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I have a young man climbing Mt everest next here. He complains of ankle pain, and i am prescribing an orthotic insole for his climbing boots. I would prefer a carbon fibre insole due to light weight and slimness but wonder if there is any contraindication on using carbon fibre in such cold conditions; Expected temp -30C.
I also would like to know if there are any cover materials which would work best in these conditions.

thank you for any help.

 

I do not know for sure, but I would expect not. When the orthotic would be under load it would be in the boot and I would hope that, for the climber's sake, it would not be -30C inside his boot.

As for top covers, I would think you would want a wicking material to draw perspiration away from the foot?

 

Most likely he will be wearing double boots - a lighter thinsulate pair with a hard plastic overboot. These boots are rigid for front point work with crampons and as such his gait will be quite different to what you will observe in a clinical setting so I guess you have to be certain whatever orthoses you provide will do what you intend to happen in his boots, given the limitation of movement at the ankle joint anyway. Generally with high altitude boots I use a 6.35mm poron insole between the inner and outer shells and use an EVA 5 degree wedge strip in isolation or in conjunction with the above.

 

I would use non-absorbent covers rather than absorbant/wicking, closed cell like puff. He should rely on technical hiking socks which are available in multi-layer systems with moisture wicking near the skin and insulation on the outer, wool is becoming popular again as it is insulative even when damp. If he doesn't have them on any sweat might freeze overnight depending on how warm the shelters are or could build up and leave him constantly damp with no opportunity to dry them.

Personally hate neoperene and other fabric/absorbent top covers. I only get it when demanded by patient and warn about stinkyness and delamination. Would never wear them for my rigorous hiking trips or outdoor winter activites. If my orthotic fell apart on a trip...

Sarah

Sarah

 

If he is young and already has ankle pain, I would tell my patient to cancel the trip until the ankle issue is completely resolved. How much is an orthotic going to help the ankle. Climbing Mt Everest is challenging enough when your perfectly healthy.

Steven