Heel Cup
The concave posterior section of an orthotic device that cradles the calcaneus, providing rearfoot control and cushioning.
Full Definition
A heel cup is the portion of a foot orthosis or insole that encircles and cradles the heel, helping to centralise the heel fat pad beneath the calcaneus and control rearfoot motion. Depth of the heel cup (shallow, standard, or deep) is a key prescription variable that influences the device's mediolateral stability and its ability to accommodate or correct calcaneal alignment. The term is correctly hyphenated in British English and most North American clinical style guides; editors should resist unhyphenated renderings such as 'heel cup' used as an open compound when the device is described as a standalone item (acceptable) versus when used attributively ('heel-cup depth'). A heel cup must not be confused with a heel raise or heel wedge, which address leg-length discrepancy or angular correction rather than rearfoot containment.
Usage
Usage note: Specify depth in millimetres in prescription documents. Distinguish clearly from heel raise and heel wedge, which serve different clinical purposes.
In Context
- "A deep heel cup of 22 mm was specified to maximise rearfoot control in the custom orthosis." — Orthotic prescription form
- "The heel cup should be checked for signs of breakdown at each review appointment." — Patient follow-up clinic note