Podotech Thermoshell

The material is a proprietary blend with a nylon base that is 5 times stronger than traditional polypropylene orthotics. This allows us to create an ultra thin very strong semi rigid orthotic that will fit in almost any shoe.

Semi-bespoke foot orthotics in just minutes

Prefabricated orthotics do not require heat moulding, they can be dispensed from the package as is. Designed to look act and feel like a custom orthotics with optional 4-degree rear foot posting for greater control and stability. This is a professional grade orthotic that is available a very low cost.

The Thermsahell is a 1.3mm 3/4 Semi Rigid Arch Support with a 12 mm heel cup. This product is ideal for dispensing right out of the package as it has a medium arch height and offers great control.

This support is completely heat mouldable and reheat formable, whether fitting directly to the foot or a positive cast. The thin profile allows it to fit in any shoe while leaving room for accommodative adjustments as well as the addition of top covers or posting.

Thermoshell features:

• Available pre-cut to size and moulded to approximate shape.
  
  
• Resilient: made from Nylon which 5 times stronger than traditional polypropylene.
  
  
• When heated Thermoshell can be instanly moulded to the foot.
  
  
• Grinding and cutting is simple.
  
  
• Posting can be applied simply using any adhesive.
  
  
• Suitable as a base for a full orthotic, by using a full-cover lining such as Poron, Leather, EVA etc - all available from Algeos.

1. Rather than go by the shoe size, we are better off holding the blank directly to the foot and fitting just proximal to the met head. Two people might wear the same size of shoe but have different size orthotics. We are interested in the arch length not the shoe size.
   
   After deciding which blank to use, hold it directly to the foot. Do not fit the blank while the patient is standing on the device, you need to see where the orthotic lines up under the foot.
   
   Make sure the rear of the orthotic is sitting a little behind the heel of the foot - this simulates where it might hit the back of the shoe.
   
   
   
2. If necessary, dosalflex the great toe so you can see the met head clearly. Fit proximal to the met head. If you want to fit long, you can go as close as 3mm or 1/8 inch proximal to the bisection of the met head.
   
   
   
3. Place the blank on a surface that will not get burned from high heat.
   
   Hold a heat gun 1cm or just half an inch from the blank. Move along the top, then turn upside down and heat the bottom.
   
   The average time is about 1.5 minutes to soften. Bigger sizes may take longer. Do not stop moving the heat gun - you will melt the orthotic.
   
   
4. You can mould the blank while sitting, standing in the shoe, on a pillow or whatever you are most comfortable with.
   
   
5. Do not mould directly to the foot, even if the patient is wearing a sock. You can double a thick towel or washcloth or use the protective ‘Hot Top’ covering that we provide.
   
   
6. Make sure the rear of the orthotic is not too far forward on the foot and that the medial (or inside of the foot) covers the arch entirely.
   

Fitting tips:

There are two areas of the orthotic that can cause discomfort if incorrectly fitted. First is the back of the arch on the medial side. The best way to avoid this is to make certain the arch is entirely under the foot.

If there is a complaint about the arch being too high, take a heat gun and heat the back of the arch.

To avoid any problems, make certain the back of the foot is aligned all the way on the medial side.

The other possible area of concern is the distal edge (or front) of the orthotic. Depending on the shoe the patient is wearing, this edge may not be sitting flush in the shoe. There can be a significant gap that needs to be corrected. Again, assess area and heat mould accordingly.

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