1/2″ heel lifts are a common size for patients with unequal limb length. A short leg can be caused by many reasons. Post hip or knee replacement surgery is the most common reason for the leg length inequality.

Having a short limb can cause lower back stress, ankle pain, and opposite leg discomfort. Applying a heel lift can help relieve this discomfort.

A heel lift is placed in the shoe at the posterior aspect. Usually, it is placed under the shoe’s insole. It may take a couple of days to get used to the heel lift.

Atlas Biomechanics heel lifts are made of one of two types of materials. Our Cork Heel Lifts are manufactured from medical grade rubber cork. Our black Heel Lift is produced from medical grade EVA/Rubber. Both are firm with the cork having more bounce.

1/2″ heel lifts are an inexpensive, common treatment for patients with unequal limb

Teri Green
Atlas Biomechanics

How to Perform a Semmes Weinstein Neuropathy Skin Test for Peripheral Diabetic Neuropathy

The American Diabetes Association recommends that all patients with diabetes should be screened for loss of protective sensation in their feet (peripheral neuropathy) when they are diagnosed and at least annually thereafter, using simple clinical tests such as the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament exam. This simple, inexpensive screening test should be performed at least once a year on our patients
.
The Semmes-Weinstein 5.07 monofilament nylon wire exerts 10 g of force when bowed into a C shape against the skin for 1 second. Patients who can’t reliably detect application of the 5.07, 10-g monofilament on the plantar surface of their feet are considered to have lost protective sensation.

The loss of skin protective sensation or peripheral neuropathy can lead to severe complications in diabetics. One of the most severe is a diabetic neuropathic plantar foot ulcer. An ulcer on the foot can lead to infection and amputation.

How to Perform a Semmes Weinstein Neuropathy Skin Test for Peripheral Neuropathy

1. Have the patient in a sitting position with shoes and socks off.
2. Explain to the patient that you’re screening/testing for neuropathy (loss of skin nerve feeling).
3. Touch the Semmes-Weinstein nylon monofilament wire to the patient’s arm to show what the touch feels like.
4. Tell the patient to respond “Yes” each time he or she feels the pressure of the 5.07 monofilament wire on the foot during the exam.
5. Tell the patient to shut their eyes during the exam.
6. Hold the monofilament wire perpendicular to the patient’s foot. Press it against the foot, increasing the pressure until the monofilament bends into a C shape. (The patient should sense the monofilament by the time it bows.)
7. Hold the monofilament in place for about 1 second. Press the monofilament to the skin so it buckles at one of two times as you say “Time one” or “Time two.” Have the patient identify at which time he or she was touched. Randomize the sequence of applying the filament throughout the examination.
8. Locations for testing: On both feet, use the first, third, and fifth metatarsal heads and plantar surface of the distal hallux and third toe. Avoid callused areas.
9. Record response on foot screening form with “+” for Yes and “–” for No.

Teri Green
Atlas Biomechanics

8 Degree Varus/Valgus Heel Wedge, Cork Rubber

Varus/Valgus Heel Wedges can be used for pronation or supination problems of the foot and ankle. Heel Wedges are designed to help align the calcaneus (heel) during ambulation to limit excessive pronation or supination. They improve foot function by stabilizing weak, rotating ankles.

The valgus heel wedge is useful for patients with early medial compartment osteo-arthritis provided it is used with an understanding of the indications and its limitations. Research shows that patients with early medial compartment osteo-arthritis of the knee were treated with lateral heel wedges and were followed for a period of 7 years and 5 months to 12 years. Those who were treated with valgus heel wedges and analgesics showed a significantly greater improvement in pain score than those treated with analgesics only.

Professional Grade Cork Rubber Heel Wedges
*Medical Grade Rubber Cork
*5 lifts bulk pack
*8 degree Inversion or Eversion
*Correct Pronation: Thicker Side Facing Inward (Heel Varus Wedge)

*Correct Supination: Thicker Side Facing Outward (Heel Valgus Wedge)
*Long lasting, Comfortable
*Made in the USA by Atlas Biomechanics

Sizes: Small 2" (5.1cm) width, Medium 2 1/2" (6.4cm) width, Large 3" (7.4cm) width

Made from Medical Grade Rubber Cork

Produced by us in the USA by Atlas Biomechanics.

