Pathology-specific Orthotic and Pedorthic Treatment, Part II

Clinicians who regularly see patients for custom foot orthotics are used to working with a wide variety of physicians’ notes. Sometimes they will be very precise, specifying the material, the exact degrees of posting, shell accommodations, etc. However, many prescriptions tend to be vague. They might include a diagnosis such as plantar fasciitis and mention little else except perhaps indicate the type as “functional.” A personal favorite is “foot pain—orthotics.” Although open-ended prescriptions can be challenging for newer practitioners, they are also opportunities to create the most effective devices. Fortunately, dispensing foot orthotics is a well-established science with a substantial body of research to guide the design.