PEDORTHICS:ASSESSMENT
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WHAT KIND OF FOOTWEAR?Shoes
Shoes have two main purposes: protection and performance.
Because shoes encase the foot, they can be a major component in foot care and
treatment.
- Manufactured:
Several manufacturers make shoes appropriate for pedorthics. Many can be modified for
individual requirements.
- Custom-made:
If necessary, custom-made, therapeutic shoes can be made from a model of the
patient’s foot.
- Modifications:
Shoe modifications can be external (flares and wedges for stabilization) internal  (adapting
the inside of the shoe to your foot), or both.
Foot Orthoses
An orthosis is an apparatus that supports, aligns, prevents or corrects deformities, or
improves the function of a certain part of the body. Unlike a knee brace or back brace
that actually wraps around and cradles, a foot orthosis can only be successful if
it’s used with a shoe.
- Custom Molded vs. Fitted:
Anyone can purchase a fitted orthoses and use it whenever and however long
they desire. A custom molded foot orthosis is intended to fit a particular
foot and deal with that foot’s specific conditions.
Depending on what an orthosis is expected to do, it can be short or
long; thin or thick; made of one material or made of several that are combined; it can be
rigid, semi-rigid or flexible. |
