what are foot orthoses/orthotics?
Foot orthoses or orthotics are inserts for shoes. They are commonly known as in-shoe stabilising devices which are prescribed and designed to align and assist in the foot and lower limb function during walking and running.
At the footinjuryclinic our podiatrists attend to people of all ages and levels of activity with a variety of leg and lower limb problems.
We use a variety of different devices depending on individual needs and budgets. Some patients need a custom made device or sometimes prefabricated or over the counter inserts can be modified to meet individual needs.
The orthotic devices that we provide are ideal for children who experience recurring leg or foot pain, walk or run with difficulties such as pronated flat feet, those who may have an in-toed (pigeon toed) or out-toed gait or even those kids who have uneven school shoe or sport shoe wear.
Orthoses are also prescribed for the aged or seniors who develop aches and pains as a result of arthritis or the side effects of diabetes.
Pressure relief orthotics – these devices integrate cushioning as well as additional relief by redistributing pressure from the prominent problem areas of the foot and play a major role in foot function and reduction of ulcerations in the diabetic patient.
Over the counter/prefabricated orthotics – these are possible medium term alternatives for support but are not specific for the individual feet.
Custom moulded orthotics – these devices are for conditions that require a superior fit and control for a more accurate realignment and for a long term solution. These are our premium devices and are fabricated with custom control and comfort.
Our practice offers orthotic reviews regardless of whether we made your previous devices. Our practice offers a refurbishment service of old existing devices with recovering available in various materials and reposting for better control and an even longer life.
CAD/CAM orthotics stands for Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufactured orthotics. This means that there is no need for a conventional messy plaster cast to make your orthotics. Instead our hi-tech Orthema digitiser records the exact contours of your foot whilst being held in its corrected standing position by your experienced podiatrist.
The Digitiser is an unique measurement device with over 500 sensors, developed to measure the profile of a human foot. With this measuring device the foot can be measured fully-, partly- or non weight bearing.
This information is then processed by our onsite Orthema computer and after any necessary adjustments are made to your prescription, the Orthema milling machine carves out your custom Orthema orthotics while you wait. Each Orthema orthotic is made by the onsite computer from a soft, supportive E.V.A. rubber according to the exact contours and structural characteristics of your feet. Our orthotics are then customised further with specific covering materials appropriate to your sport or vocation.