Custom Orthotics By Chartered Physiotherapists.
What Are Orthotics?
Orthotics are temporary or customised orthopaedic insoles that fit easily and securely within your footwear. Essentially these prescribed insoles can help to restore regular balance and pressure on muscles and joints, which can allow(s) you, in many cases, to get on with things pain free, whether that be in your sport, in work or just in daily life.
Orthotics can assist with a wide range of biomechanical problems such as heel pain, shin splints, fallen arches, plantar fasciitis, knee pain, back pain and much more.
Everybody has different requirements and so we can prescribe various types of shell strength and flex of the insoles. This helps to ensure that the orthotic is perfectly suited to you and your needs. In some cases it will be necessary to tweak the insoles within the first 3 months of wearing to ensure that the prescription is correct and it is also important to note that orthotics are not guaranteed to correct all issues. In most cases they will resolve all of the issues but in some cases they will only lessen symptoms. Your clinician will advise you on realistic expectations for your individual presentation.
What Does An Orthotics Assessment Involve?
The first thing that happens when you book in with one of our Podiatrists or Chartered Physiotherapists is a biomechanical assessment and possibly a gait scan, in order to determine whether orthotics would be of benefit to you. If our team think that this is the case, they may first provide you with temporary orthotics to wear for between 1-2 months. The purpose of the temporary orthotics is to allow the Physio to make any necessary corrections which might benefit you during this time period.
Our Physios may also supplement this with a list of stretches and possibly some strengthening exercises. This allows us to be certain that you need orthotics, to be sure your body has adapted well to accept orthotics and that as little correction as possible is needed. Ultimately what it means is that we will always attempt to correct as much as possible before prescribing long term orthotics.
If these temporary orthotics function as our Physio/Podiatrist expects, then it is quite likely that you will be prescribed Custom-made orthotics. The methods used to make these orthotics are through a Foam Box or by taking a scan of your foot, based on your condition present, the sport you play or what your needs are. If the patient and the Physiotherapist/Podiatrist both agree, the temporary orthotic stage may be bypassed, if this is deemed the best thing to do. Orthotics are usually ready to be picked up within 15 working days of the scanning.
