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Shoe wear pattern is the external reflection of foot function and it is important to examine the patient's shoes for abnormal wear and to evaluate shoe wear and relate it to function, an understanding of the parts of the shoe and their various purposes is needed.
Does the counter of the shoe appear to be straight up and down? Ideally, the heel counter should be firm, well fit to the size and shape of the heel, vertical in its bisection, and firmly attached to the midsole, often reinforced by a plastic external heel stabilizer. The vertical alignment of the counter can be evaluated by placing the shoe on a table or countertop and using, a protractor, to extend a perpendicular line upward from the horizontal table. This line should bisect the counter of the shoe. If the counter is tipped—pointed medially—this usually reflects a pronatory function. As the heel everts with excessive STJ pronation, the counter of the shoe tips medially.
We visually inspect the uppers for abnormal wear-through, and check for holes or worn areas visible on the external portion. These worn areas are caused, for the most part, by excessive internal pressures aggravated by abnormalities in biomechanical function. One frequent area of wear-through is the toebox, which may mean that the toebox is too low or too short for the patient.
Your childs shoes can tell us much about their walking patterns; it is well worth while making an appointment if you suspect you or your child may be wearing their shoes abnormally.
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Abnormal shoe wear |
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Last updated 02-Dec-2007