Introduction: Spastic ekvinovarus foot is one of the most demanding forms of foot deformities which can be treated with the proper orthopedic footwear. This deformity is very complex and demanding to correct, therefore, a considerable amount of accuracy and precision is required in order to achieve positive treatment results. An orthotist must possess considerable knowledge to identify the characteristics of spastic ekvinovarus deformity and exhibit expertise on the mechanics of the orthopedic footwear performance. Aim: The purpose of the thesis is to study the characteristics of spastic ekvinovarus foot deformity. It is primarily focused on the treatment with orthopedic shoes. Methods: The thesis is based on the literature review and on the acquired knowledge at the educational institution in Belgium. The descriptive method was used and the literature search encompassed a large number of sources, such as the professional textbook for students of footwear technology in Belgium, the professional literature references in the library of the University Rehabilitation Institute Soca and the Faculty of Health Sciences and also web portals COBISS and DiKUL. The considerable amount of literature was searched and acquired from online databases Google Scholar, Springer Link, MEDLINE and PubMed. Results: The studies in the literature consulted indicate positive effects of wearing orthopedic shoes on spastic ekvinovarus foot deformity. In the process of treatment, patients usually undergo surgery and the orthopedic devices are introduced afterwards to improve the post-operative rehabilitation. Discussion and conclusion: The aid of an orthopedic shoe has a significant effect on the treatment of spastic ekvinovarus foot deformity as a part of the effective rehabilitation process, especially in the improvement of the patient's gait pattern. We must be aware that the orthopedic shoes are not a sole medical device alleviating and reducing all the pathological issues. In most cases, it is necessary to resort to surgeries and other types of therapies. Orthopedic shoes mainly prevent deterioration, relieve pain, prevent the recurrence of deformities after surgery and improve patient mobility.
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