Written by: Cherri Choate, DPM
2/10/2010

We often receive requests for "flexible"  or "soft" functional orthoses.  For shell material choices we can use either plastazote or polypropylene.  In most cases I prefer the use of polypropylene.   When I hear "flexible" I think of less control, so there are a number of ways to create a more flexible orthotic.
  1)  Choose the most flexible shell
           The most flexible polypropylene we use at ProLab is the 1/8" VF device (black or natural)
  2)  LImit the control of the device
            Most orthotic devices are fabricated to have a certain level of pronation control or stability for the foot.  All of these additions lead to   a stiffer feel in the device.  Here are some options that would like to a less controlling, or more flexible plate:  
       ** no rearfoot post
       ** no plantar fascial groove
       ** Standard or narrow width
       ** Standard or maximum fill
       ** No medial heel skive or inversion 
  3)  LImit the bulk of the device
          Avoid adding metatarsal pads, EVA fill, metatarsal bars and rearfoot posts as these all add bulk to the device.

Although traditionally "soft" or "flexible" orthotics are often categorized as accommodative, a functional orthotics can be fabricated to be more flexible.  This is often necessary for the patient with the hypersensitive foot or the elderly patient who needs a lightweight, stable, cushioned device. 
 

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