What is the best person to see for orthotics? pt/physiatry? podiatry?

Podiatry: Being a podiatrist i feel our education in biomechanics makes us the best for orthotics.

Podiatrist: The best way to cast for custom orthotics is to make plaster molds of each foot while holding the subtalar joint in neutral position. As far as i know, only podiatrists use this technique. Other techniques include stepping in a foam box and stepping on a computer screen but these do no correct for abnormalities in biomechanics. Good podiatrists make orthotics that actually correct problems.

Good evaluation: Go to a physician that will give you a complete biomechanical evaluation.

Depends: If you seek a foot orthotic (shoe inserts) i'd recommend a podiatrist. If you seek an ankle or knee brace (ankle foot orthosis or afo), lumbar (back) support/brace, or other complex brace/orthotic for a neuromuscular or musculoskeletal condition, then a physiatrist is best. An occupational therapist can custom-make a variety of wrist, hand, and arm braces.

Podiatrist: For foot orthotics a podiatrist is best.

Casting methof: Generally speaking a podiatrist is the best choice. However, it mostly depends on the casting technique. The molds should made with the foot in a neutral position, not done by standing in a foam box.

Orthotics : There are many philosophies with regard to custom orthotics, even with doctors in the same specialty. You should pursue orthotics with a doctor who takes the time to evaluate you mechanically and takes a proper mold of your foot. While this occurs often in podiatry, you need to know your specific doctor's philosophy.

Podiatry or PT: Either may work depending on practitioner.

A podiatrist!: Podiatrists are specialists of the foot and ankle. We do surgery (bunions, hammertoes, ankle fractures, etc.), wound care for diabetics or trauma patients, treat athlete's foot and toenails fungus, ingrown toenails, tendinitis, sports injuries, birth defects or deformities, bracing and orthotics--just about anything affecting the foot or ankle.

A podiatrist: A podiatrist is a specialist trained in the care and treatment of foot and ankle conditions. We, as a profession, are well trained in which type of prescription orthotics would be best for the variety of conditions that may be bothering you.

Orthotics: A physiatrist or podiatrist or orthopedist specializing in foot/ankle injuries.

orthotics: As the question referred to orthotics and included podiatry in the question , the answer is podiatrists. Referring to back braces does not include podiatry , clearly. See you podiatrist for the best orthotics.

Podiatrist.: I would consult a podiatrist for evaluating, prescribing and casting for orthoces.