Which professional might refer a patient to a Pedorthist?

A general practitioner would be the professional most likely to refer a patient to a Pedorthist. This is because general practitioners often manage a broad range of health issues, including musculoskeletal problems, which may affect a patient's feet or ankles. When a patient presents with issues such as foot pain, poor foot mechanics, or conditions that require specialized footwear or orthotics, the general practitioner would recognize the need for a Pedorthist's expertise in fitting, modifying, and fabricating appropriate footwear and foot orthotics to improve the patient's comfort and mobility.

In contrast, while a psychologist may deal with a patient's mental health and emotional well-being, their direct involvement with foot health is limited. Similarly, a radiologist primarily focuses on imaging and diagnosing conditions through medical imaging rather than treating musculoskeletal issues directly. An optometrist specializes in eye care and vision health, which does not intersect with the realm of foot mechanics or pedorthics. Therefore, the general practitioner's wide scope of practice makes them the most appropriate referral source to a Pedorthist.