Therapeutic Shoe Fittings. Pedorthic Evaluations. Orthotic Modifications. Shoe Modifications/Repairs
Therpeutic Shoe Fittings: Have our trained professionals find you the perfect fit to bring your comfort to the next level.
Pedorthic Evaluations
A pedorthic evaluation is a clinical assessment conducted by a pedorthist, a healthcare professional specializing in the use of footwear and supportive devices to address conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs. Here's a concise summary:
Summary of Pedorthic Evaluations
Purpose:
To assess the biomechanics, alignment, and functional condition of the lower extremities (especially the feet) to determine appropriate orthotic, footwear, or modification needs.
Key Components of the Evaluation
Patient History
Medical history (diabetes, arthritis, injuries)
History of foot pain, surgeries, or deformities
Activity level and occupational demands
Visual and Physical Examination
Foot structure and posture (flat feet, high arches, deformities)
Skin condition (calluses, ulcers, pressure points)
Gait analysis (walking pattern, weight distribution)
Range of motion and joint flexibility
Muscle strength and tone
Footwear Assessment
Current shoe wear patterns and fit
Suitability of footwear for the patient’s condition
Measurements and Imaging (if needed)
Foot length and width
3D scanning or foam impressions for custom devices
Pressure mapping or other biomechanical tools
Outcome of the Evaluation
Diagnosis or identification of functional/structural foot issues
Recommendations for:
Custom or off-the-shelf orthotics
Shoe modifications (lifts, rocker soles, etc.)
Specialized footwear (diabetic shoes, orthopedic shoes)
Plan for follow-up and adjustment
If you need a detailed template for a clinical report or want to tailor it for a specific condition (e.g., diabetes, plantar fasciitis, etc.), our pedorthists can provide that as well.
Orthotic Modifications
Summary of Pedorthic Orthotic Modifications
Pedorthic orthotic modifications are adjustments made to foot orthoses (shoe inserts) to improve foot function, reduce pain, accommodate deformities, and enhance mobility. These modifications are tailored to the patient’s foot structure, biomechanics, and pathology. Here's a concise overview:
1. Functional Modifications
These aim to control abnormal motion or enhance alignment:
Medial/Lateral Wedges: Tilt the heel or forefoot to control pronation or supination.
Heel Posts: Provide rearfoot control, stabilizing the heel during gait.
Forefoot Posts: Adjust forefoot alignment to promote more efficient push-off.
Arch Fill/Support: Enhances medial longitudinal arch support to manage overpronation.
2. Accommodative Modifications
These aim to relieve pressure or cushion sensitive areas:
Metatarsal Pads/Bars: Offload pressure from metatarsal heads; useful in metatarsalgia or neuromas.
Cut-outs: Remove material in high-pressure zones (e.g., ulcers, calluses).
Heel Cushions: Provide shock absorption and relieve plantar heel pain.
Soft Top Covers: Improve comfort for sensitive or diabetic feet.
3. Offloading Modifications
Reduce weight-bearing on injured or painful areas:
Morton’s Extension: Extends under the 1st ray to limit motion in hallux limitus or rigidus.
Reverse Morton’s Extension: Offloads the 1st metatarsal and encourages pronation.
UCBL Device (University of California Biomechanics Laboratory): Deep heel cup and arch support to control foot motion.
4. Common Pathologies Addressed
Plantar fasciitis
Diabetic foot ulcers
Hallux valgus/rigidus
Flatfoot or high arches
Arthritis
Limb length discrepancy
Shoe Modifications and Repair
1. Shoe Modifications (Adjunct to Orthoses)
When in-shoe orthoses are not sufficient:
Rocker Soles: Reduce forefoot pressure and aid in toe-off.
Heel Lifts: Address leg length discrepancies.
Flared Outsoles: Increase stability.
Medial/Lateral Buttresses: Improve support for severe deformities.
2. Common Pathologies Addressed
Plantar fasciitis
Diabetic foot ulcers
Hallux valgus/rigidus
Flatfoot or high arches
Arthritis
Limb length discrepancy
