What Is An Orthotic?
Orthotics, also known as orthoses, refer to externally applied devices inserted into shoes to address various foot conditions, alleviate foot pain, and manage foot pathologies. These devices are crafted to snugly fit within shoes, providing enhanced foot support and functionality.
How Can An Orthotic Help?
Orthotics modify the pressure transmitted from the ground to the ankle and foot during standing, walking, or running, thereby influencing the ground reaction force, and aiding in foot mechanics. Given the individual variation in foot structure, issues often arise from excessive inward or outward rolling while walking.
Our custom orthotics are tailored to each individual’s walking pattern, determined through clinical assessments by a podiatrist. This can help with:
- Controlling foot and ankle alignment
- Improve balance and stability
- Shift stress and pressure to stop pain and discomfort
- Correct arch support problems
- Project, support, and prevent injury
- Correct or accommodate deformities like bunions or hammertoes
- Offload pressure areas
- Reduce forces on soft tissues
Common Conditions That Are Treatable With Orthotics Include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Bunions
- Ankle instability
- Knee, hip, and back pain
- Various tendinopathies
- Limb length discrepancies
- Bursitis
- Synovitis
Orthotic assessments commence with a thorough biomechanical evaluation and gait analysis conducted by a Plena Healthcare podiatrist. Should orthotics be advised or necessary, a 3D scan of the feet is conducted in the comfort of one’s home using digital technology. Using both the scan results and clinical observations, Plena’s podiatrists devise a tailored orthotic design specific to each client’s requirements. This data is forwarded to our manufacturing partners who employ CAD/CAM technology to produce fully customised orthotic devices. Our range of materials includes polystone polyethylene, direct milled EVA, and Nylon 3D printing, ensuring options that suit individual needs.
The orthotics take approximately two weeks for fabrication and are then fitted to the client in their chosen footwear by the podiatrist.
If you are experiencing foot, ankle, or lower leg pain or discomfort that is affecting your quality of life, our dedicated Podiatry team is happy to discuss orthotic assessment and fabrication at any time.
For more information, speak to your onsite Plena Podiatrist or submit a referral. You can also contact us or call 136 033.
