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WEDGING AND POSTING

Definition:  Wedging or posting refers to the placement of wedges at the heel and forefoot.  The wedges are placed laterally or medially, depending upon which side of the foot is pronating or supinating excessively. 

The heel and forefoot each pronate and supinate, sometimes in different Directionsand sometimes differently on each foot.  The goal is to have both heels as close to subtalar neutral as possible.  The optimal gait, when looking at the back of the foot, is when only 1-2 toes “show” on the lateral side of the foot.  Sometimes this requires wedging or posting in the heel as well as the forefoot.

Wedging or posting is incorporated into custom orthotics and it can also be accomplished by placing wedges in shoes with the arch support placed on top of the wedging.  There are wedges that can be moved from shoe to shoe and others that are glued directly into the shoe.

Benefits:  Having the feet move optimally is an important part of a healthy gait.  The need to wedge or post is very common and often very easy to do at little cost.  

Text:  Copyright 2005 Carole Romig   Image:  Left - Pedifix Catalog 2004   Right - AliMed Catalog 2005