Purpose
PurposeThe purpose of the Orthotics Pilot Study was to determine if Ergonomic Medical Grade Foot Orthotics would prevent and reduce musculoskeletal symptoms and associated diseases effecting load bearing joints of the body. These biomechanical conditions create bone, joint, muscle fatigue, strains, sprains and lost days in linemen and groundsmen in the T&D divisions within SCE which leads to a high workers compensation claim history.

Custom orthotics are used in the prevention and treatment of disease and injuries in Olympic and professional athletes. In addition, physicians have used them in the treatment of disease and injury in medical patients for many years and their efficacy should provide similar benefits for a working population such as the group within our study. We believe that by providing Ergonomic Foot Wear solutions, we will be able to prevent injuries and disease and improve the quality of life by providing more comfort and improving function and thereby enable SCE to proactively manage and reduce workers compensation claims using biomechanical – ergonomic intervention programs.

Mark A. Matey, D.P.M. and Stephen M. Meritt, D.P.M. are Podiatrists in private practice at Methodist Medical Center.

Custom orthotic devices are classically used for common maladies of the foot. There are two basic types of orthotics: accommodative and functional. Accommodative orthotics are used to distribute the patient's body weight away from a painful area. The role of functional orthotics is to prevent pain during ambulation and more importantly to prevent pathologic range of motion in the joints of the foot. The functional orthotic is casted to the foot in a corrected position and sent to a laboratory where a hard plastic is used to make the device. 

Description
An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of foot pain.

Alternative Names
Bunions; Corns; Hammertoe; Plantar Fasciitis  

Arch Pain
Tarsal tunnel syndrome results from compression of a nerve that runs through a narrow passage behind the inner ankle bone down to the heel. It can cause pain anywhere along the bottom of the foot. It is often associated with diabetes, back pain, or arthritis. It may also be caused by injury to the ankle or by a growth, abnormal blood vessels, or scar tissue that press against the nerve. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and the dorsiflexion-eversion test are being used to diagnose this syndrome. 

What is calcaneal apophysitis?
The heel bone is called the calcaneus. In children, there is an area on the heel bone where the bone grows that is called the growth plate, or apophysis. Calcaneal apophysitis, also called Sever's disease, is inflammation of the calcaneal growth plate that causes pain in the heel. It is the most common cause of heel pain in children, adolescents, and teenagers.