Foot problems and Orthotics

Orthotics and Biomechanical Problems

Do I need an orthotic?

Abnormal foot function is often caused by less-than-perfect anatomy. These seemingly insignificant variations in the shape of the foot and ankle can force the muscles of the leg to work too hard, or unevenly, and injuries can occur as a result. Even if you escape injury, your gait could be adversely affected, leading to inefficiency and excessive tiredness.

Orthotics are specially moulded foot supports that are placed inside the shoe, just like an insole. Apart from supporting the foot, custom-built orthotics actually realign the foot to its neutral or correct position, allowing the foot and leg to function as they should.

Orthotics can often correct long-term, on-going, repetitive injuries such as ‘shin splits’, Achilles tendonitis, anterior knee pain, or hip and lower-back problems. Specifically, the following conditions can benefit from the fitting of an orthotic.

• Metatarsalgia – pain in the ball of the foot
• Tired/aching feet and legs
• Hallux Abducto Valgus – bunions
• Plantar Fasciitis – heel pain
• Patello-femoral mal-alignment – knee cap pain
• Achilles tendonitis
• Tibial stress syndrome – shin splints
• Pes Planus – flat feet
• Lumbar-Sacral pain – lower back pain
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis of the ankle, knee and hip

How will we choose my orthotic?

At Physiotherapy Works, one of our Chartered Physiotherapists will carry out a full physical examination to determine the correct course of treatment.

• Each assessment will include:
• A detailed biomechanical evaluation of the structure of your feet
• Analysis of how your feet affect your posture, and the movement of your body as a whole

As a result of the assessment, an orthotic will be custom- made to your exact specification in a laboratory from a cast of your feet. You’ll be happy to know that in a lot of cases, orthotic treatment alone can correct a significant amount of biomechanical/gait problems.