Orthotics

An orthotic device (or orthoses) is a shoe insert which you may be recommended following a biomechanical assessment / gait analysis with one of our specialists. These can be either pre-fabricated devices (not unique to an individual but a shorter-term cheaper option) or custom made devices which are manufactured from a cast of the feet and a custom prescription.

Orthoses can benefit individuals in many ways:

Improve shock absorption
Improve stability (proprioception)
Alter problematic foot mechanics
Change moments around joints (e.g. decrease pronation at the sub-talar joint)
Reduce force within injured tissue

Orthoses will usually feel very strange at first and a period of slow and gradual introduction is often advised. You can often play sports on an orthotic device within 2 weeks of its issue, although everyone is different with respect to how they adapt to this change in position and movement of the foot. Orthoses have been shown to be of benefit in many lower limb conditions such as:

Big Toe Problems
Metatarsalgia
Foot Tendon Problem
Rigid Foot Types
‘Flat Feet’
Heel Pain and Plantar fasciitis
Shin Pain (’Shin splints’)
Knee Pain
Back Pain

Custom made orthoses may require some maintenance to prolong their life, whereas pre-fabricated orthoses can often only a few months. Our specialtists can advise you of the expected life span of a particular device depending on its structure and the activities being performed upon it.