Current foot analysis techniques discussed

An event titled “Current Foot Analysis Techniques” was organized by the Orthopedic Prosthetics and Orthotics Program of Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services. The event featured Podology Program Head Instructor Muharrem Tosun and Orthotic-Prosthetic Technician Özlem Özen. Students had the opportunity to put into practice the theoretical knowledge they had acquired.

The event, held at the Çarşı Campus, was moderated by Instructor Kübra Akkalay, Head of the Orthopedic Prosthetics and Orthotics Department.

Instructor Muharrem Tosun: “You can deliver the insole to the patient very quickly”

Providing both theoretical and practical insights into measurement techniques, Instructor Muharrem Tosun stated that “Its biggest advantage is that you can deliver the insole to the patient very quickly. However, the disadvantage is that it only provides a static measurement, and since the shaping is done using heat, we run into problems. Normally, the lifespan of an insole is up to one year. Unfortunately, these types of insoles tend to return to their original shape after just a few months. Since they are shaped by heat, their usability is quite short. In 2–3 months, they revert back to their old form. The patient brings the insole back, and we heat and reshape it the same way before handing it over again.”

Two techniques are used in measurement

Speaking about the techniques used in measurement, Tosun explained that “There are two techniques used when taking measurements: one is static, the other dynamic. In static measurement, the person stands still and it only captures the standing phase. In dynamic measurement, the person is moving while the measurement is taken. Devices like this only measure during the static standing phase. Unfortunately, this doesn’t provide 100% accurate results. We also observe this in our clinical practice with patients.”

Özlem Özen: “Feet play a crucial role in the body!”

Emphasizing the link between foot health and other health conditions, Orthotic-Prosthetic Technician Özlem Özen said that “Insoles are at the base; they form the foundation. The more importance we place on insoles, the easier it becomes to use orthotics. I have seen how people who truly need them are able to access orthotics. Why are insoles important? Why are feet important? Because they carry our entire body. Even the slightest change in angle in the foot affects the hips, lower back, and knees. That’s why the shoes we wear and our feet are critically important. This shows us how essential our feet really are for the entire body.”

The patient’s profession is also very important…

Touching on key points to consider when evaluating the foot before designing an insole, Özen expressed that “The patient’s profession is also important to us. Because the occupation tells us a lot about the shoes and feet. Is the person a flight attendant? Do they wear steel-toed construction boots? Are they a chef? An athlete? These all need to be considered. The insole must be designed according to their physical demands. For example, the insole I design for a flight attendant cannot be the same as one made for someone wearing heavy-duty steel-toe footwear. It must be customized.”

Gait analysis can help identify potential issues…

Referring to static and dynamic measurement techniques, Özen continued her remarks as follows: What we observe during walking is not always visible during standing. For people with gait abnormalities, the problem is more obvious in motion than at rest. For instance, in cases of inward foot posture, we look at the ankles while the person is standing, but when they start walking, the inner parts of the foot collapse inward. The inward roll becomes much more pronounced. Gait analysis is therefore very important, as it can also provide insight into problems that may arise in the future.”

During the event, both static and dynamic measurement techniques were demonstrated with students. The participants had the chance to experience the practical application of their theoretical knowledge.

The event concluded with a Q&A session.

 

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)