Shoes and insoles for patients with rheumatoid foot disease.

Pedorthic devices (shoes, modifications, insoles) are alternatives to, and, complementary with, operative procedures for patients with rheumatoid foot disease. The practical use of insoles and shoesole rolls (rocker soles) to diminish pressures and shearing stresses, and to support load bearing, is described. Criteria for prescribing such devices are described. The requirements for orthopaedic shoes are listed and a special technique of using test shoes with transparent thermomoldable stiff plastic materials is introduced to reveal pressure spots in advance of finishing the definitive shoe. Custom made pedorthic devices can improve loading capacity and mobility effectively even in severely deformed feet, thus being an important part of medical treatment.