Basic considerations for shoes, shoe modifications, and orthoses in foot care.

Abstract

It is important to remember that appropriate padding and materials for the foot should be selected on the basis of indications and functional needs of the patient. It is important to remember that foot wear, as protection and foot covering, needs to be compatible with the foot and the patient's functional requirements. The foot, orthosis, and shoe must function as a unit and as part of the patient's ambulatory system. I have attempted to identify some of the basic considerations involved in shoe selection, shoe modification, and orthotic selection for patient's rehabilitation. This article is not intended to be a composite of all that is available but rather to serve as a primary view of the needs of the foot as part of total patient care in rehabilitation programs. There are also multiple forms of digital orthoses that comprise the area of orthodigita, including materials such as felt, silicone, and latex, to be used when appropriate. But a key factor mandates that maximal pain-free foot function be maintained to enhance the residuals to maximize total patient function.