Orthotics and insoles for the forefoot: the European way.

Technical aids in the treatment of foot problems have been known for hundreds of years. In the German-speaking countries, especially, shoemakers, prosthetists, and orthotists are well respected. They have great skills and provide the orthopedic surgeon with alternatives to surgery. Also, the combination of surgery and technical aids is important because suboptimal surgical results can be improved by a good orthopedic device.