-4500 E-mail ...... [email protected]. Fax...... 617-464-4266 Web Site...... http://www.vibram.us. Skin protection devices using an advanced polymer E-mail ...... [email protected] technology incorporated into an entire orthotics/footcare Web site...... www.tekscan.com. product line. Walkwell International Laboratories (2006) Niagara Falls, NY...... 800-229-4404 Therafirm (A Division of Knit-Rite, Inc.) (1999) Boise, ID ...... 208-343-8907 Fax...... 716-283-0600 E-mail ...... [email protected] E-mail ...... [email protected] Quality medical-grade compression hosiery and diabetic socks. Web site: ...... www.silipos.com Wrymark, Inc. (1986) Ellerbe, NC ...... 800-562-2701 Fax...... 910-652-2438 Pre-fabricated foot inserts; in-office orthotic fabrication Sole Custom Footbeds (2007) Web site...... www.therafirm.com. system; Resource Labs, central fabrication facility; and direct Calgary, Alberta, Canada ...... 403-204-0907 patient care facilities in central United States. Fax...... 604-608-3596 Thor-Lo, Inc. (2001) St. Louis, MO...... 800-969-3668 Web site...... www.yoursole.com. Fax ...... 314-991-5720 Statesville, NC...... 704-872-6522 Fax...... 704-838-6323 E-mail ...... [email protected] Soletech (1995) Web Site...... http://www.wrymark.com. Salem, MA...... 800-225-2192 Fax...... 978-741-2091 Tidwell’s Orthotics (2006) Coral Springs, FL...... 954-346-5402 Xsensible Shoes (2002) E-mail ...... [email protected]. Patented stretchable leather, nubuck and fabric footwear Solidschuhwerk GMBH (2006) in many styles. All stretchable materials are breathable and Tuttlingen, Germany...... 074-619-6120 Trulife (2006) wick moisture away from the foot. Fax...... 746-196-1270 Hickory, NC...... 828-328-4605 Jackson, MI...... 800-788-2267 Fax...... 800-245-3765 Fax ...... 828-328-4842 Southern Leather Company (1996) E-mail ...... [email protected] E-mail ...... [email protected]. 7 locations nationwide. The most extensive pedorthic Web Site...... http://www.xsensible.com. and shoe care/repair inventory in the industry. Inventory includes Apex, Soletech, Eva, Vibram and Acor. Tru-Mold Shoes, Inc. (1980) Tru-Mold Shoes offers a complete line of contemporary, fully Memphis, TN...... 800-844-6767. accommodating custom-molded shoes, including the Thera- Fax...... 901-946-1059 Medic Shoe package – the most flexible, highest value shoe E-mail ...... [email protected] package for Medicare-eligible patients with diabetes. Buffalo, NY...... 800-843-6653 Spira (2004) Fax...... 716-881-0406 El Paso, TX...... 866-838-8640 E-mail ...... [email protected] Fax...... 915-838-8641. Web site...... www.trumold.com

52 CURRENT PEDORTHICS • May/June 2008 ® Pedors Stretch Walker ™ TSD Compliant Available Now! A5500 www.pedors.com 1-800-750-6729

Pedors Stretch Walker | $48 per pair | $36 single

Case Study: Eileen B. 63 Years Old. Dx: Diabetic, peripheral neuropathy, radiculopathy, drop foot, medial /lateral instability. Rx: Bilateral bracing and diabetic footwear.

This patient was in need of bilateral bracing and footwear to provide stability during ambulation.

She was ﬁt with custom bracing to address a drop foot on the right and severe pronation on the left.

Diabetic footwear was prescribed.

The challenge to get a good fit would be difficult with conventional all leather depth footwear. The Pedors Stretch Walker shoe fit very well as the stretch dorsum expanded to fit the foot/brace combination. The patient also preferred an athletic looking shoe versus an orthopedic style.

800 801 900 901 Full and Half Sizes: Wide, X-Wide, XX-Wide No Obligation Sample Size Run Order any six pairs or more and receive FREE shipping, FREE returns and FREE exchanges on your ﬁrst order! Stocking Distributors West Coast Burten Distribution 800 743 5341 Mid-West & South MMAR Medical 800 662 7633 Florida Miami Leather 800 749 9402 North East Frankford Leather 800 245 5555 South East Southern Leather 800 844 6767 Canada Paradigm Medical 800 931 2739 Pedors® and Pedors Stretch Walker™ are trademarks of OMI Corporation, Marietta, Georgia.

Current Pedorthics Ad April 04.indd 1 4/30/2008 11:26:07 AM Gramercy CP Ad.indd 1 11/13/07 9:47:39 AM