An office-based orthotic system in treatment of the arthritic foot

Patients with inflammatory arthritic disease of the feet invariably require conservative office management. The simplest method of obtaining relief has been to use commercially available extra-depth shoes combined with custommade, removable, closed-celled polyethylene foam arch supports. These supports are soft, light, and can be accurately adjusted to each patient's pathology. The technique and modifications used for relieving the commonest problems, such as anterior metatarsalgia and plantar heel pain, are discussed.