Pedorthic Footwear Modifications
Pedorthic Footwear Modifications
Pedorthic footwear modifications are specialised alterations made to footwear to address specific foot-related issues, improve comfort, support, or accommodate orthotic devices. These modifications are tailored to individual needs and are particularly beneficial for people with foot deformities, injuries, or conditions like diabetes and arthritis.
Here are some common types of pedorthic footwear modifications:
Use the arrow above to scroll between types
Rocker soles can be applied to the sole in various forms to reduce forces on the foot and ankle, to reduce the function or replace the lack of function of a joint.
Heel raises are indicated for minor leg length discrepancies, or equinus and achilles tendonitis issues. Shoe raises can be used to address leg length discrepancies.
A wedge can be applied medially or laterally to the sole of footwear to improve the biomechanics of the foot and leg.
A velcro conversion involves the replacement of a lacing enclosure on footwear with velcro straps. Beneficial for those who have difficulty to tie up laces.
Relasting involves modifying the bottom of footwear in order to widen the midfoot or heel. This is particularly beneficial for people who have wide feet or valgus foot.
A stabiliser can be added medially or laterally to footwear in order to provide greater support and a wider platform for more stability.
A medial and/or lateral addition to the sole to increase stability and direct force away from the modified side.
Solid Ankle Cushion Heel (SACH) involves the addition of a softer material at the heel of the sole to reduce plantar forces at heel strike and compensate for reduced ankle motion.
This process involves removal of the sole in order to add a wider steel shank or carbon plate, after which a new sole is fitted on the footwear. This reduces flexion and rotation of the foot, reducing strain on joints and assist in normalising gait.
Insole modifications can be applied for minor corrections or offloading where a custom orthotic is not clinically justified.
- Arch Supports: Added to distribute pressure evenly across the foot and the arch.
- Metatarsal Pads/Bars: Added to offload pressure from the metatarsal heads.
Adding padding around the ankle collar to provide extra cushioning and support.
Adding cushioning to the tongue of the shoe for increased comfort.
Reinforcing or altering the shank, which is the supportive structure between the insole and outsole, to provide extra arch support or to modify the flexibility of the shoe.
Removing a portion of the insole or outsole to relieve pressure from a specific area, such as a painful callus or an ulcer.
Adjusting the height difference between the heel and the toe of the shoe.
Removing or altering part of the shoe above the dorsum (top) of the foot to accommodate deformities and sensitive areas.
