I am thinking…

of contours and shapes here, as in the previous step. I want to remove any abrupt curvature that could be uncomfortable.

I can add…

an increase to the anterior metatarsal arch (AMA) to support the metatarsals. Think of this as a met pad built into the shape of the shell.

Also, I can increase calcaneal angle (ICA) to raise the distal aspect of the calcaneous and lock it up into the cuboid better.  This looks like a cuboid pad built into the shell shape. This results in a stable lateral arch if the calcaneal/cuboid joint is loose.

Both of these additions would take shape in the core shell material once it is molded to the cast. Modifications of this type are referred to as “intrinsic” to the shell.  I will be addressing both of these additions more specifically down the line here on the blog.

The benefits of intrinsic additions is that they take up less room in the shoe. Be aware that they are more permanent than adding a pad on top of the shell. To make changes, we would have to remake the devices as opposed to removing pads.

In the next video, we will take a look at molding the core shell material to the casts…

Feel free to get these articles automatically delivered to your inbox by clicking here: My free subscription.