Foot Orthotics in Therapy and Sport

Packed with practical, step-by-step instructions, >Foot Orthotics in Therapy and Sport> will help even the most reluctant sports clinician master the art of creating orthotics.The authors--all certified athletic trainers and experts in orthotic fabrication--have written this how-to reference specifically for athletic trainers, physical therapists, sports physicians, and sport podiatrists.>Foot Orthotics in Therapy and Sport> features important background information for beginners, outlining the latest theories, approaches, and techniques for fabricating foot orthotics. And for more seasoned fabricators, there is a wealth of new ideas to use in your clinical setting.With close to 200 photos, drawings, and illustrations of orthotic-making techniques, this one-of-a-kind text shows how to--customize orthotic devices for athletes and patients;-improve the quality of orthotics;-examine the foot and ankle to determine the appropriateness of orthotic therapy;-save time and money by creating orthotics in-house; and-get athletes back in training and competition faster.Because many of the injuries occurring in the lower extremity can be traced to structural deformities or abnormalities of the foot, >Foot Orthotics in Therapy and Sport> also gives you an understanding of basic foot biomechanics and how it relates to treatment.The book's first three chapters review types of orthotics, how they effect the lower extremity, indication and contraindication of orthotic use, the pros and cons surrounding their use, and the latest research on how they work. Subsequent chapters--explain how to perform a clinical and biomechanical examination of the foot and ankle to determine if orthotic therapy should be used;-outline the materials and procedures for making negative casts and positive molds;-list the materials needed to make soft, semirigid, and rigid orthotics;-provide step-by-step instructions for fabricating and modifying orthotics in-house;-discuss how to adapt orthotics to special orthopedic conditions and common athletic injuries; and-offer instructions and illustrations for using commercial orthotic systems.Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned sports clinician, >Foot Orthotics in Therapy and Sport> presents easy, hands-on instructions for making state-of-the-art orthotics.Hunter, Skip is the author of 'Foot Orthotics in Therapy and Sport' with ISBN 9780873228299 and ISBN 0873228294.