Here are the 6 types of orthotic devices I prescribe for my patients. This post and last post, and next week's post, will discuss the Type D. Type A: Gold Standard (for most getting the heel verti...

The ideal footprint often does not include the medial arch. The force of our body weight each step we take starts from the plantar heel, proceeds distally along the lateral midfoot foot, across the...

Patients present with heels that should be held inverted, not vertical like the Gold Standard (Type A), or just less everted (like Type B). To summarize the last few weeks, the posts are about def...

The Gold Standard orthosis (Type A in my classification) is the functional foot orthotic device that you use the most and know the ins and outs of what it accomplishes. Nothing can change your Gold...

The structure of the human foot presents many variables from one individual to another, as well as variations of left versus right foot in one individual. There are numerous landmarks present, ofte...

The Introduction here is largely from last week: For over 50 years, designing an orthosis off an impression around subtalar joint neutral and midtarsal joint max pronated position has made a stable...

Biomechanics and orthotic production are learned skills, and just as in any other learned skill, practice makes perfect (almost). Like a batting average in baseball, 100 percent success in orthotic...

Valgus Tilts are used to get patients less inverted in RCSP or especially to attempt to stop the patient from supinating in contact phase. The 3 common times to valgus a patient (creating pronator...

Varus Tilts are used to get patients less everted in RCSP or especially to attempt to get the patient more in subtalar joint neutral. Varus Wedges stocked in the office can begin to varus the pa...

No doubt, many of you reading this can relate, during social situations outside your professional atmosphere, new acquaintances will often ask for your professional advice when finding out what you...

The client list at KevinRoot Medical consists of primarily podiatrists, but also orthopedists, physical therapists, chiropractors, orthotists from the United States, as well as internationally. You...

How is Motion Placed into an Orthotic Device and Evaluated?   The motion of pronation must occur at heel contact, and the motion of big toe joint dorsiflexion must occur at push-off. Not tr...

Someone asked how I check to make sure the orthotic was made correctly. That's a great question! Understanding that the process of orthotic treatment plan can be complicated and errors by both the ...

Custom made functional foot orthotic devices can be used both pre-op, post -op, or to conservatively manage permanently patients in Stage 3 or Stage 4 PTTD or Adult Acquired Flat Foot.   &...

Custom Orthotic Devices can be a crucial adjunct in the treatment of achilles tendon problems.   The achilles tendon, like the patellar tendon and the hamstrings, are primarily sagittal plan...

Any specialist who prescribed custom orthotic devices must know how to adjust when the patient complains of arch irritation.  Arch irritation may not be as simple as the "arch being too high"...

As we use biomechanics to treat metatarsal pain, we attempt to off load directly, support proximally, and restrict when we have to.  Custom orthotic devices are one of the mainstays of succes...

Forefoot extensions are defined as starting in the front of the plastic, and can be used to: (1) accommodate or off weight, (2) wedge (varus or valgus), (3) support, (4) cushion, and (5) restrict.&...

The contact phase of the Stance part of gait is all about internal rotation and pronation of the entire lower extremity, therefore, supination and external rotation at this time causes trouble. Th...

Many of you reading this are used to writing prescriptions for pharmaceuticals, writing orders for tests, consultations and treatments. You write chart notes and reports in such a way to convey inf...