How to Adjust a Heel Lift

Heel lifts are mechanical devices made of cork, plastic or dense foam rubber and used to address a variety of conditions. According to Arthur B Gross, DC, of GWheellift.com, these conditions include holding the foot in plantar flexion during the recovery and rehabilitation phase of Achilles tendonitis; Achilles rupture or Achilles repair; reducing the shortening effect of hip or knee prosthesis; improving spinal balance; and, using bilateral lifts, helping golfers with their swing, to name a few. Typically, your doctor will prescribe the thickness required to best address your condition. Conditions are often, but not always, related to a shorter leg.

Things You'll Need

• Heel lifts

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Instructions

• 1

  Visit your doctor to find if you will benefit from a heel lift. You should have an X-ray done to determine the origin of your condition and the amount of lift you will need.

• 2

  Find the right heel lift for you. There are many types available. Adjustable heel lifts are often recommended because of their versatility. The physical therapy supplies site AccessHealth.com recommends the brand Clearly Adjustable because "height can be adjusted from 2 to 12mm by peeling and replacing 1mm layers, and the lift is easily trimmed for fit with scissors." The brand is available in the United States.

• 3

  Get three-layer lifts if you want to wear sandals and for shoes in which insole cannot be lifted. According to FootSmart.com, the fit can be customized with three separate 1/8" layers that enable you to add 3/8" or 1/4" or 1/8" to a shorter leg.