Foot Orthoses the 21st Century

A nod to tradition, with an eye on innovation. A comprehensive two-day course on foot orthoses, design, and clinical application

About this Event

Please follow the link to the website to find a more comprehensive overview.

Course Purpose

This course is designed to give podiatrists a complete, up-to-date foundation in orthotic theory and practice. It provides a deep dive into biomechanics, prescription, materials, and modifications, while equipping attendees with the confidence and hands-on experience to manage complex clinical scenarios.

Facility: World Class Newcaslte International football stadium, McDonald Jones Stadium

Structure

• Duration: Two full days (9:00 AM – 5:30 PM)
• Format: Healthy split of Theory and Practical hands on (assessing, manufacturing,altering) - approximately
• Delivery: In-person with designated learning zones (grinding area, material benches, presentation screen)

Core Themes
1. Principles of Biomechanics

• Foundations: levers, forces, kinematics
• Joint mechanics: STJ, MTJ, TMT, knee, hip
• Foot theories: Preferred Movement Pathway, Rotational Equilibrium
• Functional links: kinetic chain, leg length differences, forefoot/rearfoot relationships

2. Material Selection & Design

• Shells: EVA, poly, P11 (soft/dual/flexible)
• Posting, thickness, arch contouring, skives, heel cups, flares, buttresses
• Covers, tissue accommodation, metatarsal pads, cuboid notch
• Practical sourcing & clinical tolerance

3. Practical Component

• Gait assessment (treadmill/overground, strike pattern, video)
• Scanning & casting (WB/NWB, foam, optical, photogrammetry)
• Mark-up & modification (forefoot deflection, skive, grind)
• Fitting orthoses into shoes (cutting, adjusting, shoe types)
• Small group practicals following each theory block

4. Foot Posture Assessment

• Flat foot, cavus, functional vs structural
• Jack’s test, supinatory resistance
• Translating findings into prescription

5. Pathology-Specific Management

• Flatfoot, plantar fasciitis, Achilles, tib post, lateral forefoot, peroneals
• Stress fractures, knee OA, patellofemoral pain, low back pain

6. Custom vs Prefab

• Indications, pros/cons
• Functional vs accommodative options
• Clinical reasoning for choice

7. Orthosis Labs

• Plaster, milling, modelling
• Working with labs: communication, technical notes

8. Advanced Modifications

• Richie brace, UCBL, off-the-shelf bracing
• Accommodative vs functional indications

9. Footwear Considerations

• Matching orthoses with joggers, dress shoes, football boots

10. Cost & Communication

• How to explain cost to patients
• Addressing value, myths about weakness, short vs long-term use
• Collaborating with referrers (GPs, physios)

11. Psychological Aspects

• Building trust & engagement
• Managing expectations & beliefs
• Explaining orthoses clearly and confidently

12. Self-Auditing & Clinical Growth

• Reflective practice
• Evaluating outcomes & patient feedback
• Improving from clinical experience

Resources

• Take-home material selector cheat sheet
• Clinical reference for shoe compatibility
• Practical checklist for orthotic setup

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