The 2 pairs of orthotic devices above are actually the same pair. The patient Luz presented to my office with the pair in the top photo of prescription orthotic devices. These orthotic devices were not controlling her pronation motion enough, and I felt that some of her symptoms could be caused by this motion. Instead of just making a new pair, I was able to get more stability by teaching her power lacing, and having the podiatry laboratory place extrinsic rearfoot posts (brown) and arch reinforcements (white). This simple solution can be the subtle difference in motion that eliminates pain. This is one example of the art of medicine combined with the KISS principle that I use on a routine basis with great results for patients.
This technique was taught to me by the famous Dr Christopher Smith, our biomechanics clinic head at school, and owner of Northwest Podiatric Orthotic Laboratory in Blaine, Washington. When you add a stable shoe, if the patient was not originally wearing, miracles can happen in stability and comfort.
