Orthotic devices can vary from simple arch supports to customised insoles. Our physiotherapists with post-graduate training in this area will decide with you what best suits your needs.
Your orthotic evaluation will include;
- A detailed biomechanical evaluation of the structure of your feet
- Analysis of how your feet affect the posture and movement of your body as a whole
- Manufacture of your orthotic to your specifications in a laboratory
Conditions often treated by orthotics are;
- Metatarsalgia (Pain in the ball of the foot)
- Tired/ Aching feet and legs
- Hallux Abducto- Valgus (Bunions)
- Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)
- Patello-femoral Mal-alignment (Knee cap pain)
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Tibial Stress Syndrome (Shin Splints)
- Pes Planus (Flat feet)
- Lumbar-Sacral Pain
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis of the ankle, knee, and hip
Our custom made orthotics are as accurate as glasses. Custom made orthotics help support the bones in your feet and create proper alignment. We make orthotics to reposition the foot structure to reduce the stress and pain on the joints that are causing the discomfort.
What Are Orthotics?
The semi-rigid orthotic is usually made of strong, solid material: plastic or carbon fibre. The main purpose is to control the motion of the joints below the ankle. They may be used to help relieve conditions connected with walking such as back, thigh and leg strains.
A softer orthotic can be supplied, made from a compressible material and used as a shock-absorbent material or to relieve a pressure point under the foot. They are particularly beneficial to patients with arthritis or diabetes.
Your orthotic may be semi-ridgid. These are used to assist athletes to achieve optimum balance and movement whilst performing sport.
Orthotics can be used to treat children who have been diagnosed with foot deformities. These need to be replaced as the child’s feet grow and develop.
How do Orthotics Work?
Your orthotic will gently and consistently hold your foot into the optimum position and allow the foot to function correctly when walking, running and standing.
With the help of your orthotics, pressure points, improper rotation of feet and muscle strain can be eliminated and the feet will then be functioning as they were designed to do.
Once you are used to wearing them you will find them so comfortable that
you will wonder how you ever managed without them.
Orthotics, how long will I have to wear them?
No one knows. Orthotics work in the same way as glasses, the optician prescribes glasses to help you see but they do not cure your vision. Orthotics work in the same way: they help you function in a better way and will continue to work as long as you wear them or as long as you wish to avoid discomfort.
Orthotics for Your Life Style
Your orthotics will be designed for your shoe type and made to function for that type of shoe. If you require other designs for other activities we are used to catering for most activities.
Biomechanics
Biomechanics is the science used to identify and compensate for irregularities in the skeleton. If your skeleton is misaligned, for whatever reason, then it is unlikely that the structure will be able to support itself as intended.
Uneven and rapid wearing can take place throughout the body similar to the uneven and rapid wearing away of tyres on a car whose wheel alignment is faulty. Both are caused by poor functional position both are progressive and both are halted by re-establishing good functional alignment.
