Foot deformities set off a cascade of negative changes (the domino effect).
Disrupted functions of the lower extremities lead to permanent discomfort and cause pain all throughout the kinetic chain. As people feel pain, they limit their physical activity, which in turn leads to pathological conditions.

Formthotics custom foot orthotics provide comfort in walking, correct foot deformities, reduce muscle fatigue and slow down the wear of joints. The body posture is noticeably improved! Hundreds of thousands of cases all over the world have proved the efficacy of Formthotics, as they have helped people with leg pains, back pains, neck pains and even headaches!

FOOT DEFORMITIES 

When the foot position is compromised by malalignment of the lower extremities, the pelvis and the spine, overload and pains appear in the body support tissues. Transversely oriented forces affect the joints excessively, which leads to premature wear and causes such diseases as joint osteoarthrosis, spine osteochondrosis, disc hernia and other problems. Local overload on the sole of the foot manifests itself in calluses and corns, as well as Hallux Valgus.

The motion efficiency is reduced and the gait cycle changes abnormally.

NEUROLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS

Muscle imbalance and reduced motion efficiency.

The foot is a powerful receptor field. Dysfunctions in the foot distort the input signal. As a result, non-optimal motion patterns are formed, as the body compensates for disorders reducing the overall motion efficiency. This leads to bad posture and gait and causes painful trigger points to appear. The foot orthotics can eliminate the muscle imbalance through positive influence on the muscles in the lower extremities, the back and even the neck. 

FORMTHOTICS SYSTEM: 6 FUNCTIONAL TESTS

1 SUBTALAR MOTION TEST 

The subtalar joint biomechanics and function is assessed (the joint range, quality and pattern of motion).

2 LOWER EXTREMITIES ALIGNMENT TEST

Front view and rear view body alignment is assessed visually. The assessment is done both in standing and in walking.

3 SUPINATION RESISTANCE TEST (NAVICULAR ELEVATION TEST)

The value tested is the effort spent on passive supination of the patient’s foot .

 

There are several main stages of the Formthotics correction method

Examination:

Visual assessment of posture and gait;

6 functional tests;

Musculoskeletal assessment.

Selection of a pre-form. The model is selected in view of the foot individual background that includes

degree of foot deformity ;

amount of pain;

preferred footwear;

age and body weight;

physical activity.

Heat-moulding and break-in period

The Formthotics customs insoles pre-forms are heated with a special heating machine. When heated to 85оС, the “smart” foam Formax becomes mouldable. The insoles are moulded in an aligned neutral position. The break-in occurs in wearing the shoes for the next 3-4 weeks.

 

 

4 JACK’S TEST (WINDLASS TEST)

The value tested is the change of the arch elevation during plantar fascia tightening (induced by passive dorsiflexion of the first toe).

5 BALANCE TEST (FLAMINGO TEST)

Proprioception test*.

*Proprioception is the system responsible for the body self-awareness in space and body posture over time.

6 FOREFOOT STABILITY TEST

The stability and confidence of the toe rise are tested.

 

 

Posting (Correction)

At the next appointment the clinician reviews the patient’s gait and posture, as well as changes in the insoles shape. When needed, correction with functional wedges is applied.

The efficacy of the Formthotics custom foot orthotics has been supported by research done around the world. Doctors from over 40 countries prove the efficacy of the Formthotics system by using it in their day-to-day clinical practice. Since 2005 over 450 Formthotics clinical practices have been set up in Russia alone.