Foot orthoses custom-made by vacuum forming on the non-load-bearing foot

Preliminary results in male children with calcaneal apophysitis (Sever’s disease)

Abstract

Background and aim: 

To our knowledge, the technique of molding orthoses to the non-load-bearing foot is still not widely investigated. The aim of this work is, therefore, first, to describe an off-loading custom-made technique and, second, to explain how it can be specifically adapted to treat Sever’s disease.

Techniques: 

A technique of directly molding orthoses to the non-load-bearing foot by vacuum forming an insole to the foot fabricated with a combination of polyvinyl chloride and polyester resins, 30 Shore A hardness and 148 kg/m³ density polyethylene–ethylene-vinyl-alcohol, and a cushioning heel cup of 22 Shore A polyurethane, using a directly molding orthoses technique to the non-load-bearing foot by vacuum.

Discussion: 

Results show that this new technique could be a good alternative to traditional insoles in the management of Sever’s disease pain.

Clinical relevance 

Manufacturing the insole directly on the patient’s foot could lead to a better individual adaptation in general, and to manage Sever’s pain disease in particular.