The ProLab Cobra orthosis as it is standardly produced works very well in the majority of high heels. If, however, your patient has a small fashionable heel above 3 inches in height, there are some additional adjustments that make it fit easier into the shoe.

The “hook” at the posterolateral aspect of the Cobra orthosis has a thin layer of EVA that allows the device to sit well in the majority of shoes. For the highest heels, however, I recommended this EVA be removed. In addition, the most distal lateral aspect of the hook on the Cobra orthosis should be beveled almost paper-thin.

This is a quick and easy adjustment that you can do in your office if you have a grinder. If your do not have a grinder, I would recommend that you ask your patient ahead of time what is the highest heel they will be wearing for these devices in. If it is about 3 inches then I advise you to ask the lab to make these adjustments at the time you order the orthosis. To communicate this to the lab, just write “bevel posterior and lateral heel” in the special instruction section of the prescription form.

ProLab takes a scientific approach with our orthoses by integrating evidence-based medicine into orthotic therapy. Our team of Medical Consultants regularly evaluates the medical literature pertaining to orthotic therapy and biomechanics. ProLab clients are encouraged to contact a medical consultant whenever they have questions about an orthotic prescription.

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