Shoes and Orthotics
Diabetes
Shoes and Orthotics
North Mississippi Foot Specialists, P.C.
R.Michael Whitmore, DPM  * C.Craig Williams, DPM *  Amy M. DeGirolamo, DPM *  Jeffrey A. Schoen , DPM
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Diabetes
Shoes and Orthotics
Diabetes
Shoes and Orthotics
Diabetes
Shoes and Orthotics
CUSTOM MOLDED ORTHOTICS
What are Orthotics?

Custom Molded Orthotics are shoe inserts intended to correct abnormal alignment, posture or walking pattern.  Custom
Orthotics are tailored to your specific needs based on your feet.  No two people have the same exact foot, which is what
makes custom orthotics different from over-the-counter devices.
Narrow Feet
Wide Feet
Heel Problems
Narrow Heel and
Wide Forefoot
Lacing Techniques for Proper Shoe Fit
Narrow

The eyelets farthest
from the tongue of
the shoe should be
used.
Wide

The eyelets closest
to  the tongue of the
shoe should be
used.
Narrow Heel and
Wide Forefoot

Use two laces. Thread
through the top half of
the eyelets and the
other lace through the
bottom half of the
eyelets.  The lace
closest to the heel
should be tied tighter
that the lace closest to
the toes.
Heel Problems

Use every eyelet.
Make sure the area
closest to the heel is
tied tightly while less
tension is used near
the toes.  When you
reach the next to last
eyelet on each side,
thread the lace
through the top eyelet,
making a small loop.  
Then, thread the
opposite lace through
each loop before
trying it.

Custom Molded Orthotics make standing, walking and running more comfortable and efficient by slightly altering the
angles at which the foot strikes the ground.

   They can also:
                                    Provide Support
                                   Relief of Pain
                                   Prevent or Stop the Development of Foot Deformities
                                   Improve Posture
                                   Relieve pressure on certain areas of the foot
                                   Relieve knee, hip, and/or back pain
                                   Improve overall function of the foot
                                   Improve overall physical and sport performance


   They can be used to treat:

                                    Plantar Fasciitis
                                   Heel Spurs
                                   Corns and callouses
                                   Shin Splints
                                   Lower Back Pain
                                   Knee Pain
                                   Fallen Arches or Flatfeet
                                   Weak Ankles
                                   Bunions and Hammertoes
                                   Tendonitis
                                   High Arch
           
FOOTWEAR RECOMMENDATIONS:

  •    Have both feet measured everytime your purchase shoes.  
                 - Foot size increases with age and often times one foot is larger that the other.  
                 - Try on both shoes
                 - Fit new shoes to the larger foot
                 - Sizes vary among shoe brands and styles, judge by fit not the labelled size

  •    Try new shoes on toward the end of the day
                 - Feet often swell and become larger at the end of the day.
                 - You should be able to freely wiggle all toes while wearing the shoes
                 - Wear your usual socks when trying on shoes

  •    Walk around in the shoes to make sure they feel comfortable and fit well
                 - If the shoes feel tight, don't buy them.  You should not need to "break them in"

  •    There should be a 1/2 inch space from the end of your shoe to the end of your longest toe
                 - Determine this while standing

  •    Avoid shoes with a heel higher that 2 1/4 inches
                 - As heel height increases, so does the pressure under the ball of the foot
                 - High heels force the toes into the toe box, which can crowd the toes

  •    For additional questions or concerns, contact our office for an appointment
Work Boots and Protective Footwear:
What your shoes can tell you:

Basic wear patterns on your shoes can give important information about your
foot and how it functions when you are walking.  Here are some examples:

          Shoes are worn under ball of foot:
  
                  May indicate a tight heel cord

           Wear on the inner sole:
           
                   Your feet roll in, orthotics may help

   

           Toe shaped ridges on the upper
   
                   You have hammertoes or your shoes are too small

           Wear on the outer sole:

                   Your feet roll out, orthotics may help

           Wear on the upper, above the toes

                   The front of your shoe is too low

           Bulging out near side of big toe

                   You have a bunion or your shoes are too narrow
The Process of being fit for
Custom Molded Orthotics:

1. A Biomechanical Exam and      
    Gait Analysis are performed

2. Casts or molds of your feet
are made

3. Custom Molded Orthotics
are Fabricated

4. You will be contacted when   
our Orthotics are ready

5.  Orthotics dispensed and
fitted to you with wear
instructions
  • Know the specific hazards of your workplace and buy what you need
           - steel toe
           - puncture resistant
           - slip resistant
           - heat resistant
           - uneven surfaces

  • Buy leather uppers lined with a moisture-wicking lining
           - keeps feet dry
           - prevents blisters and athlete's foot

  • Look for supportive, stable shoes
           - a strong heel counter will provide stability
           - flat soles with a wide base help with stability
           - should fit snugly to provide stability