Teri Green
Atlas Biomechanics

Steel Insole Plate for Treatment of a Morton’s Toe

A steel plate insole can be beneficial in treating a Morton’s Toe. When the second toe is longer than the big toe, it is called Morton’s Toe.  This is due to genetics, you are born with it. Most people will not have any issues when their second toe is longer.

When the second toe is longer than the big toe, that means that the second metatarsal is longer than the first metatarsal. This will cause under stress on the metatarsal toe joint and the forefoot. Some of the most common problems this can cause are Metatarsalgia, (ball-of-foot pain), Morton’s Neuroma, Metatarsal Stress Fractures, Plantar Fasciitis, Calluses, Bunion, Hammer, Claw and Mallet toes.

A steel insole is a stiff orthotic plate that will not allow motion in the forefoot. They are produced from thin steel with a felt top-cover. Some also call them steel shank. One places the steel insole plate in place of the shoe’s insole. Now with a spring steel insole plate, the Morton’s Toe and forefoot is in a neutral position not allowing an abnormal range of motion.

Teri Green

Atlas Biomechanics

Avantages of an Adjustable Heel Lift

Adjustable heel lifts have numerous advantages over conventional heel shoe elevator lifts.

1. Leg Length Discrepancies: allows exact adjustment for proper heel elevation.
2. Achilles Tendon Therapy: allows for a gradual height reduction to decrease the strain of a tight Achilles while in treatment.
3. Day-to-day adjustments.
4. Adjustable height correction from 9 mm (3/8") to 6 mm (1/4") to 3 mm (1/8").
5. A constant descending slope.
6. Easily trimmable with a scissor.
7. Medical grade rubber cork material.
8. Made in the USA.

Adjustable Heel Lifts Treat:

-Limb Length Inequality
-Achilles Tendonitis
-Heel Spurs
-Ill-fitting Ski Boots, Ice Skates

Sizes:



Small: (Women's shoe sizes 4-7)

Medium: (Women's shoe sizes 8-10) (Men's shoe size 7-10)

Large: (Women's shoe sizes 9-11) (Men's shoe size 11-14)

Thanks

Teri Green
Atlas Biomechanics

How to Use a Re-usable, Stick On Foot Gel Pad

Self Adhesive, Reusable Gel Stick On Foot Pads

Soft gel cushions are superior in reducing pressure while providing comfort to the foot. They are a non-latex gel. Self-sticking gel pads are self-sticking cushions, which can be washed and reused over and over again.
Excellent stick on foot pads cushions for long-lasting comfort.

-Self Sticking
-Re-Usable for Months
-Medical Grade Gel
-Made in the USA
-Stick On Foot Pads

Directions:
-Apply gel foot pad to clean, oil/cream free and dry foot.
-Place gel foot cushion directly to the skin.
-Remove gel foot protector at night to allow the skin to breathe.
-Remove by gently peeling away from the skin.
-Hand wash with warm soapy water and air dry to allow the pad to get sticky again.

Atlas Biomechanics produces our gel stick on foot pads for

-Arch
-Metatarsal (Ball of Foot)
-U-shaped Callus Pad
-Oval Callus Pad
-Dancer's / Sesamoid Pad

Teri Green
Atlas Biomechanics 

Heel Lifts in Ice Skates

Some ice skaters have the sensation that their heels are lifting out of their skates and the general feeling that it does not fit properly. A heel that is pistoning in the skate can cause undo pressure on the forefoot. This will also improper energy transfer on the ice skate.

One of the simplest correction of a heel lifting in the ice skate is to add a cork heel lift. The most common heel lift used is the Atlas Biomechanics 3mm (1/8") cork heel lift. The 6mm (1/4") cork heel lift could also be used for more severe cases.

Usually, the 3 mm ( 1/8 inch ) cork heel lift is placed under the ski boot's insole. They also can be stacked for a higher correction. This will cause the best alignment. This will allow the heel lift to sit firmly at the bottom of the ski boot for optimum control and comfort.

Teri Green

Atlas Biomechanics

Steel Shank Shoe Inserts for Forefoot Injuries

Steel full stabilizer plate rigid insoles, half-length, and full length are used to stiffen the shoe's insole. This will limit the range of motion of the forefoot and midfoot. Doing so will make the shoe non-flexible. These steel shank shoe inserts (either 1/2 or full length) will limit the dorsiflexion at the metatarsal joints. Immobilizing the forefoot and metatarsal joints prevent the joints from bending during walking and sports. They can also be used for puncture resistant insoles.

