Orthotics (orthoses) are shoe inserts specifically designed to support, align or improve the function of the foot.
These are designed to support the body from the foot upwards, alleviating stress on the skeletal system like, muscles, tendons and joints and generally helping us with the way we move.
Do I need Orthotics?
A few signs and symptoms to look out for:
- Arch and/or heel pain (plantar fasciitis)
- Flat feet.
- Ankle pain and/or Achilles tendinitis, calf soreness.
- Tibialis posterior tendon pain (shin splints)
- Forefoot pain and hammertoes (ball of the foot)
- Sesamoid pain
- Mortons neuroma and forefoot bursitis.
- Bunions and big toe joint osteoarthritis (hallux rigidus)
- Pain spanning across the feet
- Knee pain, “runners knee”
- Hip or lower back pain
- Diabetes – Orthotics can reduce the risk of high pressure areas and wounds.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
How could Orthotics benefit my general well being during physical activity?
• Improving your balance and ability to stand for longer periods of time
• Relieving stress on joints, such as ankles, knees and lower back, by supporting your arch and reducing pronation.
• Supporting your lower limb during sporting activities, where increased load is placed on these muscles, tendons and joints.
• Helping with the correct alignment of the foot and leg
• Reduce high pressure areas on the bottom of the foot which cause corns and callus, by distributing pressure and shock evenly across the foot
What is the difference between customised orthotics and support inserts I see at the chemist/other shoe retailers?
Unfortunately there really isn’t a “one size fits all” solution when it comes to orthotics.
There are many elements to consider that can influence your orthotic fit, including the shoes you wear, lifestyle influences (for example what you do for work/fitness), along with the movement of your feet (the way you walk, structure of your feet etc – we call this “biomechanics”). We are all quite unique in the way our biomechanics operate.
Customised orthotics are carefully prescribed to ensure these above factors are considered and allow for a precise match of your foot and most importantly address your issues.
What are some of the common problems podiatrists see with purchased generic prefabricated orthotics in a retail setting;
- They don’t provide enough tilt at the ankle, with limited support to control pronation – especially for sporting activities.
- Often the prefabricated arch does not match your arch.
- The forefoot metatarsal dome/pad is in the wrong spot.
- A “one size fits all” solution is often “hit and miss” !
What does your orthotic consultation involve?
Your consultation will include your podiatrist observing how your feet and lower limbs function; by viewing the way you walk and assessing the range of motion of the foot and ankle joints. Your podiatrist will discuss the best type of orthotic for you to ensure we meet your goals. An impression of each foot is then carefully casted, which is then precisely scanned into an electronic 3D format, from which your orthotic is then modelled on.
When fitted well, orthotics (paired with the right shoes) can alleviate many arch, heel, tendon and arthritis pain symptoms in our patient’s feet.
Pleasingly, many private health insurance funds will pay for a portion of fully customised orthotics!
