What are orthotics and do I need them?
Orthotics (orthoses) are inserts a podiatrist prescribes that can be custom-made specifically for you to treat a variety of foot conditions. These may be prescribed to treat foot and leg problems. Custom orthotics are more than a shoe insert you can buy at the supermarket or pharmacy, they are highly customised and can be made for your specific feet and needs such as sporting activities. In our clinic we use a 3D scanner to get an accurate 3D image of your foot and orthotics are 3D printed in a specialised lab for durability and accuracy.
We will discuss which conditions orthotics are useful in treating and if they may work for you.
Listen to our latest podcast to hear more about orthotics:
Do I need orthotics?
Orthotics are always part of an overall treatment plan which may include exercises. Orthotics are used to treat pain or correct foot position/alignment in the lower limb.
Orthotic treatment can be useful for:
Reducing pain
Improving foot function
Encouraging mobility in particular joints
Correcting foot deformities
Providing support if the ankle is hyper-flexible
Reducing the risk of injury reoccurring
How does my podiatrist diagnose a problem and know if I need orthotics?
A podiatrist can diagnose and treat conditions of the feet if you are experiencing foot, ankle or knee pain. The podiatrist will ask you questions about your pain, when you first noticed the symptoms and when they are better or worse.
The podiatrist can perform a biomechanical assessment and gait analysis to see the cause of your pain and this will aid in determining which type of orthotics is suitable.
The podiatrist may also perform an examination of your feet and feel the painful spot to see if a particular area is painful.
The podiatrist may also request imaging such as X-ray, CT scan, MRI or ultrasound. This may help in determining the cause of the pain, however is not necessary most of the time.
Once the diagnoses is determined, your podiatrist will consider whether orthotics and other treatment options are right for you.
What conditions are orthotics used to treat?
Arthritis - rheumatoid and osteoarthritis
Knee pain
Bunions
Bursitis
Diabetes
Flat feet
Hammer toes
High arches
Injuries
Plantar fasciitis/ fasciopathy
Heel spurs
Tendinopathies - peroneal tendinopathy, peroneal tendinitis, achillies tendinopathy, achilles tendinitis
And more….any foot related concern or pain if your podiatrist determines orthotics are suitable.
How can orthotics help?
Orthotics are only one part of the treatment, its really important to be wearing suitable footwear as orthotics are only as good as the shoe. Its important to do exercises as part of a treatment protocol.
Orthotics may not help everyone and its really important you discuss this with your podiatrist.
We treat feet from all over Sydney, particularly the Eastern Suburbs. As podiatrists in Bondi Junction, we are happy to treat anyone that comes to our Sydney clinic. Our local area includes Bondi Junction, Bondi, Bondi Beach, North Bondi, Rose Bay, Tamarama, Coogee, Randwick, Bellevue Hill, Dover Heights, Vaucluse, and Edgecliff.
