Home → VA Prosthetics → VA Handbook 1173.9 - Footwear and Foot Orthoses → Definitions
9.3. Definitions
a. Accommodative Foot Orthoses. Accommodative Foot Orthoses are custom or non- custom inlays fabricated for the purpose of providing relief from callosities and pressure points, and maintaining the integrity of the longitudinal arch and/or the metatarsal heads.
b. Functional Foot Orthoses. Functional Foot Orthoses Are foot plates fabricated from plaster molds of the feet or electronic (computer) imaging in a semi-weight bearing or non- weight bearing, neutral position, with corrections built in to prevent abnormal compensation during the gait cycle.
c. Custom-Made Orthopedic Shoes. Custom-made Orthopedic Shoes are shoes fabricated over special modified lasts (see subpar. 3g) in accordance with prescriptions and specifications to accommodate gross or greater foot deformities or shortening of a leg at least 1 and 1/2 inches or greater.
d. Depth Inlay Shoes. Depth Inlay Shoes are prefabricated shoes with a higher toe box to accommodate for hammer toes and other deformities. This shoe may also accommodate the insertion of special inserts. These shoes are traditionally made of plastizote or other pressure absorbent material.
e. Healing Shoes. Healing Shoes are prefabricated shoes with a higher toe box to accommodate for hammer toes and other deformities. This shoe may also accommodate the insertion of special inserts.
f. Patterns. Patterns are cardboard tracing (templates) comprising the shoe's upper and innersole components.
g. Last. A Last is a form which is shaped like the human foot over which a shoe is manufactured or repaired.
h. Shoe Modification. A shoe modification is a medically prescribed alteration(s) to a shoe(s) to accommodate minor foot deformities, disabilities, or leg shortening of less than 1 and 1/2 inches.
i. Standard Orthopedic Oxford. A Standard Orthopedic Oxford is a prefabricated shoes that can accommodate an inlay, e.g., dress, casual, and athletic shoes.
