Orthotics are necessary when: pain is caused by improper foot movements, if there is increased stress demands on the foot, or if foot deformities are present. Orthotics can be worn as prevention with foot deformities, if not corrected properly bunions, heel pain, flat feet, arthritis, calluses and unusual walking patterns can develop.

Orthotics can help with:
Heel pain, arch pain, calluses, corns, flat feet, high arches, toe problems/ cramps, knee, hip and lower back pain.

Chiropodists and podiatrists are the only health professionals who are exclusively trained to assess and treat foot problems. Early detection of many foot problems can prevent more serious complications from developing.

A Chiropodist will provide a complete examination of your foot. For a custom orthotics the chiropodist will carefully assess your feet through a biomechanical Assessment and Gait Analysis. A plaster cast will be taken of your feet, capturing the uncompensated foot, and creating a custom orthotic that will provide optimal control of the foot during all activities.

Chiropodists are Primary Care providers for orthotics.

If you think orthotics are necessary for your condition either as prevention or to cure a discomfort, you should see a Chiropodist for a thorough foot assessment. A Chiropodist will take a medical history and perform a foot examination while you sit, stand and walk. A diagnosis will then be made. If orthotics are required, the best type will be prescribed using the appropriate corrections. There are different types of orthotics, ranging from rigid to soft. The rigid devices have the most corrective control and the soft devices provide palliative cushion to protect from weight-bearing stress during walking.

An exact mold of the bottom of your foot will then be taken using a plaster cast in the corrected position of the foot. The cast is then sent to an orthotic lab to manufacture the orthotic devices according to the Chiropodist’s prescription and specifications detailing the correction required. The orthotics will then be fitted into the patient’s shoes.  Minor adjustment can be done in office in our mini lab. The patient will then be instructed on a break-in period and what to expect as the foot adjusts.

It takes a small adjustment period for the foot to adapt to the correction, the orthotics are providing. Once they are comfortable with everyday use, they can be used for sports activities. Orthotic management does not end at the fitting. Footwear advice is given and review appointments are encouraged. The original complaint will be assessed at one month, six months, and a year.  Additional therapies may also be recommended. Symptoms take time to develop and therefore take time to heal. The foot has to be retrained to work correctly. Children need to be monitored on a regular basis for changes in walking patterns and outgrowth of the orthotic devices.