Mar
10
Written by:
Cherri Choate, DPM
3/10/2010
While I am sitting here at the lab looking out the window, I am finally greeted with sunshine! This is the first completely sunny day in months and it immediately makes me think of sandal orthotics. As everyone knows, this is a challenging issue for many patients during the summer. Many labs, including Prolab, have Sandal orthotics, and they certainly help fill this part of this void. They are made for specific sandals that have footbeds that are completely removable. Many patients needs have been satisfied with these devices.
BUT, there are MANY sandals that do not qualify for these custom orthotics. Are there any answers for the rest of the world of sandals? My answer is: not formally, but there are some options you can try in a pinch. Here are some ideas:
1) Cobra orthotics- the heel shape is conducive for shape modification and the devices is usually narrow enough that it is not visible
2) Thin vacuum molded polypropylene orthotics- 1/8" vacuum molded shells are the most flexible shell and therefore they may conform to the sandal's foot bed
3) Modified prefabs- due to these lower cost items, you and the patient may be willing to take a risk a prefab that is modified with narrowing and thinning
Independent of which, if any, of the above options you may try, here are a few recommendations that may improve your patient satisfaction:
1) No post
2) No cover or suede/leather cover to end of device
3) Double-stick tape for the heel and the front of the orthotic
4) Avoid in any sandal above 1 1/2" heel height because the orthotic may move under the foot and lead to instability
5) The sandals must have some form of ankle strap
6) Flip flops or slides will not work
Just a few ideas for the sandal wearing patients, as it looks like spring may be calling and summer will be soon behind.
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