Architec

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Heat mouldable orthotic that maintains the integrity of the arches of the foot

The Problem The human foot combines mechanical complexity and structural strength to provide a secure platform for the rest of the body. To achieve this, our feet contain a quarter of the bones in our body and they are arranged in a series of interdependent arches. Each arch offers an effective support structure to help provide stability, balance and mobility to allow us to walk and run without injuring ourselves. If these arches fail, the foundations of the body become weaker and painful symptoms develop. Supportive ligaments and muscles become strained and this results in poor posture and less efficient muscle strength throughout the rest of the body. The Concept Our feet are the foundations of the body and their complex structure must be maintained to prevent us from losing our upright posture during walking, running and standing for long periods. Architec has a number of intrinsic features that work to restore the best possible support for our feet, re-establish the natural contours of the arches and enable muscles to work more efficiently. This also allows for optimum function to be retained following joint adjustment. In this way, painful symptoms will resolve in the feet and elsewhere in the body, making it an ideal prescription for Chiropractors,Podiatrists,Physical Therapists and Osteopaths.

The Solution

The Talar Made Architec orthotic is designed to support the foot by restoring the integrity and strength of the supporting arches. Heel cupping provides calcaneal stability and along with a medial arch support, resists the forces of excessive pronation that unlock the mid-tarsal joint.

The lateral arch support is significantly lower and functions by providing a moderate stabilising force
against the calcaneo-cuboid joint (CCJ). This is essential to reduce collapse of the lateral arch and promote normal function of the Peroneus Longus Tendon. Note: Excessive pressure in this area creates premature locking of the CCJ and blocks normal pronation and so this feature is deliberately low profiled.

The lesser metatarsal dome supports the foot just behind the MTP joints. This feature stabilises joint position, reduces hammer toe position and thereby enhances the function of intrinsic muscles.

The flexor plate apparatus is positioned optimally under the metatarsal heads to provide natural cushioning for the metatarsal heads.

The recess under the 1st MTP joint allows for plantar flexion of the joint during the propulsive phase of walking, correct loading of the sesamoid bones, and maximum joint extension to facilitate the windlass effect of the plantar fascia.

Additional Features

It is always important to consider the underlying cause when the integrity of the arches is lost. The most commonly associated change is an increase in pronation of the rearfoot during which internal leg rotation generates excessive loading of the medial side of the foot.

To reduce this effect Architec are supplied with adhesive backed 3º medial posts.

Restriction of ankle joint movement or limb length discrepancy will generate muscle imbalance and painful symptoms it may also be the cause of asymmetrical pronation.

To treat this problem Architec are supplied with a pair of 6mm and 9mm adhesive backed heel elevators.

FAQ’s

What are Talar Made Architec orthotics made from? Architec orthotics are manufactured from EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate). They are available in two densities medium (45 Shore A) and firm (60 shore A). The top cloth material is impregnated with an anti-bacterial agent to reduce foot odour. Which density should I use for my patient? When selecting a model for your patient you should consider the severity of the condition, patient weight and activity level. Patients with moderate impact problems, average body weight and low or intermediate levels of activity are likely to need the medium density model. For patients requiring higher levels of control or for heavier patients with higher levels of activity choose the firm density. Can Architec be customised? Architec orthotics can be modified using the 3° medial posts or the 6mm and 9mm heel elevators. Please remember it may be necessary to offer different levels of control for each foot. It is possible to carefully heat modify the underside but care should be taken to avoid damage to the top cloth material. What wearing in period is required? A wearing in period must always be allowed for in order to give the patient time to get used to the orthotic, however, it is not unusual to notice an immediate beneficial effect. It is important to review each patient as the level of control may need to be changed during the course of their treatment. How long will they last? The length of time Architec orthotics last will vary between patients and this depends upon a number of factors including patient weight and activity level. However, around 6-8 months is the average, the products life will be maximised if they are cared for properly. Can Architec be used in different shoes? Yes, Architec orthotics can be changed between shoes although this is best discussed with your patient as some shoes will be more suitable than others.

Can they be cleaned? Architec orthotics should be cleaned regularly in order to prolong the product life expectancy. The best way to clean the devices is to gently sponge them with warm, soapy water and dry with a paper towel. Do not soak the product for long periods of time or dry artificially. What should be done if the pain continues? In some cases it may take from 4-6 weeks to derive the full benefit from Architec orthotics. If after this initial period symptoms continue it may be necessary to review the level of control by changing the posts. Patients should be advised that if their symptoms deteriorate they should attend at the earliest opportunity for reassessment. Talar Made order codes of product Architec  Density  Size  TM Code  Medium    X Small  ARCHMXS  Medium  Small  ARCHMS  Medium  Medium  ARCHMM  Medium  Large  ARCHML  Medium  X Large  ARCHMXL  Medium  XX Large    ARCHMXXL  Firm  X Small  ARCHFXS  Firm  Small  ARCHFS  Firm  Medium  ARCHFM  Firm  Large  ARCHFL  Firm  X Large  ARCHFXL  Firm  XX Large  ARCHFXXL

What sizes are Architec available in?

	X Small	Small	Medium	Large	X Large	XX Large
UK	3½ – 4½	5 – 6	6½ – 7½	8 – 9	9½ – 10½	11 – 12
EURO	36 – 37	38 – 39	40 – 41	42 – 43	44 – 45	46 – 47
USA Womens	5 – 6	6½ – 7½	8 – 9	9½ – 10½	11 – 12	12½ – 13½
USA Mens	4½ – 5½	6 – 7	7½ – 8½	9 – 10	10½ – 11½	12 – 13