MAITLAND: 38 Ken Tubman Dr

Maitland NSW 2320

GREENHILLS: 6 Molly Morgan Dr

East Maitland NSW 2323

RUTHERFORD: Pacific Smiles, West Mall

Rutherford NSW 2320

Ph. 02 4933 6450 Fx. 02 4934 2151

Em. admin@hunterpodiatry.com.au

www.hunterpodiatry.com.au

Custom Foot Orthoses

HOW CAN I BENEFIT FROM PODIATRY?You can benefit from podiatry if you suffer with:• Tired and aching feet• Corns and callous• Painful toenails• Bunions and hammer toes• Discoloured nails• Heel pain• Arch and forefoot pain• Warts• Ankle and knee pain• Sporting injuries • Occupational injuries• Shin splints• Diabetes• Stress fractures• Ankle sprains• Achilles pain• Flat feet• Growing pains• Children’s postural problems

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WHAT ARE CUSTOM FOOT ORTHOSES?A functional foot orthotic is a prescription medical device worn inside the shoe. It is used to control abnormal forces being applied to the foot and lower limb. Failure to address abnormal forces commonly results in musculoskeletal breakdown and injury. These abnormal forces are caused by a number of intrinsic and extrinsic factors including, but not limited to weight, foot posture, musculoskeletal deformity, footwear, training patterns, muscle imbalances, joint restrictions and joint instability.

Identifying and controlling abnormal forces are the key to addressing most musculoskeletal complaints. By recognising and adjusting these abnormal forces your podiatrist is able to reduce the mechanical load on muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and bone thus alleviating pain and improving lower limb function.

HOW ARE FUNCTIONAL FOOT ORTHOSES MADE?To manufacture a functional foot orthoses a number of steps are completed by your podiatrist to fabricate a device that will specifically address your functional needs.

Your podiatrist will undertake a thorough history of your presenting complaint. A detailed clinical evaluation of your foot, ankle and lower limbs will result in a diagnosis of your condition and the root cause of your pain or deformity. In some instances your podiatrist may require you to undergo external medical tests such as X-ray or ultrasound to determine the extent of your condition. Once the podiatrist

has formulated a diagnosis you will undergo a biomechanical assessment and gait assessment. In some instances your podiatrist will need to take angles of measurement, assessing ranges of joint motion and evaluation of muscle activity. Your gait will be reviewed to assess any abnormal positioning or motion.

Following this assessment your feet will be cast to capture a perfect representation of your foot structure. No two feet are the same and by capturing a perfect impression of your feet the podiatrist is able to manufacture a device that will be best suited to your exact foot posture.

Following the cast, biomechanical assessment and gait assessment your podiatrist will combine all the relevant findings to formulate an individual prescription specific to addressing your complaint.

This thorough process is the key difference between a functional foot orthoses and a generic off the shelf orthotic that is not specific to your condition, foot structure, individual biomechanics, weight or activity.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO MANUFACTURE MY FUNCTIONAL FOOT ORTHOSES?Once your prescription is filled your casts are forwarded to an orthotic lab for custom orthotic fabrication. This process generally takes between 2-3 weeks and your podiatrist will make a follow up consultation appointment to fit you with your devices and ensure a comfortable fit in your footwear. Your podiatrist will discuss the wearing in process and expectations in the initial process of getting used to your devices. As your body adapts to the new orthoses it is common to experience some mild discomfort or tiredness in the feet or lower limbs. Every individual adapts differently in this wearing in process, this is often dependant on age, level of activity, prescription and the type of orthoses being used and the condition being treated. Your podiatrist will give you specific instructions tailored to your individual presentation and will schedule a follow up review in a months’ time to assess your progress.

WILL FUNCTIONAL FOOT ORTHOSES BE THE CURE TO MY CONDITION?Custom orthoses alone are very rarely used as a single cure all for foot or lower limb pain. Your podiatrist will discuss with you a range of additional treatments and therapies aimed at improving the injured tissues ability to adapt to the abnormal force and load. These may include stretching, strengthening, footwear advice, training and/or activity modification and anti-inflammatory modalities.

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