Computer Testing for Foot Problems
Updated: January 7, 2009
"Computers can rule the feet"
Computers have become the latest tool in medicine to provide the best and
most accurate treatment to patients. Podiatrists have taken this modern tool
and used it to provide cutting edge technology when it comes to
manufacturing prescription arch supports (orthotics). Recently, new computer
software and hardware have been created for this purpose. The podiatrist no
longer has to make guesswork when prescribing orthotics.
The purpose of orthotics is to balance the feet and put them in proper place
and position. This allows the feet to function in more normal state and
thereby reduce pain. Orthotics are to feet like glasses are to the eyes.
Orthotics can reduce foot pain caused by heel spurs, pinched nerves
(neuromas), bunions, corns, calluses, and hammertoes. They may even arrest
knee and back pain. They improve posture and generally create overall better
foot health.
To manufacture a computer generated pair of orthotics; the patient must
stand on a "a static force plate" or "plantar pressure pad", which will show
on a computer screen the major pressure points occurring on the bottom of
the feet. The areas of most pressure will show the color red and least
pressure will be blue. This image of the feet is known as "plantar pressure
analysis".
This information is vital to the podiatrist and helps immensely to evaluate
the patient`s feet. It can help identify hidden pressure areas of the feet,
which are causing pain. This technique can also determine whether one leg is
longer than the other, just by the pressure coloration scheme noted on each
foot. This plantar pressure analysis can be viewed in two or three
dimensions. This information is stored digitally in the computer`s memory
and can be transferred via modem to a lab to manufacture the orthotics.
The next process of computer analysis is known as "computer gait analysis".
The patient walks across the plantar pressure pad. Again, this information
is displayed on the computer screen in variant red to blue coloration scheme
to help the podiatrist diagnose the cause of the foot complaint. This
technique allows information about the walking cycle to be revealed, which
cannot be seen by the naked eye.
Any abnormality in the walking cycle will be compared to normal. Playback of
this data can be produced in two or three dimensions, as well. The
podiatrist can show the patient their actual walking cycle in the immediate
computer playback. The podiatrist can better educate the patient to why they
need orthotics.
All the computer information can be printed out and taken home. The patient
may even want to show it to family and/or friends to help educate them on
how important proper foot function is to everyday foot health.
Once the computer analysis is performed, the patient will need to have
prescription orthotics made. Ordering information is prepared on the
computer. They patient will visualize their shoe type and corresponding
orthotic. The podiatrist writes the orthotic prescription and send the order
directly via a modem to the orthotic lab and devices will arrive and be
fitted to the patient 2-3 weeks later.
This advanced computer analysis is best and most accurate way to produce a
pair of orthotics. Long gone are the days of messy plaster foot and
unreliable foam foot impressions. There is very little room for error with
this technology. Orthotic manufacture will never be the same and will
certainly provide a better prescription device with greater patient
satisfaction. Consider visiting a Podiatrist if you are considering getting
orthotics.
