Orthotics
What are Orthotics?
Orthotic insoles are orthopaedic devices that support or correct the function of your lower body’s muscular skeletal system.
The use of orthotics can relieve long term muscle and joint pains caused by incorrect posture and poor repetitive function.
They can also prevent future injuries and enhance sporting performance. Foot Clinic Dorset prescribes custom made orthotics so each insole is unique. This allows for optimum control enabling your body to function to its full potential.
The foot is a complex structure of 28 different bones, 214 ligaments and 38 muscles, bearing our body weight as we walk every day.
They take you to amazing places, let’s keep it that way.
How do they work?
The development of a patients orthotics involves anatomy/gait analysis and a foot impression process allowing subsequent engineering of high specification materials. An orthotic is intended to mechanically compensate for a skeletal mal-alignment.
Orthotics can be used to:
- Control, encourage, guide, limit or immobilise joint movement
- Promote or restrict muscle actions
- Reduce or redirect weight bearing forces to minimise shock and maximise propulsion
- Aid rehabilitation from fractures and accommodate deformities or asymmetries in bone structures
- Correct the shape and/or function of the body, to provide easier movement, reduce pain and slow the rate of degeneration
- Offload pressure from specific areas of the foot
Do you need to wear orthotics?
Orthotics have a proven track record of reducing pain from the following common complaints:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Bunions
- Heel spurs
- ITB syndrome
- Moreton’s neuroma
- Metatarsalgia
- Shin splints
- Arthritis (feet, knees and hips)
- Corns and calluses
- Achilles pain
- Sciatica
- Fibromyalgia and Polymyalgia
What benefits will they see?
Following a brief adjustment period of 1-2 weeks whilst becoming accustomed to their new orthotics, the patients should begin to feel a reduction in discomfort and an ability to prolong certain movements and exercises. It is important to ensure the patient takes things slowly at first and not to ‘run before they can walk’. Following the advice from Foot Clinic Dorset and gradually increasing use of the orthotics over the first weeks will give you the greatest chance of success.
Do you need multiple pairs?
The Orthotics are designed specifically to be used in multiple pairs of shoes. The feeling that the orthotics are a ‘foreign body’ will quickly diminish leading to the same unique support whatever the footwear. Duplicate pairs of orthotics are available to order from Foot Clinic Dorset if you wish. Furthermore, Orthotics can be tailored to fit specific footwear by adjusting the thickness and density of certain materials during the process.
These include:
- Ski boots
- Cycle shoes
- Dancing shoes
- Wellington boots
- Ice/roller skates
What do I need to do next?
Book a 30-minute appointment with Lisa our Orthotic specialist.
This will consist of:
- observational gait analysis
- Images and video of gait
- 3D Foot impressions
- Identification of pelvic asymmetry
- Material choice
You will receive the custom-made orthotics within 1-2 weeks, followed up fitting appointment with Lisa approx (15 minutes).
