Orthotics
Orthotics sit under your feet. They are prescribed after a biomechanical assessment by a Foot Mechanics Podiatrist and are used to improve foot function, support the foot as the foundation for the body and to redistribute forces through the foot and lower limb.
Foot Mechanics uses two types of orthotics:
Customised Foot Orthotics
Customised Orthotics are prefabricated and held in stock at the clinics. They are matched to your foot size and your footwear. The orthotic is then customised to achieve the therapeutic effect the Podiatrist has identified as necessary.
Prescription Custom Foot Orthotics
Prescription Custom Foot Orthotics are custom made using digital cad/cam technology. Foot Mechanics uses a digital lab to manufacture all prescription custom foot orthotics. The lab uses cad/cam technology to produce an orthotic that is the perfect shape, maximising comfort and functionality.
Foot Mechanics Podiatrists have a reputation amongst health professionals as being the experts in biomechanical assessment and orthotic prescription. Many factors are considered prior to prescribing orthotics including:
- Site of injury or problem
- Type of injury or problem
- Degree of correction needed
- Activity level
- Type of activity
- Body Weight
- Footwear
- Patient convenience and time frames
Orthotics are not “arch supports”
Arch supports pack the area under the arch which can feel comfortable in the short term. However, long term use of “arch supports” will weaken the arch of the foot and can lead to other biomechanical problems in the feet, ankles, knees, hips or lower back. The foot is an engineering marvel and requires more expertise than basic arch supports to address biomechanical problems.
Orthotics do not directly support the arch but rather improve the overall foot function enabling the body’s own support mechanisms to function efficiently. This leads to stronger, healthier feet and in most cases relief of symptoms.
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