Orthotics Q&A

Guest Clinical Editor: Nicholas Romansky, DPM
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There is no shortage of issues to consider when you are prescribing custom orthotics for different types of patients, whether it’s knowing what to look for during the biomechanical exam or understanding the keys to proper casting. With these things in mind, our expert panelists explore various issues from prescribing orthotics for athletes to altering orthotics in case of improper fit. Q: What... Read More.
Guest Clinical Editor: Lawrence Huppin, DPM
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With summer in full swing, more and more patients are moving from the rigidity of dress shoes into the comfort of sandals. Fitting orthotics into both types of footwear has its own unique challenges as the sizes of each vary and the amount of control is also different between shoe types. With this in mind, our expert panelists offer pearls on how they alter orthotic prescriptions for dress shoes... Read More.
Guest Clinical Editor: Nicholas Sol, DPM, CPed
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Patients who tackle the slopes have specific requirements for orthotics. In addition to reviewing the pedal mechanics and biomechanics of skiing, our expert panelists take a closer look at the design of ski boots and what impact the skier’s skill level will have on prescribing an appropriate orthotic. Without further delay, here is what they had to say. Q: What pedal mechanics are unique to... Read More.
Guest Clinical Editor: Eric Feit, DPM
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   While one must take special considerations into account while prescribing orthotics for children, different pediatric conditions also warrant special care. Following up on the previous discussion of pediatric orthotics (see “Expert Insights On Prescribing Pediatric Orthotics,” page 24, February issue), our expert panelists discuss key orthotic pearls in treating metatarsus... Read More.
Guest Clinical Editor: Eric Feit, DPM
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   There is an array of special considerations one must take into account when prescribing pediatric orthotics. In addition, it is important to work with both children and their parents to encourage compliance so the child does not develop problems later in life. With this in mind, our expert panelists share their experience on prescribing pediatric orthotics.    Q... Read More.
Clinical Editor: Timothy Dutra, DPM
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When prescribing orthotics for athletes in widely varying types of sports, one must take into consideration both the needs of the athletes and the advantages and disadvantages different types of shoes may offer. With that said, these panelists offer their expertise on orthotic modifications they use to keep their patients on the athletic field. Q: What influence does athletic shoegear have on... Read More.
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   Given the nuances of making adjustments to orthotic prescriptions, our expert panelists discuss their approaches in using adjustments such as first ray cutouts and metatarsal pads, and the tools necessary for making modifications. They also discuss which adjustments they will make themselves and which ones they will send out to an orthotics lab. Without further delay, here is... Read More.
Guest Clinical Editor: Nicholas Sol, DPM, CPed
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   Evaluating biomechanics in static stance poses unique challenges because of the differences between static stance and dynamic gait. In addition, one must take the occupation of patients into account when modifying orthotics for patients who spend a significant amount of weightbearing time in static stance. That said, let us take a closer look at what these expert panelists have... Read More.
Guest Clinical Editor: Lawrence Huppin, DPM
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   The development of new materials and technologies has had an impact on orthotics and biomechanics. These expert panelists discuss the technologies they have found helpful. In particular, they assess the impact of pressure analysis and how it can influence the writing of effective orthotic prescriptions. They also discuss common orthotic modifications and which orthotic materials... Read More.
Guest Clinical Editor: Bruce Williams, DPM
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   Metatarsalgia is one of the more commonly seen complaints in any podiatry practice. Common treatments for the disorder include ice, removable metatarsal pads, antiinflammatories, injected steroids and physical therapy. While such treatments often completely resolve an acute bout of metatarsalgia, they often do nothing to remedy the true underlying biomechanical causes of the... Read More.
Guest Clinical Editor: Bruce Williams, DPM
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Although what one learned in podiatric medical school is invaluable in a podiatry career, sometimes podiatrists may encounter a different reality in clinical practice. These expert panelists weigh what they learned in school with their experience and the current research. They also detail which directions future orthotic research should take. Q: What is the current research telling us about how... Read More.
Guest Clinical Editor: Douglas Richie Jr., DPM
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   Over the last decade, there have been a variety of changes and trends that have shaped the evolution of orthotic therapy. Accordingly, our expert panelists discuss pertinent orthotic prescription trends. They also examine the importance of having a strong background in biomechanics and whether the podiatric profession is “giving away” its biomechanics expertise to non-podiatric... Read More.