Foot orthoses are shoe inserts designed to support, align, or improve the function of the foot. They are also often commonly referred to as 'orthotics'. Orthoses fit cimfortable insire your shoes.
There are many different kinds of orthoses. The orthoses recommented by your podiatriast are presciption devices, custom-made to suit your individual needs and biomechanics (the way your body moves).
Who wears orthoses?
People of all ages with a variey of foot or lower leg problems wear orthoses. Sportspeople are often prescrbed orthoses by their podiatrist to hel pmaximise their performance, as well as to address mechanical problems.
Anyone suffering from a chronic foot or lower limb condition which is limiting their mobility or independence may benefit from wearing orthoses.
When are orthoses used?
Your podiatris may presribe orthoses for your particular foot assessment, taking into account your own biomechanics, footwear, and occupational lifestyle factors.
Orthoses provide valuable long-term solutions in the treatment and prevention of corns, callous and ulceration by redistributing the pressure of the body's weight on the feet.
Orthoses also help with rehabilitation of acute and chronic foot conditions such as tendonitis, recurrent ankle sprain and stress fractures, by providing consistent postural control.
A personalised approach:
If orthoses are recommended, your podiatrist will design a care plan. This plan will outline your diagnosis, the type of orthoses you have been prescribed, proposed footwear to wear with your orthoses, lifestyle changes you may need to make, as well as any additional treatment which may be required.
What type of orthoses:
Cushioning orthoses provide cushioning and padding underfoot with shock absorption during walking.
Pressure relief orthoses offer additional relief by redistributiong the pressure on problem areas of the foot.
Moulded cast or non-cast orthoses offer similar features with superior fit, whilst prefabricated orthoses provide relief with the benefits of being customised by your podiatrist.
Functional foot (customised kinetic) orthoses offer all these features, plus the benefit of postural realignment.
High standards of treatment and follow up:
When proscribing orthoses, your podiatrist provides a comprehensive service to ensure safe and effective foot care, including:
- A full clinical assessment of your foot problem prior to prescription
- Presription of orthoses tailored to individual needs
- Provision of any additional treatment required
- Advice regarding exercises, footwear and training methods where relevant
- Complete control over prescribing, making and fitting your orthoses
- Comprehensive follow-up, includinginitial and ongoing treatment plan
- Fine-tuning or correction of any problems experienced in wearing the orthoses
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