Definition: Heel wedging, also known as heel posting, refers to the need to control overpronating or oversupinating at the heel. Those who overpronate or oversupinate sometimes find their shoes break down very quickly at the heel. There are problems with gait and foot rotation that may be involved also. Wedging and posting can be accomplished with over-the-counter heel wedges or custom wedges placed inside the shoe or through wedging placed on an orthotic. It is sometimes placed externally on shoes.
Most of the population wears their shoes down on the lateral heel (outside of the heel). In itself, this is not abnormal. Podiatrists and pedorthists have ways to observe and measure when it is not and where wedging can favorably moderate heel strike. Wedging may be recommended for one heel but not the other and for others on both feet.
If wedging or posting does not keep a foot from going over, lateral or medial flares (see the section Lateral or Medial Flares) may be necessary. External stabilization may be another way to address the problem (see the section External Stabilization).
Benefits: As with internal leg length lifts, this is an expensive modification that can improve foot rotation and comfort in those who overpronate and oversupinate.
Text: Copyright 2010 Carole Romig Image: Drtodds.com