ORTHOPÄDIE SCHUH TECHNIK 2025 - How has our knowledge changed?
How has our knowledge changed? What did we think was correct in the past, and how have new findings changed our understanding of diseases, overuse injuries, and their treatment? These questions will be discussed at the ORTHOPÄDIE SCHUH TECHNIK congress, which will be held in Cologne on October 24 and 25, 2025, alongside the international trade fair of the same name.
Two of the four focal points are the evolution of arthrosis therapy on the foot and new treatment strategies for foot malpositions. These topics will be organized in cooperation with the two German associations ow has our knowledge changed?for foot surgery (D.A.F., GFFC). The focus will be on not only medical and surgical treatment but also interdisciplinary collaboration with pedorthists and the use of assistive devices in treatment.
Why haven't running shoes reduced injuries?
In another thematic block, Prof. Gert-Peter Brüggemann of Cologne will review the history of running shoe research and present current research findings on how different sole technologies influence the frequency and type of overuse injuries. Brüggemann will review previous research and present the different paradigms that have shaped running shoe design in recent years. He will also explain why none of these paradigms have been able to reduce injuries in runners thus far. Based on current research, he will present strategies that can effectively reduce injuries.
Sensorimorotor foot orthoses: What about the evidence?
Another focus of the congress will be sensorimotor foot orthoses. This technique has been used for over 25 years to treat various conditions. However, health insurance companies still do not recognize sensorimotor foot orthoses. The standard response is that there is insufficient scientific evidence of their effectiveness. But is that even true? Steven Simon from the University of Kaiserslautern reviewed the scientific literature and will demonstrate that there is more evidence of the effectiveness of sensorimotor foot orthoses than insurance companies acknowledge.
In addition, Lothar Jahrling and Stephan Woltring, two of the most prominent figures in this field, will share their experiences from the last 25 years and explain how their approach has evolved. The Studiengemeinschaft für Orthopädieschuhtechnik will present its training concept for sensorimotor foot orthoses. This concept is intended to improve the chances of the treatment method being recognised and forms the basis for high-quality care.
In addition to presentations on these topics, which will be translated into English at the congress, new findings on fitting techniques will be presented. Topics such as the shortage of skilled staff, recruitment of new talent, and external manufacturing of assistive devices will also be discussed.
Along with the congress lectures, a series of seminars will be offered. Topics include foot examinations, functional anatomy, movement analysis, and digital technologies. The seminars will be held in German.One seminar, conducted in English, will focus on how pedorthists can better determine their patients' needs when using their aids.The congress program will be published online by mid-June. Tickets can be purchased starting on this date. (https://OST-Messe.de).
Trade fair is almost booked out
Six months before the opening, the “ORTHOPÄDIE SCHUH TECHNIK - International Trade Fair and Congress” is almost fully booked. As in previous editions, national and international suppliers from the industry will exhibit at the trade fair, offering the world's best overview of materials, aids, machine technology, and new measurement and production technologies for pedorthics.
Further information about the trade fair can be found at: https://OST-Messe.de
