1. ___________________ Foot Pathology Trainer’s Guide
Reproduced in part from
Bill Meanwell’s
Certified Pedorthist Course

2. *Note: Foot Pathology is used to understand and better assist Good Feet customers. We DON’T play doctor.
NEVER diagnose customers’ ailments, or prescribe products to heal them
NEVER discuss the name, causes or cures of a pathology with a customer unless you’re reviewing information they received from their doctor
Customers with severe foot pathologies should be referred to their physicians

3. The Three Arch Types High Arch “Normal” Arch Flat Foot The Look:
In a High Arch, the heel bone is angled directly toward the ground.
The Look:
In a “Normal” Arch, the heel bone is at a 45-degree angle with the ground
The Look:
In a Flat Foot, the heel bone is almost directly parallel to the ground
The Feel:
The foot tends to be rigid
The Feel:
The foot tends to be semi-rigid, semi-flexible
The Feel:
The foot tends to be more flexible

4. Type I: High Arches “Pes Cavus” in Latin
High arches are less common than flat feet and more susceptible to orthopedic and neurological conditions such as:
Hammer toes
Plantar fasciitis
More likely to be painful than flat feet due to excess pressure on the metatarsals
Can be difficult to fit in shoes – the middle of the shoe squeezes the mid-foot, and claw- or hammer toes need more room

5. Type III: Flat Feet “Pes planus” in Latin
More of the foot surface is in contact with the ground than normal
Flat feet are the result of a decreased or absent inner longitudinal arch.
The majority of flat feet are considered variations of normal.

6. Plantar Fasciitis Inflammation of the Plantar Fascia
Feels like:
Dull bruise or stabbing under heel
Worse in the morning or after sitting for an extended period
Common causes:
Excessive weight bearing
Frequent contact with hard surfaces
Ill-fitting or unsupportive shoes
How Can Arch Supports Help?
Metatarsal rise supports Metatarsal Arch which decreases pressure on Plantar Fascia ligament
Foot maintains a supported position in all shoes and activities
Prevents foot from over-pronating /supinating

7. Fitting the Diabetic Customer
Diabetes can lead to “Neuropathy.”
Neuropathy means:
A loss of sensitivity in the feet or an inability to discern changes in foot function or sensation. Sometimes neuropathy is characterized by oversensitivity.
Why Diabetics must take extra care of their feet:
Poor-fitting shoes can increase the risk of ulcerations or infections
What to know when fitting diabetic customers:
The break-in process must be adjusted for sensitive feet

8. Complications of Diabetes
Foot infections can go undetected
and untreated
Ulcerations can develop
Severe bacteria-born infections may
occur

9. Rheumatoid RA NOTE! RA is an inflammatory disease Symptoms include:
Pain
Swelling
Stiffness
Loss of function in the joints.
NOTE!
People with RA can’t break in their arch supports normally.
DO NOT encourage customers with RA to wear supports that aren’t immediately comfortable.

10. Osteoarthritis
Caused by inflammation, breakdown, and eventual loss of the cartilage of the joints
Repetitive use of the joints over the years irritates and inflames the cartilage, causing joint pain and swelling.
Results in limitation of joint mobility.
Inflammation of the cartilage can also stimulate the growth of spurs forming around the joints.

11. Corns How can Good Feet help?
Hardened area(s) rooted past the surface layers of skin on the toes.
Common Causes:
Ill-fitting shoes
Constant pressure on the toe joints
How can Good Feet help?
With arch supports that are designed to stabilize and elevate all four arches, alleviating pressure on toe joints
And better-fitting shoes

12. Calluses Hardened area(s) on the surface layers of the skin
Common causes:
Ill-fitting shoes
Prominent bones
Increased pressure or rubbing on a specific area of the foot for an extended period of time
How can Good Feet help?
With arch supports that are designed to alleviate pressure from afflicted areas and stabilize the foot

13. Heel Spur
A calcification projecting from the back or underside of the heel that often makes walking painful
People with heel spurs experience similar symptoms as those with plantar fasciitis
How can Good Feet help?
With arch supports that are designed to:
Take pressure off the heel
Provide heel support which alleviates additional stress to the area
And provides a cushioning effect during the heel strike phase of gait

14. Posterior Tibial Tendon Disorder
Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD):
A progressive form of tendonitis that occurs on the inside of the ankle.
With increasing deformity of the foot, the joints in the foot get very stiff, and little in or outward movement of the foot is possible.

15. Hallux Abducto Valgus HAV is Characterized by: Common causes:
Deviation of the great toe towards the second
enlargement of the medial first metatarsal head.
Common causes:
Heredity and anatomical predisposition
Repeated minor injury from wearing narrow, pointed shoes and high heels,
Excessive pronation or added body weight
Injury, arthritis, or weakened muscles.
How can Good Feet help?
With arch supports that support all 4 arches
Better-fitting shoes designed to alleviate pressure from afflicted areas and stabilize the foot

17. Morton’s Neuroma Morton’s Neuroma:
A common benign nerve enlargement usually developing between the third and fourth metatarsals and most often found in women resulting in irritation and inflammation
Causes:
High heels and other narrow / tight / ill-fitting shoes

18. Metatarsalgia Metatarsalgia:
A condition characterized by pain emanating from the metatarsal heads that increases with weight bearing and pressure. Shoes with higher heels that place the majority weight on the forefoot and metatarsals often worsen this condition.
Affects the metatarsal bones and joints of the ball of the foot.
One or more of the metatarsal joints becomes irritated or inflamed
Common Causes:
Excessive pressure from high heels / tight / narrow / ill-fitting shoes