PHI with heel and sole elevation
How does this condition affect your private health insurance?
Absatz- und Sohlenerhöhung (Heel and Sole Elevation) refers to the use of orthotic devices or shoe modifications to increase the height of one or both shoes. This intervention is primarily prescribed to compensate for leg length discrepancies, which can arise from congenital conditions, trauma, or post-surgical complications. It can also be used to alter foot mechanics, redistribute pressure, or provide relief for certain foot and ankle pathologies. By leveling the pelvis and spine, these elevations aim to reduce compensatory gait patterns, alleviate pain in the back, hips, knees, and feet, and improve overall biomechanical alignment, enhancing comfort and mobility.
PKV Risk Assessment
Impact on Your Insurance Policy
Duration of Illness (Initial)
Symptoms necessitating the first use of an elevation can range from acute onset (e.g., post-trauma) to chronic, developing gradually over several weeks or months. The initial period of adjustment to the elevation typically lasts a few days to several weeks.
Duration of Illness (Lifetime)
For many individuals, the need for an Absatz- und Sohlenerhöhung is a chronic, lifelong requirement to manage persistent leg length discrepancies or biomechanical imbalances effectively.
Cost of Treatment (Initial)
The initial cost for custom-made Absatz- und Sohlenerhöhungen or shoe modifications typically ranges from 50 to 300 EUR per pair, depending on complexity, materials, and professional fitting services.
Cost of Treatment (Lifetime)
Over a lifetime, costs can accumulate to several hundred to over a thousand EUR due to periodic replacements, adjustments, and the need for new footwear compatible with the elevations.
Mortality Rate
Negligible. Death is not a direct consequence of using heel and sole elevations; however, poorly fitted devices could indirectly increase the risk of falls.
Risk of Secondary Damages
Low. Potential secondary damages can include skin irritation, blisters, altered gait patterns potentially leading to new knee or hip pain if ill-fitted, or a slight increase in fall risk.
Probability of Full Recovery
High for symptomatic relief and functional improvement when appropriately prescribed and used. However, complete resolution of the underlying condition often requires ongoing use of the elevation or other specific interventions, as the elevation itself doesn't 'cure' the cause.
Underlying Disease Risk
High. Absatz- und Sohlenerhöhungen are prescribed due to underlying conditions such as anatomical or functional leg length discrepancy, scoliosis, Achilles tendon issues, specific foot deformities, or post-surgical rehabilitation needs.