Orthotics
Foot orthoses (orthotics) are a mainstay treatment option for a number of problems ranging all the way from pain in the feet to neck and shoulder pain. Podiatrists in particular use orthotics on a regular basis to help patients recover from and prevent lower limb pain and gait problems.
What are orthotics?
We place orthotic inserts in your shoes to change the alignment of the bones in your feet. Foot orthoses also provide cushioning and pressure reduction for painful areas of your feet. Podiatrists are the experts in providing foot orthoses. They have thoroughly studied biomechanics of the feet and understand the unique considerations in providing orthotic interventions.
What are they used for?
Orthotics improve comfort in the feet by redistributing plantar forces and repositioning joints into a more effective alignment. These changes in the feet also influence other joints, muscles and tendons higher up in your body. For example, your knee, hip or back pain may be reduced by improving your foot posture.
Foot orthoses are generally used to treat:
- Foot pain – heel pain, forefoot pain, ankle pain
- Leg pain
- Knee pain
- Hip pain
- Lower back pain
- Fibromyalgia affecting the lower limbs
- Bunions
- Osteoarthritis
- Ankle instability and sprains
- Hypermobility
- Morton’s neuroma and neuritis
- Fibromyalgia affecting the lower limbs
- Achilles tendon pain
What types of orthotics are there?
Generally speaking there are two main types of foot orthoses available that we provide. The main option we recommend for the best treatment is custom orthotics. These orthotics are made using a scan or cast of your actual physical foot. This means they fit you perfectly, like a glove. Your podiatrist is then able to provide the best possible biomechanical correction and the most comfortable orthotic for you.
The alternative option is a pre-made or formthotics (prefabricated) orthoses.These orthotics are different to what you can buy over the counter at a pharmacy or footwear store, but they are not a fully custom orthotic. Instead they are a general orthotic template which comes in a range of sizes and can fit most feet. Our podiatrists then heat-mould and modify this orthotic template to provide a better fit, arch contour and support to your individual feet. Prefab orthotics are customised to your feet, but they are not made custom for your feet. This is the reason why there is a difference in cost between the two options.
The first step towards getting either type of orthotics is to speak with your podiatrist. Call 1300 76 33 66 or book online.
Take the first step towards happy and healthy feet.
Ready to give your feet the care they deserve? Book your appointment online or call us and experience our expert podiatry services at any of our six clinic locations.