Indications of Steel Insoles- Full Steel Stabilizer Plates

Indications of the Spring Steel Insoles- Full Steel Stabilizer Plates

- Problems requiring a Rigid or Semi-Rigid footbed
- Turf Toe
- Hallux Limitus / Hallux Rigidus
- Forefoot Pain
- Metatarsalgia
- Cuboid Syndrome
- Freiburg's Infraction
- Bunionectomy
- Foot Stability Post-op
- Shin Splints

Steel 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.

Steel insoles are also used for puncture resistant shoe shank insoles.

Teri Green
Atlas Biomechanics

PPT Self-Adhesive Heel Lift Cushion 1/4" Pad for Heel Spur and Unequal Limb Length Discrepancy

PPT heel lift cushion pads are a versatile footpad with many uses. PPT is also called poron and is an excellent material for cushioning, and shock absorption.

One of its many uses is to cushion a painful heel spur. Remove the paper backing and place in the rear of the shoe. The PPT heel cushion will provide shock absorption when the heel stricks the floor.

Another use of the PPT heel cushion is to treat uneven limbs. The thickness is 1/4" ( 6 mm ) and provides a lift to the short leg.

Also, many medical practitioners will use our PPT heel lift cushion pads to treat Achilles tendonitis. Many people with Achilles tendonitis will have a short tendon and by placing the pad in the shoe it will relieve stress on the Achilles.

So a PPT heel lift cushion pads have many uses for the foot patient.

Teri Green
Atlas Biomechanics 

How to Perform a Semmes Weinstein Neuropathy Skin Test

How to Perform a Semmes Weinstein Neuropathy Skin Test

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

Functional Short Leg and Heel Lifts

A functional short leg (FSL) is a common type of leg-length inequality is a result of rotational patterns of the pelvis and hips. It can also be affected by misalignments or torsional movement in the knee, ankles, and feet.

Limb Length Discrepancy and Heel Lifts

In many cases of a functional short leg, as evidenced by radiographic study, the use of heel lifts has been shown to help eliminate musculoskeletal deficiencies and improve patient outcomes. Providing support for the short limb with a heel lift is important when recognizing the functional short leg because providing a lift will likely diminish the associated sacroiliac subluxations.

Look at and palpate the iliac crests and the greater trochanters to see if they are of unequal height. Finally, look and palpate the lumbar spine. A typical postural distortion for a short leg will create lumbar scoliosis whose convexity moves toward the side of the FSL.

After you have measured your patient’s actual leg-length discrepancy, it is always safe to under correct. The classic rule of thumb is to cut the LLI in half and then start with the appropriate-sized heel lift.

Proceed to a 3 mm (1/8") heel lift and have the patient wear this for two weeks. Then re-evaluate.
Proceed to a 6 mm (1/4") heel lift or 9 mm (3/8") heel lift only if necessary. Use the two-week break-in period as indicated above. Then re-evaluate.

From a practical standpoint, it is very important to be able to confidently determine if someone truly has a short leg due to anatomy or functionality and to use a heel lift if need be.

Teri Green

Atlas Biomechanics

SHORT LEG SYNDROME (UNEQUAL LIMB LENGTH) Biomechanics of the Short Limb

The presence of leg length discrepancy is usually associated with pelvic or lumbar misalignment. The short limb may be FUNCTIONAL, ANATOMICAL, or a COMBO of both. Studies have found that the majority of patients presenting to our offices are functional, but a growing number seen are anatomical, the result of post hip or knee replacement surgeries. Many of these can be corrected within shoe heel lifts. You need an understanding of unequal limb length biomechanics before prescribing a heel lift from Atlas Biomechanics.

FUNCTIONAL SHORT Limb:
1. The sacroiliac joint that is misaligned causing the sacral base to drop to one side.
2. Flexion or Extension with one of the iliac bones out of its normal anatomical position.
3. Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction causing the subtalar joint to overpronate, effectively shorting the limb.

ANATOMICAL SHORT Limb:
1. Hip or knee replacement surgery.
2. Polio.
3. Congenital, birth injuries and infections to the growth plates.
4. Fractures.

BIOMECHANICS OF THE SHORT Leg:
1. Supination of the subtalar joint.
2. External rotation of the tibia.
3. External rotation of the knee.
4. Abnormal patella tracking.
5. Pelvic Tilt.
6. Shifting of the center of gravity to the short side.

BIOMECHANICS OF THE LONG LIMB:
1. Pronation of the subtalar joint.
2. Internal rotation of the tibia and the knee.
3. Abnormal patella tracking.
4. Vaulting over the hip joint.

GAIT EVALUATION OF THE UNEQUAL LIMB LENGTH:
1. Center of gravity shifted to the short side.
2. Unilateral early heel lift.
3. Pelvic Tilt.
4. Shoulder drop.
5. Unilateral subtalar pronation.
6. Unilateral shoe wear (lateral heel).
7. Abnormal knee rotation and patella tracking.

Atlas Biomechanics produces all of our heel lifts in the USA.

Shoe Heel Lifts come in small, medium and large. They are manufactured from either EVA/Rubber or Cork/Rubber blend.

Heights are:
1/8 inch (3 mm) heel lift 
1/4 inch (6 mm) heel lift   
3/8 inch (9 mm) heel lift 
1/2 inch (12 mm) heel lift 
and
Adjustable Heel Lift with Built-in Heel Wedge  

Teri Green
Atlas Biomechanics

1/4" (6 mm) Heel Lifts To Treat Unequal Leg Length

Heel lifts are a simple and inexpensive medical device that is used to treat Unequal Limb Length, Achilles Tendinitis, and Short Limb.

Atlas Biomechanics manufactures heel lifts in the United State in Rubber Cork or EVA/Rubber blend. They are lightweight, durable and comfortable.

For the best alignment, place the heel lift under the shoe's insole. This will allow the heel lift to sit firmly at the bottom of the shoe. When the shoe lift is under the insole there is optimum control and comfort.

Atlas Biomechanics heel lifts are firm and true to size. There is a softening of the shoe lift with use.

Customer Practice Studies for 6 mm 1/4" Heel Lifts (surveying our practitioners)

-Achilles Tendonitis: 65% use the 6 mm (1/4 inch) heel lift to treat.
-Limb Length Discrepancy: 45% also use the 6 mm (1/4 inch) heel lift to treat.

Professional Grade 1/4 inch ( 6 mm ) Heel Lifts
*10 lifts bulk pack
*6mm (1/4 inch) shoe heel lift
*Comfortable natural base
*Long lasting risers

* 1/4" heel lifts with double sided tape to hold into shoe

*Treat unequal limb length, achilles tendonitis
*Made in the USA

For best alignment, place the heel lift under the shoe's insole. This will allow the heel lift to sit firmly at the bottom of the shoe for optimum control and comfort.

Atlas Biomechanics manufactures a full line of heel lifts. Whether they be our adjustable heel lifts, cork heel lifts or eva/rubber blend they are medical grade.

Teri Green
Atlas Biomechanics

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