Tips for Selecting and Modifying Pre-Molded Foot Orthotics
The first step in this process is determining if a pre-molded orthotic is even appropriate. A pre-molded orthotic is appropriate as a primary orthotic in the following cases:
For acute problems:
In conjunction with custom orthotics:
Selection of appropriate orthotics is most important factor
Once you have selected a pre-molded orthotic, modifications may be required to improve the results for the patient. These modifications may include metatarsal modifications or wedges, as described below:
Metatarsal modifications
Wedges and posting
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions about selecting or using our pre-molded orthotics.
For acute problems:
- For young patients
- Where cost is a key factor
- When a cost effective alternative is needed for chronic problems
In conjunction with custom orthotics:
- As trial foot orthotics to determine optimum custom prescription
- As temporary while custom is being fabricated
- As dress orthotics when custom is complete
Selection of appropriate orthotics is most important factor
- Consider chief complaint
- Activities of Daily Living / Shoe limitations
- Consider age and weight of patient
- Duration of pain
- Location of pain
- Consider foot structure / anomaly. Remember, pre molded foot orthotics work best on feet with little or no deformity
Once you have selected a pre-molded orthotic, modifications may be required to improve the results for the patient. These modifications may include metatarsal modifications or wedges, as described below:
Metatarsal modifications
- Many models have a metatarsal or transverse arch support molded into the orthotics.
- When the pre molded metatarsal modification is not necessary or is not desired, it can generally be easily removed or changed by heating the bottom of the orthotics with a heat gun at approx. 270° F. Once softened it can then be smoothed or reshaped as necessary utilizing a heat protective glove which has been sprayed with a silicone lubricant.
- On those models which contain no pre molded metatarsal support, additional support may be added in the form of a sealed foam metatarsal modification. There are a number of shapes and sizes of sealed foam metatarsal pads and bars. Selection is based on the desired result and the selected pad may be cemented in place and covered.
Wedges and posting
- These may be added to resist varus or valgus moments at either the hindfoot or forefoot.
- Quick-Post strips may be used to create appropriate posting by cementing a section of a strip onto the proper area of the orthotic, typically on the medial side to resist valgus and on the lateral side to resist varus.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions about selecting or using our pre-molded orthotics.
