Advanced Technology Techniques
What are orthotics?
Orthotics are custom-made devices that offer support, cushioning, and alignment to the feet, ankles, and lower legs. They are often used to alleviate foot, ankle, and lower leg pain and to correct structural abnormalities such as flat feet or high arches. Orthotics can also enhance balance and stability and are useful in both preventing and treating injuries.
An extensive range of orthotics is available, from off-the-shelf inserts to custom-made devices that are designed to cater to an individual’s specific needs. Orthotics can be made from various materials, including foam, plastic, and metal, and can be worn inside shoes or as a separate device. Podiatrists frequently recommend them as a highly effective treatment option for various conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and Achilles tendonitis.
How Do Orthotics Help?
Orthotic devices have the potential to enhance your quality of life, be it by alleviating pain or preventing future problems. Research studies have found that 85% of patients who undergo orthotic therapy for related injuries report an improvement or complete resolution of pain.
Adelaide Podiatry Centres offer custom orthotic assessment and prescription to residents of Walkerville and surrounds.
Individual Orthotic Assessment and Design
Adelaide Podiatry Centre’s orthotics are unique arch supports, custom designed for individual feet utilising the most cutting edge technology. Our orthotic process & design will ensure you receive orthotics that fit comfortably, support your feet and that you are happy with!
The Benefits of Custom Orthotics
A custom orthotic is a tailored solution that caters to the unique shape and needs of an individual’s feet, offering an effective solution to foot, ankle, and lower leg issues. By taking accurate measurements and scans of an individual’s feet, custom orthotics provide better support, cushioning, and alignment, which can help alleviate pain and improve mobility.
Custom orthotics can also be designed to address specific conditions or injuries, such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or arthritis. They can help distribute pressure more evenly across the foot, reduce the risk of further injury, and improve overall foot function. Custom orthotics can be more durable and longer-lasting than off-the-shelf inserts, making them a more cost-effective option in the long run. Custom orthotics can provide a more comprehensive and tailored solution for foot and lower leg problems, leading to improved comfort, mobility, and quality of life.
Standard Half Length Orthotics
Half-length orthotics offer a unique design, with a top cover that stops at the end of the orthotic shell – the primary component that provides support for your feet. This design allows them to require less room in the toe box of footwear, providing greater flexibility and ease in wearing them with different shoe styles.
Sports orthotics can be made for comfortable walking or tailored to a specific sport or activity. They are generally softer to prevent blistering and feature support modifications that depend on the sport and footwear.
If you need orthotics for slimline or dress shoes like sandals, football boots, or cycling shoes, we can customise them for you. Our digital manufacturing process allows us to size them to the nearest millimetre for the perfect fit.
Courthotics are ultra slim orthotics for shoes where regular sized orthotics are impractical or impossible. This style of orthotic has an adhesive base and can be fit into practically any shoe for that extra support. They are recommended for heels and open shoes.
The Orthotic Fitting Process
To ensure that your custom-made orthotics are the perfect size and shape for your feet, our podiatrists perform a detailed analysis. Our orthotic fitting and design process covers several assessments to determine your unique requirements and create a precise and accurate pair of orthotics for you.
To ensure that the orthotic prescription caters to your body type, feet, and requirements, your practitioner will conduct a biomechanical assessment of your hips, knees, ankles, and feet. It is crucial to assess each person individually as every individual is unique.
Computerised Gait Analysis
Your podiatrist will conduct a computerised gait analysis from head to toe. They will review the video footage and inform you how your walking pattern impacts your body.
3D Foot Scan
A customised, personal assessment of your feet is conducted to ensure the orthotics give you the best results. This assessment includes a 3D laser precision scan of your feet that takes accurate measurements of your entire foot.
3D CadCam Orthotic Design
Using the latest CAD cam software, your orthotics are designed from a combination of the podiatrist’s assessment, gait analysis, and the 3D laser scan. The 3D laser scan files are uploaded to a computer, where the orthotic’s shape is matched to your feet using highly complex and accurate software. The possibilities are endless in CAD cam software, and the orthotics can be designed in various shapes and materials.
Manufactured using cutting-edge Australian technology, your custom orthotics are directly milled from various rigid or soft materials. They are custom-tailored to fit and colour-coordinate with your shoes.
To ensure the perfect fit, your orthotics are double-checked during your fitting appointment. We will fit them into your shoes and ensure that you are comfortable and happy before you leave. Our small onsite laboratory means that we can perform any needed adjustments on the spot and you won’t need to come back. We understand that orthotics may take time to adjust to, and we will give you instructions to help you make this transition smoother.
We stand behind the quality of our orthotics at Adelaide Podiatry Centres. If you are not satisfied with them in any way, we will make adjustments using our in-house laboratory until you are completely happy.