What is Posting?

Posting is the medical term for shimming with wedges.  Heel wedges are usually 3-6 degrees to straighten up the heel.

Heel Posts
Most commonly, heel posts are used to counteract hyperpronation.   In light of the discoveries by Dr. Rothbart, there is  no good reason to post the heel of a normal hyperpronating foot.  Hyperpronation in Rothbart's Foot Structure, is due to an elevated first ray (first metatarsal and big toe).  A medial heel post will serve to straighten the ankle but it will also elevate the first ray further off the floor.  Consequently, the heel post  will act to increase the twisting of the foot while walking because the first metatarsal now has to travel further to gain ground contact and become weight bearing.  Patients with Plantar Faciitis and arch pain will likely experience worse pain.  Dynamic hyperpronation remains uncorrected with heel posts. 

Forefoot Posting
A typical forefoot post spans all five metatarsals.  Forefoot posting originated with a theory that the forefoot is twisted relative to the heel.  The supposed elevation on the medial side is called forefoot varum.  It has been clearly proven in the clinical literature that this condition does not normally occur unless caused by birth deformity. injury or surgery.  With few exceptions, there is no valid cause to post the forefoot in a normal hyperpronating foot. 

Some orthotics products and runner's footwear will post the entire foot on the medial side.  This may seem like a logical idea from a static (no motion) perspective.  Some people (we call them bracers) who find it comfortable to stand with their feet rolled out, may find this kind of shoe or insole comfortable while standing because their calf muscles relax.  This kind of posting will increase exposure to ankle injury.  What makes sense from a static (standing still) perspective is not practical from a dynamic (walking or running) perspective. 

How Posture Control Insoles^(TM)  are different

Posture Control Insoles^(TM) do not provide a static support tilting the foot out.  In Rothbart's Foot Structure, it is only the first metatarsal  and big toe that is elevated.  The second through fifth metatarsals are on the ground where they should be.  The wedge, or post, is placed only underneath the first metatarsal and big toe and is designed to provide a neurological stimulus to the first ray and medial column of the foot.  This stimulus causes a neuromuscular response which in turn alters the mechanics of the foot and the entire body.  By all appearances, the first metatarsal and big toe are engaged earlier in the gait cycle to stabilize the foot.  The muscles controlling the feet respond similarly to picking up a towel from the floor with your feet.   Not only is hyperpronation reduced, but your feet become stronger when using Posture Control Insoles(TM).