At Murray’s Shoes & Pedorthics, when we perform our Pedorthic assessment, we are working to get to the root of the cause. Should there be a biomechanical breakdown requiring orthotics (arch supports), we find from time to time a modification to a pair of shoes is needed to stabilize the orthotic and the foot for the best outcome. There are patients with mechanical inefficiencies that require shoe modifications to help in producing a normal gait. As a Pedorthic facility we are able to perform all aspects of managing your individual problem. Following are some of the modifications that we use in our management of various lower extremity conditions.
SHOE LIFTS – For leg length differences
The human body, from the hips down to the feet, is divided into a left and a right side. Each side must function the same but at opposite times of the gait. Leg length discrepancies often attribute to pain or discomfort in the foot, ankle, knee, hip, and lower back. Once the legs have been measured by a member of the medical community, we will assess as to the appropriate way to address the difference. These modifications could be in the way of a full sole, heel to metatarsal joints, or as simple as putting a heel lift inside the shoe under the insole. The decision as to the most effective approach will be determined by the range of motion at the ankle.
Rocker sole modification
These are not toning shoes that are sold over the counter as a pre-built rocker. When the biomechanics of the foot are failing we must design the rocker to the symptomatic problem. There are various approaches to the design, all of which are contingent on the mechanics of the foot and ankle. Following are just a few symptoms that could benefit from the use of Rocker sole shoes.
- Hallux rigidus
- Metatarsalgia
- Mid foot collapse
- Morton’s neuroma
- Posterior tibial tendonitis
- Peroneal tendonitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- CMT ( charcot marie tooth)
- Flexor hallucis longus tendonitis
- Ankle fusion
- Non articulated AFO brace
- Drop foot
- Partial foot amputation
Following are a few examples of rocker designs. Keep in mind that the design will vary to that of the condition we are attempting to address.
Outriggers and Outflairs
These are modifications to the shoes that give stability to the ankle while encouraging better foot mechanics. When a foot rolls to the outside (over supination) or rolls to the inside (over pronation), outriggers or outflairs can assist a foot orthosis in stabilizing the foot, ankle, knee, and hip. Following is an example of the two modifications.
