Orthotic Services in Canberra
Foot orthoses are commonly referred to as orthotics. Foot orthotics are medical devices that are inserted into your shoes that alter the functioning of your body’s structures (including nerves and muscles) to improve stability and function and reduce pain.
Everyone’s feet are different in shape, size, function, strength, and are used in different ways depending on who you are. Custom orthotics are made and fitted to suit your diagnosis, pain location, footwear, lifestyle, activity, and medical history. This means one person’s orthotics may not be suitable for another. Orthotics may be prescribed for short term or lifelong use.
The main aim of wearing orthotics is to offload and control excessive forces from a stressed and painful area. In doing this, they help to reduce pain and deformity, increase comfort, and aid in making gait more efficient. There has been little to no evidence in research that shows orthotics are capable of splinting or holding the foot in a corrected position and as such do not ‘re-align’ the skeleton. However, many feel a sense of improved alignment when wearing their orthotics.
Of course, there are instances where custom foot orthoses are used to accommodate the foot as it is. In this case an orthotic would primarily provide comfort and prevent wounds or ulcerations. These devices could be used in those who are diabetic or have lost most of their protective fat pads under the feet.
Be sure to read our informative blog post on Orthotics here.
Custom orthotics are made and fitted to suit your diagnosis, pain location, footwear, lifestyle, activity, and medical history.
What conditions may benefit from orthotics?
Orthotics are a very useful tool in managing pain and discomfort for conditions such as:
Heel pain conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tarsal tunnel syndrome, heel spurs
Achilles pain
Arch pain
Forefoot ‘metatarsalgia’ pain including Morton’s neuroma, neuritis, plantar plate dysfunction and metatarsal stress fractures
Pain associated with flat feet and generalised hypermobility
Chronic ankle instability
Shin pain including medial tibial stress syndrome, muscle-tendon injuries or strains
Big toe joint conditions including bunions, turf toe, hallux limitus
Prevention of callous and corn formation
Children’s lower limb conditions