Footwear has come a long way in terms of offering orthopaedic features without affecting style, however, sometimes the shoe may need modification to produce better results.
The types of footwear modifications a Canadian Certified Pedorthist – C. Ped (C) can complete range from simple to complex and include:
- RESOLING/CORK RESEAL - Offer a new life to your Birkenstocks, Finn Comfort or Mephistos
- STRETCHING- A standard shoe stretcher can increase the width, depth, or volume of the upper.
- ROCKER SOLE- Used to reduce painful pressure on the bottom of the foot, reduce energy consumption and reduce stress on stiff or painful joints in the foot and ankle.
- BUTTRESS- Useful with extreme hypermobility or deformity of the foot that cannot be controlled by an orthotic and shoe alone.
- CHARCOT MODIFICATION- Used to accommodate severe deformity and reduce pressure on the bottom of the foot. Examples: Charcot foot, plantar bony prominences, plantar foot ulcers.
- EXCAVATIONS- Used to reduce vertical pressure on areas of the bottom of the foot.
- FLARE- Increases stability of the shoe and gently forces the foot away from the modified side.
- SACH HEEL- Reduces shock at heel strike and compensates for diminished ankle motion.
- SHOE EXTENSION- Accommodation for structural leg length difference and occasionally functional leg length difference, scoliosis or pelvic imbalance following injury or surgery.
- SHUFFLE PLATE- Useful with an inability to fully lift the forefoot or a shuffle gait.
- THOMAS HEEL- Provides added support for an excessively pronated foot.
- WEDGE- Used to prevent distorting of the upper and sole of the shoe and improve control in feet
These modifications can be made to everyday footwear – as well as some athletic footwear. Some modifications are not appropriate for all types of footwear and your options should be discussed carefully with a Canadian Certified Pedorthist.
Please book an appointment for an assessment.