ORTHOTICS
What are Orthotics?
Foot orthotics (prescription insoles) correct an abnormal, or irregular, walking pattern. They make standing, walking, and running more comfortable and efficient, by altering slightly the angles at which the foot strikes a walking or running surface. They are known to solve a number of biomechanical problems, not only for obvious foot conditions but also for ankle, knee, pelvis, hip and back pain.
The individual design is determined by your unique foot contours, your activity level, occupation and the types of shoes that you wear.
Who could benefit from Orthotics?
Absolutely anyone! Sportspeople, such as golfers, runners, ramblers, mountaineers, skiers, footballer, dancers and people who are on their feet all day are just some examples. Diabetic and rheumatoid sufferers can require a special insole to provide additional cushioning.
If you need Orthotics, what are their benefits?
• They provide foot stability and thus help to maintain correct postural alignment of the lower leg, pelvis and spine.
• They remove the constant strain that would previously have transferred to your knees, hips and back. Orthotics therefore provide long-term protection for these areas.
• Athletes can improve their performance. Once the foot is stabilised, dynamic muscles can work more effectively improving both power and control.
• Those who do minimal exercise can use their muscles more efficiently to protect their joints from ongoing aches and pains.
• Those who have been in pain due to poor alignment of joints in their feet will notice immediate relief as the pressure is lifted.
Do I need to see a Podiatrist?
If you answer yes to any of the following signs of biomechanical imbalances in the foot, you could benefit from a biomechanical assessment:
My shoes always wear out on one side faster than the other;
I frequently sprain my ankle;
I have flattened arches or high arches;
I walk on the outside or inside of my feet; or
I experience aches or pains in my feet, legs or back when walking or standing.
How are Orthotics made?
Our orthotics are made by using Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) in the UK by ourselves. Using equipment from the world leader in CAD/CAM foot orthotics systems in the USA, each foot is scanned and a 3-D digital file is created. The podiatrist then applies adjustment to the scan to reflect your individual prescription. This is then sent to our CAD/CAM fabrication equipment in our laboratory which produces the orthoses.
Our equipment is the only system which is approved by the Canadian Medical Association and is supplied to the US military.
* NEW: Custom Comfort Insoles & Prescription Orthoses BY POST! *
If you cannot attend our Foot Clinic to have your feet scanned, we can post to you a foam impression box; you simply follow the instructions to leave a perfect footprint from each foot in the foam, and then return the box to us. We can then scan your footprints using our new impress laser scanner in order to make a pair of perfectly-fitting insoles!
If you need a biomechanical assessment, we will try to arrange an appointment with a suitably-qualified podiatrist in your area. The podiatrist will then prepare a prescription which will be used to design a pair of fully-functional orthoses.
Find out what some of our hundreds of satisfied clients have to say about their orthoses.
