Footwear » Foot Facts

A complete diagnosis of the patient's foot condition, including:

• Specific foot-related diagnosis including areas involved
• Significant associated conditions, i.e., diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, neurological / orthopaedic disorders or deformities
• Relevant / recent surgery

Prescriptions
Footwear prescriptions should clearly list each item being ordered, as well as the desired effect or function of the footwear, including shoe modifications. Technological change in footwear and foot orthotics materials is rapid. Unless the prescriber is completely up to date regarding footwear, a TYPE recommendation instead of a BRAND or PRODUCT recommendation generally enhances patient compliance.

Pain over medial or lateral forefoot prominences.
	RX: wide, deep toe box shoes, and an orthosis to support the longitudinal and transverse arches; shoe stretching.
Dorsal toe (PIP) irritation with/without toe tip pain.
	RX: accomodate with depth shoes and/or stretching. Cushion toes with toe pads or toe crest.
Central heel pain with/without arching pain radiating into two adjacent toes.
	RX: heel support or orthosis. Resistant cases: custom orthosis with rigid heel rim and central cushioning.
Burning, tingling, arching pain radiating into to adjacent toes.
	RX: orthosis or metatarsal pad to elevate & cushion metatarsal region; wider, deeper shoes w/low heels.
Plantar forefoot pain aggravated by loading, especially on hard surfaces.
	RX: unload and cushion MT headsd; met pads, custom orthosis, met bar.
Lateral ankle pain and instability, lateral foot overload, pain and calluses; metatarsalgia.
	RX: lateral heel flare +/- wedge, orthosis with lateral forefoot post and MT head relief.
Fatigue, pain, or ache in arch
	RX: semi-rigid orthoses; shoes with exteded heel counters; medial heel wedges.
Diabetic neuropathy
	RX: full contact orthosis unloading high pressure areas; rocker sole, depth or custom shoes (physician must specify on Rx).
Sever hallux valgus; marked plantar MT head prominence, claw toes, bunionette.
	RX: accommodate extreme deformity with depth or custom shoe (physician must specify on Rx). Unload & cushion MT heads.
Medial ankle and arch pain; lateral ankle impingement pain.
	RX: semi-rigid orthosis supporting arch, shoes w/extended medial counter or medial stabilizer.

The above is only a guideline. Each patient's prescription is individual, taking into account the particular foot condition and any underlying medical problems.