Rocker Sole Modification
One of the most common custom footwear modifications is a rocker added to a shoe. Once a biomechanical issue has been identified, like ankle OA and limited motion, the clinician selects the most appropriate footwear modification to supplement lost motion. Rocker sole modification design is and fabrication varies depending upon the region being treated or addressed. Three common regions of the foot addressed with this modification is pain or limited motion at the MTP joints (ball of the foot) painful or limited motion in the midfoot, and also painful or limited motion at the ankle. The placement of the rocker is determined by the location of limitation or pain. In essence, one type of Rocker sole does not best address all issues. Clinical experience, gait and alignment observation along with hands on functional assessment help dictate treatment variable.