From Tradition to Technology: The Evolution of Podiatry and Orthotics

The field of podiatry as we know it today has come a long way from its origins. While many traditional practices have been passed down through generations, the profession has evolved from a largely holistic approach to a well-established and highly specialized medical discipline.

Historical Foot Care Practices

Foot care has held cultural and practical importance since ancient times. In Egypt, it was closely associated with religious rituals, with natural oils and fragrances used to moisturize and honor the feet. Greek athletes, especially Olympians, treated foot care as essential to physical performance, using massaging techniques and olive oil to relieve pain and maintain mobility. In Rome, daily hygiene included soaking feet in hot water and oils, reflecting both social norms and spiritual beliefs.

During medieval Europe, foot care remained vital as walking was the primary source of transportation. Common practices included custom cobbling to suit individual needs, manual removal of corns and calluses using tools, and luxurious foot baths that often signified wealth and status.

Orthotics in the Modern Era of Podiatry

During World War I, orthotic braces weren’t yet in use, but the importance of podiatry and overall foot care was critical to soldier performance. Orthopedic surgeons began developing holistic treatments such as stretching, strengthening exercises, and basic orthotic support to rehabilitate soldiers and improve mobility.

By World War II, the demand for orthotic care had grown significantly. The U.S. government began funding research and development of orthotic devices through military entities, universities, and private companies. This era saw the emergence of more structured and supportive braces, often made from leather, metal, wood, and early plastics. These materials offered greater durability and biomechanical support than previous solutions.

The war also accelerated the formalization of orthotic education, leading to the establishment of rigorous training programs that would later evolve into today’s podiatric and orthotic institutions. This period marked a shift from handcrafted supports to scientifically informed, material-based solutions, laying the foundation for the composite and digital innovations that would follow in the late 20th and 21st centuries.

By 1958, the term podiatry officially replaced chiropody, marking a new era of medical recognition and specialization. Following this transition, podiatrists began focusing more on surgery and biomechanically informed care, which led to the development of custom orthotic braces. In the 1960s, rubber modular assembly braces emerged, offering more adaptable and patient-specific solutions.

Orthotic technology advanced significantly during the 1980s and 1990s with the introduction of lighter, more flexible, and stronger materials. These began with advanced plastics and later incorporated composite materials. These innovations allowed for braces that were not only more durable and supportive but also more comfortable and biomechanically effective. As one of our partners, Dr. Richie, founder of Richie Technologies Inc. (known for the Richie Brace), shared:

This perspective highlights the long-standing impact of composite innovation and the exciting potential for future advancements in podiatric care.

Today, modern podiatry is a well-established healthcare profession that continues to evolve through innovations in orthotic materials, technologies, and treatment methods. All of these advancements are aimed at improving patient outcomes and quality of life. As material science continues to advance, podiatrists are gaining access to even more sophisticated composites that offer improved strength, flexibility, and patient comfort. These developments ensure that orthotic solutions remain at the forefront of personalized care.

Toray PMC Shaping Today’s Orthotic Solutions in Podiatry

At Toray PMC, we collaborate across a wide range of industries by supplying and manufacturing advanced composite materials such as carbon fiber and continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastics. In orthotic applications, we partner with industry leaders to produce high-performance braces, insoles, and other supportive devices designed to enhance mobility and comfort for patients.

One of our long-standing collaborators, Dr. Richie of The Richie Brace, has been a pioneer in applying composite materials to custom orthotic solutions. His insights into the benefits of carbon fiber in functional foot orthoses underscore the value of our materials in real-world clinical applications.

We work closely with our clients to develop custom solutions tailored to the unique needs of their patients. Our thermoplastic composites are widely used in orthotic design due to their lightweight nature and exceptional durability. These materials offer an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, allowing for more comfortable and effective mobility aids that help reduce fatigue and improve overall patient outcomes.