Orthotics
We offer orthotics as part of our comprehensive foot care services in Coffs Harbour. We provide detailed assessments and customised orthotic designs to help you manage your foot, ankle and leg discomfort. So, whether you’re looking for relief from foot, ankle or leg pain or to improve your sports performance, our orthotics can help you.
Orthoses are custom-made insoles inserted into your shoes to improve the function and posture of your feet. They, therefore, act to reduce excessive forces that can contribute to injury and pain. After a detailed biomechanical and gait assessment, which usually includes video gait assessment and our cutting-edge Zebris treadmill, our podiatrist will formulate a customised orthotic prescription suited to your specific needs.
Functional foot orthoses can be essential in managing many conditions, including tendinopathies, overuse symptoms, plantar fasciitis, heel pain, metatarsalgia, bunion pain, shin splints, and arch pain. In addition, functional foot orthoses in children assist in managing growing pains, toe walking, painful flat feet, sports overuse injuries, heel pain and shin splints.
Orthoses are made from various materials, including polypropylene, EVA, carbon fibre, and nylon. The material your podiatrist prescribes for you depends on your prescription requirements, size, activity level, footwear and age. Furthermore, custom-made orthoses can be made from a 3D laser scan or a plaster cast mould of your feet. These techniques give an accurate impression of your feet and are sent to a special podiatric laboratory for orthotic manufacture.
You will be given a regime to follow to get used to your new orthoses. Getting used to them can take up to a couple of weeks. Sure Step Podiatry recommends a first follow-up review a month from the issue date. Generally, functional foot orthoses can last anywhere from 4 to 6 years, depending on your activity level and size. However, growing children usually need a new prescription every 18 months to 2 years.
