the singing podiatrist.com

the foot stuff

wedges

Wedges are used either inside a shoe or on the outer sole to tilt the foot in a specific direction. This is not a commonly used treatment option, because it is usually not effective. If someone is severely pronated - and orthotics and solid shoes cannot control the pronation, shoe wedging can be tried. Wedging can be done at the back or front of the foot. Wedging at the front of the foot should be undertaken very cautiously. To put a varus (lifting the inside of the foot up) wedge under the big toe joint can create permanent joint damage very quickly. Podiatrists and pedorthists are the most qualified professionals to undertake this type of treatment.

Arch wedges are often used inside shoes, either under the insole or in addition to it. It's probably not harmful to try this option on your own. Remember though, that what you are doing is pushing a piece of material up into the softest part of the foot. Sometimes it is not only uncomfortable, but can create soft tissue injuries.

Wedges can be used almost anywhere under the foot. Commonly, wedges are used under parts of the ball of the foot. Short big toes can be wedged or lifted. Post-surgical deformities are often wedged. Wedges can be used between, under or over toes to attempt to relieve shoe pressure. If you're feeling creative, you can try a wedge wherever you intuitively feel it should go. If it doesn't work, you can always collaborate with a podiatrist.

Materials used for wedging are wide ranging. Usually they are felt, cork or rubber. In a podiatry office you can find adhesive backed felt and foam among other things. Some podiatrists will sell this material in bulk so that you can pad and wedge your shoe insoles to your heart's content. The most interesting wedging material I've ever seen someone use is a piece of a minipad placed under the ball of the foot. Whatever works!!