- The Problem
The high arch foot can be complicated to treat because sometimes it pronates too much… In the high arch foot (pes cavus) the heel makes a steep angle to the arch and the forefoot has an even steeper angle to the ground. When it is off the ground the forefoot tends to be positioned lower than the heel, therefore when the foot is on the ground it needs to bend at the ankle to keep the body upright.
This change in posture uses most of the normal extension (dorsiflexion) movement at the ankle. When this occurs, the foot pronates (which provides some dorsiflexion) as compensation. Pronation in this type of foot causes a significant increase in leg rotation.
And sometimes it supinates too much… Within the forefoot the 1st metatarsal head (big toe joint) is sometimes positioned lower than the rest of the ball of the foot. As the 1st metatarsal hits the ground first the whole foot has to tilt towards the outer side (lateral) so that the rest of the forefoot sits against the ground. This raises the arch even higher and over supinates the foot. Over time this prevents normal pronation of the foot.
The Solution
Equiflex is designed to allow the forefoot to sit lower than the rearfoot and has a balancing support for the lesser metatarsals (2-5). This encourages an even distribution of pressure and reduces abnormal compensation of the ankle. A recess for the 1st metatarsal also encourages the medial column of the foot to work more efficiently.
How to decide which posts to use with Equiflex.
Equiflex is a unique orthotic because it offers control of pronation or supination through Talar Made’s unique Integrated posting System (IPS). A set of neutral, medial and lateral posts are provided free with each pair.
If the big toe joint is level with the rest of the forefoot, the high arch foot will tend to pronate too much. If the big toe joint sits lower than the rest of the forefoot the foot will tend to over supinate.
To control ankle joint compensation only.
For mild control select the neutral (0º) posts to fill the recesses on the underside of the orthotic. If more control is required select the 6mm heel elevator for the rearfoot post.
To control pronation
Rearfoot posts. As the arch rolls in during pronation, the heel (calcaneus) changes position and pressure falls on the inner (medial) side. Rearfoot posts are supplied to prevent this from happening. Choose 3º for moderate control and 5º for higher control.
Forefoot posts. Many feet that pronate excessively have a tendency for the forefoot to sit in a position, which is tilted inward (varus) when compared to the rearfoot. This encourages the inner (medial) border to roll down to the ground and cause further pronation. Forefoot posts are supplied to prevent this from happening. Choose 0º for mild control, 3º for moderate control and 5º for higher control.
To control supination
Rearfoot posts. As the arch rises during supination, the heel (calcaneus) changes position and pressure falls on the outer (lateral) side. Rearfoot posts are supplied to prevent this from happening. Choose 3º for moderate control and 5º for higher control.
Forefoot posts. Many feet that supinate excessively have a tendency for the forefoot to sit in a position, which is tilted outward (valgus) when compared to the rearfoot. This encourages the outer (lateral) border to roll down to the ground and cause further supination. Forefoot posts are supplied to prevent this from happening. Choose 3º for moderate control and 5º for higher control.
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