Definition: An external stabilizer is placed outside the shoe on the medial
(inside) or lateral (outside), depending upon where the foot needs rigid support.
It is made of a firm material, usually cut in a half-moon shape, and glued
on the shoe a bit forward of the heel and a bit in back of the metatarsal heads.
External stabilizers are used when the foot pronates or supinates beyond the
sole of the shoe, as in cases of Post Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD), Tarsal
Coalition or Accessory Navicular. When combined with arch support and extra
depth shoes, ankle and foot collapse in the shoe is reduced and the shoes last
a lot longer.
Benefits: Some practitioners handle this kind of problem with bracing. However,
bracing normally requires an increase in shoe size for the braced foot, creating
sizing problems with the unbraced foot (such as tripping because the shoe is
too big on that foot). External stabilization is one way to avoid increasing
the shoe size while reducing medial or lateral shoe collapse.
To Purchase: External stabilizers cannot be purchased over the Internet. They
require and sizing and correct placement on the shoe by a Certified Pedorthist,
Certified Orthotist, Podiatrist or similar professional.
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