Where MFO fits in care
Generic OTC inserts
- General cushioning / comfort
- Limited diagnosis targeting
- Minimal true offloading or posting options
MFO (diagnosis-designed, built-to-order)
- Condition-focused features
- Side-specific options (L/R/Both)
- Clinically reviewed orders
- 60-day fit guarantee + right-condition swap
Fully custom orthoses
- Consider when severe deformity, complex needs, or failed first-line
- Cast/scan + in-person evaluation
- Iterative adjustments may be required
Condition Finder
Choose the diagnosis to view orthotic intent, selection rules (shoe + side), clinician notes, and patient handouts.
Stacking Card
plantar fasciitis / plantar heel pain syndrome.
Orthotic intent:
- Reduce plantar fascia pulling strain with each step
- Cushion heel strike where pain concentrates
- Stabilize rearfoot mechanics to reduce re‑irritation
Key design features:
- Deep, supportive heel cup to contain the heel fat pad and limit excess motion
- Targeted heel cushioning zone to soften repetitive impact
- Heel lift to reduce tension through the plantar fascia/Achilles complex
- Supportive arch profile to reduce overload through the fascia
Selection rules:
- Choose shoe style (Athletic / Dress / Orthopedic)
- Choose symptom side (Left / Right / Both) — unilateral symptoms get unilateral targeting
When to escalate
Escalate promptly for diabetes with reduced sensation, open sores, suspected fracture/acute injury, rapidly increasing redness/warmth/swelling, or progressive neurologic symptoms.
Achilles tendinopathy / heel cord overload with gait.
Orthotic intent
- Reduce tensile load on the Achilles with controlled plantarflexion (heel lift)
- Stabilize calcaneal motion to reduce repetitive tendon irritation
- Maintain forefoot freedom when needed for comfort and gait
Key design features
- Heel lift to reduce Achilles strain during stance
- Rearfoot stability structure to limit excess calcaneal motion
- Forefoot clearance design (no unnecessary bulk under metatarsal heads) to avoid increasing forefoot pressure and to support comfortable push-off
Selection rules
- Choose shoe style and symptom side
- Consider shoe volume (orthopedic style shoes fit best for higher volume needs)
When to escalate
Escalate for suspected rupture, acute trauma, major swelling/bruising, or persistent pain despite load reduction.
forefoot overload (often 2nd/3rd met head peak pressure patterns)
Orthotic intent
- Reduce peak pressure under symptomatic metatarsal heads
- Redistribute load toward less symptomatic rays
- Improve comfort with walking and standing so activity can continue
Key design features
- Forefoot offloading geometry to reduce pressure under involved met heads
- Support and contouring to influence load-sharing across the forefoot
- Targeted build by symptom side when pain is unilateral
Selection rules
- Choose shoe style and symptom side
- If only one foot is affected, build targeting is applied to that side
When to escalate
Escalate for suspected stress fracture, severe swelling, or symptoms that worsen despite offloading and footwear changes.
Evidence Library
This is a clinician-first bibliography organized by condition and modification type. Use it to support patient education and document why a specific orthotic feature set is appropriate for a diagnosis bucket.
Orthoses are one part of care. Persistent or severe cases may require additional evaluation and custom treatment.
FAQ for clinicians
Start with the clinic kit.
Posters, QR sheets, and patient handouts—built to make prescribing simple.