What is orthotics ? The word sounds strange, like some sort of arcane jargon that ordinary people shouldn’t know about.
In reality, orthotics are just devices made of lightweight, flexible materials. They are used as help correct a variety of problems concerning the feet and walking. They are either mass-produced designs or ones that are custom-made from 3D camera images, impressions and casts. Dr7 Podiatry Perth and Inner suburbs, we use all the mentioned techniques and different types of orthotics.
Mass-produced orthotics that are ready made to use are cheaper and widely available, but aren’t always ideal. It is best to have a podiatrist assess and custom fit a pair for your feet, with any adjustments needed along the way. Podiatrists may use taping or have you wear the over the counter ones ,with minor adjustment, for a time to gauge the suitability of long-term custom othotics.
Orthotics are useful for treating conditions like Achilles tendonitis, bunions, tarsal tunnel syndrome, and plantar fasciitis. There are other conditions, especially sporting conditions such as runnig knee that will respond well. However, it is imperative that you discuss your options and condition with a podiatrist so they can make a professional assessment and outline the ideal treatment plan.
In general, the inserts are meant to improve the overall health of the foot and ankle. Many are built to realign the structure of the foot or provide better support, easing pressure on the feet and ankles as you walk. Finally, they can prevent deformities of the feet if used preemptively.
You might also notice benefits for any pre-existing back and hips pain with the correct fitting orthotics.
The exact nature of your orthotics will vary based on your needs and the recommendations of your podiatrist. For example, someone with flat feet will want arch support. On the other hand, someone who does a lot of running on the job will need inserts that reduce pressure on the joints, which could help to reduce any foot, ankle, knee or hip pain.
Custom-made inserts are more expensive compared to over the counter types. However, they are fitted to your feet precisely and offer greater support. The materials are also tougher and allow them to last longer. Additionally, this process is guided through by experienced podiatrists ,who are university trained health professionals.
Dr7 Podiatry are here to help and answer any questions about othotics or foot related issues.
Orthotics is a device inserted into footwear to correct or change the alignment of your feet to help alleviate foot, ankle, lower leg, hip or lower back pain. All ages can benefit from orthotic wear, from young children to the elderly.
Orthotics can help reduce the strain and stress on your feet, legs, knees and lower back. They are prescribed to treat acute injuries and also resolve long term chronic issues.
Types of orthotics that can be specially ordered by our podiatrists at Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry
What is included in an orthotic consultation?
An orthotic consultation which leads to an orthotic device is an all inclusive fee. Our team at Dr7 Osborne Park understand you don’t like nasty financial surprises. All fees will be clearly explained before commencement of treatment.
At Dr7 Yokine, an orthotic consultation from one of our professional team of podiatrists will:
explain in simple terms what is causing your pain and if orthotic therapy deemed required, it will be explained on how it will resolve your foot health issues.
provide a personalized clinical assessment of your feet according to your problem or symptoms
provide a comprehensive biomechanical analysis of your upper and lower body
gait analysis
provide a complementary* one month review appointment of your orthotics to ensure you are settling in your orthotics as expected (*no charge for complentary review appointment – applicable for customized orthotics only)
Custom made orthotics at Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry
How do orthotics work?
Orthotics aim to support your arches, it addresses and fixes biomechanical issues which is causing your foot pain.
Everyone has different arch configurations, flat (pes planus), ‘normal’ or high (pes cavus) arches. No matter what type of arch configuration you have, or whatever foot health issue you have, you can be assured the podiatry team at Dr7 Tuart Hill will issue and prescribe an orthotic specific to your requirements.
Conditions that orthotics treat
Heel pain – heel spurs, heel bursitis
Plantar fasciitis – arch pain
Flat feet – causing overpronation when weightbearing resulting in tired, aching or sore feet
Lower back pain – if related to biomechanical issues in feet
Range of orthotics
Dr7 Coolbinia has an extensive range of orthotics to resolve your symptoms at a budget to suit you.
Pre-made – Over the Counter (OTC) orthotics
Dr7 Joondanna stocks premium pre-made or over the counter (OTC) orthotics.
Professional podiatric brands such as Vasyli, Vasyli + Dananberg, X-lines and ICB orthotics are ready to be dispensed at time of consultation.
Kiddy pre-made orthotics are also stocked for young children.
OTC orthotics are made from soft, medium or hard density EVA. Density of EVA given will differ according to symptoms, activity level and age.
OTC orthoses have a life span between 1-3 years depending on usage, weight of individual and type of activity used for.
Pre-made and over the counter orthotics are available at Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry
Customised orthotics
Before an impression of your feet is performed a thorough biomechanical assessment is done. Biomechanical analysis will include assessment of leg length difference, shoulder & hip tilt assessment, lower back configuration, hip & knee & sub-talar joint range of motion, calf flexibility assessment and gait analysis.
Dr 7 Menora uses state of the art impression techniques for our latest designed prescribed or customized orthotics.
Customised orthotics are tailored for the individual and requires an impression mould or scan of your feet.
Our impression techniques include traditional plaster of paris casting, box 3D scanning and the latest IPad 3D scanning technique using the AOMSTOT and Meshlab application program.
Customised orthotics traditionally are made from German made high quality polypropylene and is guaranteed to last over 10 years.
Custom orthoses may be made from soft, medium or hard density EVA if required.
differing designs offered: slim line orthotics (suitable for shallow footwear), full length covers, Cobra slim (for sporting boots)
differing covering colours available for aesthetic purposes
Dr7 Dianella uses top line Australian orthotic laboratories for our manufacture: Biolab Precision Orthoses; Artisan Orthotics and Orthotech Orthotics.
Different type of material and colours for your custom orthotics available at Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry
Refurbishment of existing orthotics
Should you have existing orthotics and in need of a refurbishment or modification, the team of podiatrists at Dr7 Balcatta can easily arrange to have your existing orthotics looking and feeling brand new again.
Orthotics should be reviewed annually to check for optimal fit and integrity.
The friendly podiatry team at Dr7 Physiotherapy & Podiatry look forward to assisting you on any foot relating health issue.
We are well located to provide physiotherapy, podiatry, hydrotherapy and massage to Yokine, Dianella, Joondana, Tuart Hill, Osborne Park, Coolbinia, Mount Lawley, Bedford, Inglewood, Balcatta, Stirling, Nollamara and surrounding Perth communities.
We have been providing friendly and professional physiotherapy, podiatry, hydrotherapy and massage treatment since 2001.