Atlas Biomechanics produces two types of steel shank shoe inserts.

1.  Steel 1/2 Stabilizer Plate Rigid Insoles, Half Length

2.  Steel Stabilizer Plates Insoles, Full Length

Stabilizer / Insole Plates to Limit Fore-Foot, Metatarsal Joints & Turf Toe

-Used to stiffen the sole of the shoe.
-Limits Range of Motion of the Forefoot and Midfoot.
-Makes shoe Non-Flexible.
-Extremely thin steel stabilizer plate insole, 1/8" thick.
-Comfortable and durable felt top cover.
-These steel insole plates are constructed to Limit Dorsiflexion at the metatarsal joints.
-Immobilizes toe joint to prevent it from bending during walking and sports.
-Puncture resistant insole

Indications of the Spring Steel Insoles- 1/2 Steel Stabilizer Plates
1- Problems requiring a Rigid or Semi-Rigid footbed
2- Turf Toe
3- Hallux Limitus / Hallux Rigidus
4- Forefoot Pain
5- Metatarsalgia
6- Cuboid Syndrome
7- Freiburg's Infraction
8- Bunionectomy
9- Foot Stability Post-op
10- Shin Splints

11-Plantar Plate Tear

Steel 1/2 stabilizer plate rigid insoles, half-length, and full length are used to stiffen the shoe's insole.

About Atlas Biomechanics: We are a woman owned sports medical manufacturer of Foot Pads, Heel Lifts and Heat Moldable Orthotics.

Teri Green
Atlas Biomechanics

6mm ( 1/4" ) Heel Lift is the Most Prescribed Shoe Lift for Achilles Tendonitis in 2019

 Achilles tendonitis is frequently treated with in shoe heel lifts. Per our survey with Atlas Biomechanics prescribing practitioners, the 6 mm ( 1/4") heel lift is the most prescribed for their patients in 2019.

Achilles tendonitis is a painful inflammation of the tendon that attaches to the calcaneus ( heel bone). One of the most common and least expensive treatment options is to put a heel lift in the back of the shoe. Putting a heel lift in the shoe will raise the heel bone to decrease the stretch on the Achilles tendon. It will allow the Achilles tendon to relax and heal faster.

A 6 mm ( 1/4 inch ) heel lift will raise the heel just enough to relax the Achilles tendon to allow healing.

Atlas Biomechanics produces two types of 6 mm ( 1/4" ) heel lifts.

1. Cork Heel Lift

2. EVA/Rubber Heel Lift

These heel lifts are produced here in the USA. They come with double sided tape to allow better application.

For Best Alignment and Optimum Control:

1. Place under the shoe's insole.
2. Make sure they are against the back of the shoe.
3. Heel Lifts are firm but will soften with use.


Teri Green
Atlas Biomechanics

6mm ( 1/4" ) Heel Lift is the Most Prescribed Shoe Lift for Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is frequently treated with heel lifts. Per our in-house survey with Atlas Biomechanics prescribing in shoe heel lifts, the 6mm (1/4") heel lift is most dispensed.

For Achilles Tendonitis

10% 3mm ( 1/8" ) Heel Lift
65% 6mm ( 1/4" ) Heel Lift
20% 9mm ( 3/8" ) Heel Lift
5%  12mm ( 1/2" ) Heel Lift

Cork heel lifts are dispensed over our EVA/Rubber lifts 60% to 40%
Number of Respondents: 418

The Achilles Tendon is the largest tendon in the body. It starts as the calf muscle and ends in the posterior calcaneus. When it is inflamed, one of the most common and least expensive treatment is to place a heel lift in the shoe to shorten the Achilles Tendon.

Teri Green
Atlas Biomechanics

About Atlas Biomechanics: We are a woman owned sports medical manufacturer of Heel Lifts, Foot Pads and Heat Moldable Orthotics.

Cork 12mm (1/2") Heel Lifts

Cork 12mm (1/2") heel lifts were designed to correct limb length discrepancy. Atlas Biomechanics is the only USA company manufacturing rubber cork blend 12mm (1/2 inch) heel lifts.

