Foot Orthotics

What is a Foot Orthosis? Device used to accommodate foot deformity or pressure lesions, cushion the foot, alter sensory input, or realign foot posture.

Foot -Met Pad -Bunion brace -Hammer toe brace -PSC -Arch Brace

Terminology Arch support Heel wedge Medial/lateral wedge Metatarsal pad Insole

Types of Orthotics Prefabricated OTC Advantage – Cheap – Convenient – Effective Disadvantage – Mass produced – Nonspecific arch contour – Fails to address positional/structural deformities and compensations

Types of Orthotics Biomechanical or Custom Advantage – Address the source of compensation – Slow rate/extent of deformity Disadvantage – Cost – Experience of provider – May not help

Accomodative Orthotics Fit in shoe to stabilize foot deformity Allows foot to compensate Transfer weight from painful area Improves shock absorption Control ground reactive forces around a specific location Example: Diabetic foot, Neuropathy, PVD, congenital malformations

Functional or Corrected Orthotic Addresses patho-mechanical components of the lower extremity/foot/ankle condition Resists abnormal compensation Prevent pain during ambulation Prevent pathologic ROM Example: athletes, pes planus, pes cavus

Custom: Stiffness Rigid (pes planus) – control foot function – provide stability – firm material Semi-rigid (athletes) – dynamic balance of foot – layers of soft/rigid laterial Soft (pes cavus) – absorb shock – improve balance – remove pressure – compressible material

Modifications Metatarsal (MT) head cut-out Heel cushioning Metatarsal pads Morton’s extension Rigid forefoot extension Morton’s extension Pad MT cut-out Heel cushioning