Just as peoples’ eyes differ, your feet vary in size, shape and function. Your podiatrist will examine any underlying Biomechanical changes that may have contributed to your symptoms. This may be performed using gait analysis, and if required, prescriptive inserts or Orthotics will be produced.
Biomechanical measurements are firstly taken whilst standing and lying down, then a plaster cast impression (the negative) is produced of your feet whilst lying on your front. Our laboratory will then manufacture your bespoke devices from a second plaster cast (the positive) taken from your original mould.
Types of Orthotics
Functional Orthotics are designed to prescriptively correct anatomical abnormalities in the lower limb, we tend to fabricate our devices from a material called EVA (Ethyl vinyl acetate a rubber based material) which is available in different densities, which both corrects and aids in shock absorption.
Accomodative Orthotics are designed to cushion and relieve stress and overload, made from a combination of shock absorbing materials and are very useful for patients with Diabetes and Rheumatoid arthritis.
Ankle Foot Orthotics (AFO’s) are produced from a cast of the leg and foot and are designed to stabilise both the foot, ankle and leg for those patients presenting with such conditions as Foot drop, Cerebral Palsy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
How to wear in your functional Orthotics
Orthotics will realign your feet and ankles helping to correct and control body posture in order to reduce your symptoms.
They should be worn in very gradually by 30 minutes extra each day in order to allow your body to be accustomed to it’s new position.
Athletes should wait until they have fully worn in their Orthotics prior to performing sport, we advise that runners should build up time and distance by 10-15 minute increments.
Orthotics are designed to help and give relief to the following common complaints:
- Heel pain e.g. plantar fasciitis
- Achilles pain
- Flat feet
- Knee pain
- Low back pain
The Orthotic devices that we produce are NOT arch supports, they functionally alter the angulation of how the foot initially strikes the ground and prescriptively reduces the excessive forces that contribute towards your condition by allowing a more corrective, and normalised biomechanical position(s) to take place during standing, walking and running.
