Shoe Modifications

Question 1

What is a heel wedge used for?

Answer 1

Applied to medial heel to prevent hindfoot eversion

Applied to lateral heel to prevent hindfoot inversion

Used to treat pes planus or pes cavus

Question 2

What is a heel lift used for?

Answer 2

Adds extra height. Usually used to take pressure off of the Achilles tendon.

Also help limit the difference for those with leg discrepancies.

Question 3

What is a heel cushion used for?

Answer 3

Placed on the inner sole to cushion the heel and decrease pain in the area.

Used in patients with heel spurs or plantar fasciitis

Question 4

What is a heel cup used for?

Answer 4

Covers the plantar surface of the calcaneous and extends upwards on all 3 sides.

Helps to stabilize calcaneus in a neutral position and provide some absorption.

Used in patients with heel spurs or plantar fasciitis

Question 5

What is a metatarsal bar/pad and what is it used for?

Answer 5

Placed just posterior to the metatarsal heads on the outer or inner sole

Helps relieve pressure of the metatarsal heads by transferring the weight to the metatarsal shafts

Helps those with metatarsalgia

Question 6

What is a rocket bar and what is it used for?

Answer 6

Similar to metatarsal bar. Has a convex strip instead of a flat one. This shape allows assistance to those who are struggling with terminal stance secondary to limited mobility within the foot and great toe.

May also help relieve pain/pressure from the metatarsal heads.