Neutral Cushion Heel
Also written as: NCH — Neutral Cushion Heel
A shoe modification in which the heel counter and seat are built to maintain the calcaneus in a neutral, unposted position while providing shock absorption.
Full Definition
A neutral cushion heel (NCH) is an orthotic shoe or insert modification designed to support the calcaneus without introducing medial (valgus) or lateral (varus) posting. It is typically composed of a viscoelastic or EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) material and is prescribed when cushioning is required without directional correction—for example, in painful heel syndrome, calcaneal stress fractures, or as a base for custom foot orthoses. Editors reviewing orthotic prescriptions should note that 'neutral cushion heel' should not be confused with 'SACH heel' (solid ankle cushion heel), which is a prosthetic foot component. Both terms appear in footwear-modification literature and are easily conflated.
Usage
Usage note: Do not confuse with 'SACH heel,' a prosthetic component; clarify device context in all documentation.
In Context
- "A neutral cushion heel was incorporated into the orthotic insole to absorb impact at heel strike without altering calcaneal alignment." — Foot orthosis clinical prescription
- "Clarify whether 'cushion heel' refers to the orthotic NCH modification or the prosthetic SACH heel, as the terms are distinct." — Editorial query on footwear modification report