WHAT ARE CUSTOM MADE FOOT ORTHOTICS?
These are highly technical individually prescribed and made medical devices, worn inside the shoes which are moulded over a plaster cast of the patients foot, using prescription data supplied by a Podiatrist.
Patients must first consult with the Podiatrist and have a full biomechanical examination compiled and casts made of the feet in their correct alignment. The aim is to correct the underlying biomechanical cause of the problem thereby relieving the associated symptoms of pain and deformity.
Put simply they improve the way the feet and legs work during standing, walking and running.
Many lower limb complaints are linked to excess pronation.
Heel pain is usually caused by rolling in of the foot (excess pronation) causing the arch to collapse and the muscles and supporting structures to stretch and elongate. This puts traction and strain, on the ligaments. The heel bone 'responds' by developing a bony growth in the centre of the heel-a 'heel spur'.
Orthotics are designed to align the foot to its natural angle and support the arches. This reduces the traction and strain removing this common cause of heel pain.
Excess pronation causes the lower leg bones (the tibia and fibula) to rotate internally. This can put excessive force on the knee cap and eventually weaken the muscles and ligaments in the knee joint. Often, a grinding sensation in the knee, and a sharp pain are felt.
Orthotics support the arches and re-align the lower limb, stopping the leg from rotating inwardly, effectively removing this common cause of knee pain.
This commonly occurs from shearing and stretching forces placed on the Achilles tendon at the back of the heel. Excess Pronation causes the heel bone to tilt excessively and places extra strain on the tendon. Inflammation of the tendon is a common result, along with tightening of the calf muscles.
Orthotics align the heel bone and reduce the shearing and stretching forces on the tendon, providing relief from Achilles pain.
Pain in the front or inside section of the shin bone (tibia) is often experienced by new walkers or runners. Posterior shin splints is more chronic and occurs along the inside edge of the bone, often with more active sports.
Orthotics reduce excess stretching of the front and back leg muscles (tibialis anterior and tibialis posterior) thereby relieving this common pain.
Rolling over of the feet -excess pronation- causes the lower leg to rotate internally. The pelvis is forced to tilt forward, which can cause an increased curvature of the lower back. Especially after standing upright for longer periods, this curvature of the back will cause tightness and stiffness in the lower back muscles.
By controlling excess pronation of the feet, orthotics help improve body posture. Because the feet are now properly aligned, internal rotation of the legs and pelvic tilt are greatly reduced.
HOW CAN I BE REFERRED FOR TREATMENT?
At this clinic we often see patients who are referred by their GP or specialist. People can also contact us directly. We are pleased to say that new patients often consult us after a recommendation from one of our many existing patients who have found orthotic treatment to be very effective.
ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ORTHOTICS AVAILABLE?
There is a huge range of orthotic devices which can be prescribed depending on the individual patient's needs. Factors to be considered include, the diagnosis, the patient's age, level of activity, participation in sports, and type of footwear. Correctly prescribed, orthotics are very comfortable to wear and many of our patients tell us that they 'will not be parted from them'.