Custom Orthotics Darwin
What are orthotics?
Customised Foot Orthoses can assist in an array of health conditions ranging from heel pain to lower back pain arising from an inefficient lower limb alignment. These devices also aim to redistribute pressure which is highly beneficial for offloading areas of high impact, arthritis, diabetic ulcers, calluses/corns, and accommodate foot deformities.
Our feet are the foundation to the rest of our body and a pair of specially designed insoles will greatly improve overall posture and mechanical function.
Podiatrists are trained health professionals who have undergone intensive studies of the foot and ankle biomechanics to understand the complexities in accurately prescribing and fitting customised orthotics.
Assessments for prescribing orthotics
During your initial consultation, your Podiatrist will obtain a history of your pain, activities, footwear, and conduct a full comprehensive biomechanical assessment. We will work together to establish your goals and preferred outcomes before deciding on a personalised treatment plan for you.
Assessments may include joint range of movement, muscle testing, balance, posture, leg length difference, spinal curvature, strength and flexibility.
Digital and visual gait analyses play an important role in assessing walking patterns, not only of the feet but also of the ankles, knees, hips, torso and shoulders movements.
Custom made orthotics
Your podiatrist will discuss with you what type and design of orthotics is suitable for you based on your goals, pain, activities and footwear.
We use 3D laser scanning technology to very accurately capture a 3D image of your feet in a semi-weight bearing position. This method is by far the most superior compared to older methods plaster of paris and foam boxes.
We understand that most patients need their orthotics as soon as possible therefore, we always aim to have them ready for fitting within 1-2 weeks. These will be fitted into your shoes or sandals, and are usually transferrable between various types of footwear.
Prefabricated orthoses or modified devices
These are generic orthoses that are readily available without a need for prescription, and therefore may not suit every foot type.
At times, a prefabricated device may be all that is needed along with a pair of suitably fitted footwear.
We can also apply minor modifications to your devices and always recommend that you bring your most commonly worn shoes to your appointment so that we are able to examine them as part of our assessments.
Conditions suitable for orthotics:
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Plantar fasciitis/Heel spur
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Flat feet
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High arches
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Achilles tendinopathies
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Shin splints
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Ankle instability
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Osteo and Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Bunions
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Bursitis
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Back pain
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Knee pain
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Hip pain
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Leg length discrepancy
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Diabetic foot