Professional Grade Cork Heel Lifts
*10 lifts bulk pack
*12mm (1/2 inch) rubber cork shoe heel lift
*Comfortable natural rubber cork base
*Long lasting
*Made in the USA by Atlas Biomechanics

Sizes: Small 2" (5.1cm) width, Medium 2 1/2" (6.4cm) width, Large 3" (7.4cm) width

12mm (1/2") Cork Heel Lifts Treat;

-Unequal Limb Length
-Post-Hip Replacement Surgery
-Post Knee Replacement Surgery
-Achilles Tendonitis

Teri Green
Atlas Biomechanics

Steel 1/2 Stabilizer Plate Rigid Insoles, Half Length

Steel 1/2 Stabilizer Plate Rigid Insoles, Half Length

Stabilizer / Insole Plates to Limit Fore-Foot, Metatarsal Joints & Turf Toe

Used to stiffen the sole of the shoe.
Limits Range of Motion of the Forefoot and Midfoot.
Makes shoe Non-Flexible.
Extremely thin steel stabilizer plate insole, 1/8" thick.
Comfortable and durable felt top cover.
These steel insole plates are constructed to Limit Dorsiflexion at the metatarsal joints.
Immobilizes toe joint to prevent it from bending during walking and sports.

Indications of the Spring Steel Insoles- 1/2 Steel Stabilizer Plates
- Problems requiring a Rigid or Semi-Rigid foot bed
-Toe Fracture
- Turf Toe
- Hallux Limitus / Hallux Rigidus
- Forefoot Pain
- Metatarsalgia
- Cuboid Syndrome
- Freiburg's Infraction
- Bunionectomy
- Foot Stability Post-op
- Shin Splints
-Plantar Plate Tear
-Morton's Toe

Teri Green
Atlas Biomechanics

About Atlas Biomechanics: We are a woman owned sports medical manufacturer of Foot Pads, Heel Lifts and Heat Moldable Orthotics.

Carboplast Carbon Stabilizer / Insole Plates to Limit Fore-Foot, Mid-Foot Metatarsal Joints & Turf Toe

Carbon Stabilizer Plates Insoles, Full Length

Carboplast Stabilizer / Insole Plates to Limit Fore-Foot, Mid-Foot Metatarsal Joints & Turf Toe

Used to stiffen the sole of the shoe.
Limits Range of Motion of the Forefoot and Midfoot.
Makes shoe Non-Flexible.
Extremely thin carbon stabilizer plate insole, 1/8" thick.
These carbon insole plates are constructed to Limit Dorsiflexion at the metatarsal joints and mid-foot .
Immobilizes toe joints to prevent it from bending during walking and sports.
Puncture resistant

Indications of the Carbon Insoles- Full Stabilizer Plates
- Problems requiring a Rigid or Semi-Rigid foot bed
- Turf Toe
- Hallux Limitus / Hallux Rigidus
- Forefoot Pain
- Metatarsalgia
- Cuboid Syndrome
- Freiburg's Infraction
- Bunionectomy
- Foot Stability Post-op
- Shin Splints
-Foot Fractures

Carboplast plates are easy to fit and finish and can be customized by grinding or heat molding. They can be heated and reformed by using convection ovens at a temperature of 400 degrees , F for 3-7 minutes.



Teri Green
Atlas Biomechanics

Gel Foot Pad Cushions, How to make them last for months

Gel foot pad cushions can be re-used and stay sticky for months. The gel used in Atlas Biomechanics foot pad cushions are designed to be self-adhesive and re-usable. With proper care, they can be re-used for months. Just hand wash them with warm soapy water. They will become sticky again.

Our gel foot pad comes in different shapes for different uses. We produce a U shaped callus pad, an Oval shaped callus pad, Dancer's / Sesamoid pad, Arch pads, and Ball of Foot / Metatarsal cushions.

  Self Adhesive, Re-usable Gel Foot Pads

Soft gel cushions are superior in reducing pressure while providing comfort to the foot.
They are self-sticking cushions, which can be washed and reused over and over again.
Excellent foot pads cushions for long-lasting comfort.

-Self Sticking
-Re-Usable for Months
-Medical Grade Gel
-Made in the USA

Directions:
-Apply gel foot pad to clean, oil/cream free and dry foot.
-Place gel foot cushion directly to the skin.
-Remove gel foot protector at night to allow the skin to breathe.
-Remove by gently peeling away from the skin.
-Hand washes with warm soapy water and air dry to allow the pad to get sticky again.

Teri Green

Atlas Biomechanics