BRACES (CALIPERS)
RAISED SOLES OR ‘LIFTS’ for one leg that is shorter
(For instructions on measuring leg length difference and for homemade measuring
instruments, see p. 34.)
549
For a child who has one leg shorter
than the other:
Measure the
difference
in leg
length.
Make the ‘lift’
of the sole
about 1 cm.
shorter than
the difference
in leg length.
difference
in leg length
amount of
lift needed
Note: Almost all children have
one leg that is a little shorter
than the other, and this does not
usually affect how they walk.
Raised soles (‘lifts’) are usually
not needed if the difference in
leg length is less than 2 cm.
However, a child who drags a foot
because his hips tilt down on that
side may be helped by a small lift
on the other side—even if that leg
is the same length or longer.
(See p. 163.)
IMPORTANT: Before putting a permanent lift on
a shoe or sandal, test it by tying or taping on a
temporary lift. Watch the child walk and ask how
he likes it. You may want to try several heights
before deciding on the one that works best.
Tie on a temporary
lift with string,
tape, or a loop
of inner tube.
Material used for lifts should be
as lightweight as possible. You
can use cork or a light, porous
rubber. If the material is heavy
but strong, to make it lighter you
can drill holes through
it. Put a thin, strong
sole on the bottom.
A child with a mild
to moderate ‘back-
knee’, may be helped
by a heel that
extends backward.
This helps push the
knee forward when
the child puts her
weight on her foot.
For a lift with
a stiff-ankle
brace, the
child can
often walk
more smoothly
with a
‘rocker‑bottom’
sole.
Back
slopes
in for a
softer
heel
strike.
rounded
in front for
easy ‘roll
over’ at the
end of a
step
flat middle section
for firm standing
A high lift, when needed, can
be built into a bar brace.
washer
bolt
nut
bolt
For a more severe back-knee, the child may
need a long-leg brace (See p. 67 and 548.)
Design from Simple
Prosthesis Manufacure,
by Dartnell.
height
of lift
Ask a local shoe or sandal maker to teach
you how to fasten on the soles and lifts.
disabled village children