Foot Conditions
Diabetes
Formthotics™, in particular Shockstop Formthotics™, are designed to absorb shock and deflect impact whilst holding the foot in a well supported position. The cushioning and support provided by these reduce plantar pressures and sheer forces largely reducing the risk of tissue break down and ulceration in diabetics. ShockStop foam is a totally unique and revolutionary hybrid EVA polymer foam. The top layer deflects impact 100% times more than other standard foams, while the base maintains control and stability.
Achy feet and Legs
Achy Feet and legs can be caused by an accumulation of factors including poor working surfaces, muscle fatigue, inappropriate footwear and poor foot and leg biomechanics to name a few. Formthotics™ Dual products work very well in this instance especially where over pronation is concerned. The Dual Formax™ foam provides increased shock absorption and even pressure distribution while maintaining a good level of support to aid foot or leg misalignments. In doing this muscle stresses are reduced and general comfort is increased.
Flat Feet
While some orthotics may irritate the arch of those with a flat foot type, Formthotics™ work well for symptomatic flat feet. Formthotics™ are heat mouldable so the arch profile and general contour of the patients foot is captured. The medial arch support corrects over pronation reducing over straining on structures such as the posterior tibial tendon, Achilles tendon and flexor halluces longus.
Ankle Sprains
Low profile dual Formthotics™ work well for Ankle sprains. The lower profile cradles and supports the foot without aggravating damaged lateral structures through excessive medial correction. The heat moulding process and softer top layer provides increased proprioception for better balance and stability which is essential in recovery of such an injury.
Hip and lower back Pain
Hip and lower back pain resulting from over pronation of the foot can be relieved with the use of Formthotics™. The medial arch support Formthotics™ provide helps to decrease over pronation, this control can be further increased with the heat moulding process and additions to the Formthotics™ themselves. Through minimising foot pronation leg alignment will also improve relieving associated hip and lower back pain.
Children’s feet
The use of orthotics on children is a very controversial subject. Symptomatic conditions such as flat feet, Osgood schlatters, Severs disease and Achilles pain can be relieved with the use of Formthotics™. These conditions are generally a result of over pronation which leads to associated structures over stretching and pulling. Formthotics™ provide medial arch support to control pronation, the heat mouldable properties of Formthotics™ not only allows for increased comfort and proprioception but also allows maximum control without irritation.
Excessive Pronation & Supination
Formthotics™ medial arch support controls excessive pronation well, additions such as a medial rear foot post can be added if more aggressive control is required. To control supination low profile Formthotics™ with a lateral forefoot and or rear foot post work well.
Arch Pain
Over pronation and its compensations is one of the key contributors to varying forms of arch pain. Formthotics™ work to control this through medial arch support, this also offloads damaged structures contributing to the discomfort and helps to promote optimal foot function to prevent reoccurrence.
Achilles Pain
Tight gastrocnemius or soleus and over pronation are common causes of Achilles pain. Formthotics™ work to control the over pronation with use of a medial arch support reducing tension on the Achilles. A heel lift could also be added temporarily to the plantar surface of the Formthotics™ rear foot to directly offload and relieve a damaged Achilles tendon.
Heel Pain (plantar fasciitis)
Formthotics™ are designed to cradle the plantar surface of the foot through heat moulding. In doing this plantar structures of the foot are supported and optimal foot function is encouraged. The above in conjunction with the medial arch support to control over pronation works well to relieve heel pain. If tight gastrocnemius and soleus are also contributing factors a heel lift can be added to the plantar surface of the orthotic to directly offload tension here.
Knee pain
Patella femoral pain and MCL issues are commonly caused by poor foot and leg alignment. Formthotics™ work to control over pronation of the foot with use of a medial arch support. This change in foot alignment also causes the knee to straighten reducing the Q angle of the patella and decreasing strain on the MCL.
Shin Splints/MTSS
Formthotics™ control excessive foot pronation well, a common cause of medial tibial stress syndrome. This is achieved with the medial arch support, further control can be gained through heat moulding and additional posts added to the formthotic.
Bunions
Bunions can be very uncomfortable, especially if over pronation is occurring. Over pronation leads to excessive pressures through the first MTP joint and an abnormal toe off phase of gait. This can be helped with the use of Formthotics™ as the medial arch support discourages excessive pronation relieving pressures through this joint. The heat moulding process enhances contour of the formthotic to the foot allowing increased offloading through this area.
Corns and Callus
Sheering and pressure on the plantar surface of the foot can be reduced with the use of a Formthotics™ . Formthotics™ heat moulding process creates equal contact and better conformity to the plantar surface of the foot leading to even pressure distribution reducing risk of corns and callusing. Formthotics™ also reduce pronation can reduce associated callus in areas such as the medial hallux.
