Our feet are designed to be used in a variety of different ways, on a range of different 
surfaces and in a variety of different shoes. However, many of the hard surfaces we walk on and the types of footwear we wear do not accommodate and support the arches of our feet. As a result our feet tend to roll in (known as pronation), thus creating mal-alignment and increased strain on the structures within our foot, leg and upper body.
Conditions treated with Orthotics
As our feet, ankles, legs and back try to compensate for the excess pronation, chronic aches and pains can be experienced throughout our body. Some conditions that can be successfully managed with orthotics include:
- Aching legs
- Ankle sprains
- Bunions and corns
- Heel and knee pain
- Lower back pain and neck pain
What are heat molded Orthotics?
Heat moulded orthotics are custom-fitted shoe inserts that are heated and moulded directly to your foot. Our orthotics actively restore and realign the boney, muscular and ligamentous structures within your foot and improve;
- Overall balance and soft tissue control
- Eliminate lower limb stresses and upper body compensations
- Support the arches of our feet
Why we choose heat moulded Orthotics over casted orthotics?
Following a comprehensive biomechanical assessment our orthotics can be fitted within a matter of minutes as opposed to a number of weeks with immediate visual improvements in lower limb alignment.
By moulding the orthotics around your foot in a standing position, we are able to achieve a better representation of your foot posture and body alignment in relation to the ground. This is a great improvement from the traditional casting method which takes an impression of your foot whilst non-weight bearing, which does not accurately represent the foot or leg alignment in a standing position.
Heat moulded orthotics are often tolerated better than the traditional hard plastic orthotics.
In addition heat moulded orthotics are a cost effective way to realign your foot posture and overall body alignment without costing you a fortune.
Why is there a break in period?
It takes 7 – 14 days for your body to adapt to orthotics but they should NOT cause pain. Start by wearing the orthotics for a few hours each day. Do not take part in any lengthy activities in your orthotics until your feet have adapted to them.
What effects should I expect from my Orthotics?
When using orthotics you may notice some or all of the following effects:
- A significant reduction in your symptoms within the first 2 weeks and in some cases immediately
- You may feel that you are walking or running slightly differently
- Increased comfort and less fatigue when walking or running
- Improved balance, stability
- Improved posture
Why do I need new shoes?
When we walk we distribute pressure over different areas of our feet. Overtime our shoes wear down in the areas of high pressure.
If orthotics are put into shoes that contain old wear patterns, the foot will follow the wear pattern of the shoes rather than allowing the orthotic to alter the foot alignment.
Why is follow-up essential?
It is important to have regular follow up appointments following the issue of your orthotics. Orthotics have significant effects on body alignment and the function of nerves and muscles within you lower leg, each person’s body adapts to orthotics differently, and sometimes additions and modifications need to be made to the orthotics.
It is important re-assess the orthotics to insure that the correct amount of realignment and improvement is seen.
Once the initial process is completed, a 6 monthly review will maintain best results.
REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT
For an orthotics consultation please call our clinic on (03) 8645 9800.
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