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FOOT ORTHOTICS
A professionally made pair of foot orthotics can reduce or eliminate the pain and symptoms associated with a variety of foot and lower extremity conditions.
A thorough physical and biomechanical assessment of the foot and lower extremities, and an accurate cast and modification of the plaster model, are essential in achieving the best possible results. Equally important is the appropriate materials selection and fabrication process.
Custom made foot orthotics, and appropriate shoe modifications may be indicated in the treatment plan for the following conditions of the foot and lower extremity.
- Excessively Pronated foot (Pes Planus) due to forefoot or rearfoot deformity and related valgus strain at the knee
- Excessively Supinated foot (Pes Cavus) due to forefoot or rearfoot deformity
- Metatarsalgia
- Morton's Neuroma
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Diabetic Foot
- Conditions of the Arthritic Foot
After a thorough physical, biomechanical and gait assessment a casting technique must be used to capture the foot. There are various ways to accomplish this.
1. Hand cast using a slipper casting technique with the subtalar in neutral. By capturing the correct foot position in the cast this technique is superior to all others.
2. Foam impression. This technique is used for clients with a diabetic foot (sores on foot) or for a more accommodative foot orthotic such as that indicated for severe arthritics.
3. Digital scan. Using the Footmaxx system, provides a dynamic scan of the foot.
The design, material selection and fabrication technique is the next step to consider. Again, there are numerous variations on the construction of the foot orthotics.
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