Orthotic Services in Canberra
What do orthotics do?
Foot orthoses, commonly called orthotics, are devices worn inside your shoes to help manage pain, improve comfort and change the way pressure and load are distributed through the feet and lower limbs.
They may be used to support movement, reduce stress on painful areas and improve how comfortable walking, standing or activity feels. Orthotics do not permanently “re-align” the skeleton, but they can influence how the foot and lower limb function while they are being worn.
Orthotics should be matched to the person
Everyone’s feet, movement, footwear, activity levels and health needs are different. Orthotics are selected and fitted based on factors such as your diagnosis, pain location, foot shape, lifestyle, footwear and medical history.
For some people, the main goal is to reduce pain or improve function. For others, orthotics may be used to cushion the foot, redistribute pressure or protect vulnerable areas of skin.
Orthotics may be recommended for short-term, long-term or ongoing use depending on your individual needs.
Podiatrists can use orthotics to help reduce pain, improve comfort and support movement
What types of orthotics do we use at New Step Podiatry?
Custom orthotics are individually designed for your feet and specific treatment needs. A 3D scan is taken, then a podiatrist designs the orthotics on a computer, selecting features such as shape, contour, material, density, length and any additional modifications required.
The design is then sent for manufacture using computerised milling or 3D printing. Custom orthotics can be made in a range of materials and styles to suit different footwear, activities and levels of support.
Joeys are a semi-customised orthotic option that sit between pre-made and fully custom orthotics. Foot tracings are used rather than a 3D scan, allowing the device to be selected and modified to better suit the individual.
They can be particularly useful for growing children who need more support than a standard pre-made device but may outgrow a fully custom orthotic relatively quickly.
Pre-made orthotics are ready-to-wear devices designed to suit a broad range of foot types. They can provide cushioning, support or temporary offloading and may be adjusted by a podiatrist to better suit your needs.
They are often useful for short-term support or when a simpler device with only minor adjustments is appropriate.
Heat-mouldable orthotics are prefabricated devices that are heated and shaped more closely to your foot.
They offer more customisation than standard pre-made orthotics and can be further adjusted by a podiatrist if needed. They can be a useful option when more individualised support is required without moving to a fully custom device.
Podiatrists can tailor orthotic therapy to your feet, footwear and activity
What conditions may benefit from orthotics?
Orthotics are a very useful tool in managing pain and discomfort for conditions such as:
Heel pain, including plantar fasciitis and other causes of plantar heel pain
Achilles tendon pain
Arch pain
Forefoot pain, including metatarsalgia, Morton’s neuroma and plantar plate injuries
Pain associated with flat feet or generalised hypermobility
Chronic ankle instability and recurrent ankle sprains
Shin pain, including medial tibial stress syndrome
Big toe joint pain, including bunions, turf toe and hallux limitus
Pressure-related corns and calluses
Pain associated with foot or lower-limb overuse injuries
Certain children’s foot and lower-limb conditions
Conditions where pressure redistribution or additional support may improve comfort