Sports Medicine Project Foot Orthoses Explained: What Every Health Professional Should Know #120
Aug 18, 2025
Foot orthoses are crucial for effective patient care, moving beyond just basic materials. Their role in treating conditions like Achilles tendinopathy and tibialis posterior pain is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of foot biomechanics. Listeners gain insights into proper assessment and clinical reasoning, helping health professionals make informed decisions. The discussion encourages collaboration among podiatrists, physiotherapists, and other allied health experts, fostering a clearer understanding of orthotic prescriptions.
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Reduce Cumulative Load Systematically
- Use orthoses, shoes, taping and padding to lower cumulative loading cycles when tissue stress is excessive.
- Ask whether the device is short-, medium- or long-term and adjust plan with the patient.
Prognosis Guides Orthoses Duration
- Prognosis differs by condition: plantar heel pain often recovers better than midfoot OA or acquired flat foot.
- Decisions about long-term orthoses should reflect tissue pathology and realistic goals.
Design By Diagnosis And Foot Axis
- When designing, match force application to the diagnosis and foot type; add material lateral or medial relative to the subtalar axis.
- Balance firmness with comfort and shoe fit to ensure adherence.