Orthotics

Orthotics

Foot Health

When it comes to managing foot health, one of the most important factors to consider is the type of footwear you wear. This is especially true for people with diabetes, who are at increased risk for foot complications.

When advising clients on footwear, it's important to emphasize the importance of choosing shoes that fit well, provide adequate support, and minimize the risk of injury or irritation. Here are some specific recommendations to consider:

• Fit is key. Shoes that are too tight or too loose can cause problems like blisters, calluses, and pressure points. Make sure the shoes fit properly and don't rub or pinch anywhere. A professional footwear fitting can be helpful in ensuring the right fit.
• Choose shoes with a wide and deep toe box. This allows room for the toes to move freely and helps prevent pressure on the forefoot.
• Look for shoes with good arch support. This helps distribute weight evenly across the foot and can help prevent conditions like plantar fasciitis.
• Shoes with cushioned soles can help absorb shock and reduce pressure on the feet.
• Avoid high heels, flip-flops, and sandals with thin soles. These shoes offer little support and can cause instability and increased risk of falls.
• Choose shoes made of breathable materials that allow air circulation around the feet.

If you have neuropathy or decreased sensation in your feet, it's especially important to visually inspect your feet after wearing new shoes to ensure there are no signs of irritation or injury.

Overall, the goal of footwear recommendations is to help people with diabetes maintain good foot health and reduce the risk of complications. Encouraging clients to prioritize the right footwear and seek professional fitting can go a long way in achieving this goal.

Orthotics

Every individual has unique feet, and even the left and right foot of a person may differ from each other. When a person experiences abnormal force distribution and dysfunction in their foot posture, using generic off-the-shelf insoles may not be sufficient to address their issues. This is where custom foot orthotics come in handy!

The Advantages of Custom Orthotics.

Here are some of the benefits of Orthotics custom insoles:

• Custom foot orthotics help to alter and improve the forces and alignment in your feet, reducing pain in various parts of your body, including your ankles, legs, knees, thighs, hips, and lower back.
• They are lighter, thinner, and stronger than before, thanks to ongoing research and development.
  Custom orthotics last longer than store-bought alternatives, making them a more cost-effective investment in the long run.
• The streamlined process helps to keep the cost down, making custom orthotics affordable.

If you need the exact same orthotic for another pair of shoes and I you want to improve your walking, movement, running, or even jumping ability, book an appointment today to get your personalised custom orthotics.

What is the difference between generic inserts and custom orthotics?

Many people use the terms "inserts" and "orthotics" interchangeably, but they are actually very different. Inserts, also known as generic orthotics, can be purchased at local pharmacies or footwear shops without a medical diagnosis or prescription. These inserts have a generic design and are used to provide cushioning or support within shoes. Due to mass production, they are cheaper to purchase and are typically made from gel, foam, or plastic which can compress and lose effectiveness after about 6 months of use. While properly matched inserts can be helpful for certain foot complaints, custom orthotics are a completely different and more personalized option.

Our podiatrists conduct a comprehensive assessment which includes a biomechanical assessment, 3D foot scan, and video gait analysis. This data is then used to engineer personalized orthotics that consider your specific pathology, biomechanics, footwear, and lifestyle. Custom orthotics are a more effective option as they are specifically designed for your unique needs and can last longer than generic inserts.

What are the various types of orthotics available?

At our clinic, we understand the importance of orthotics and how they can be tailored to a person's individual needs and condition. Therefore, we offer a wide range of orthotic options, including:

• Off-the-shelf inserts (generic orthotics)
• Modified prefabricated orthotics
• Custom foot orthotics
• Braces
• Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs)