The Walking Clinic, 195 Mouat Street, Lyneham ACT 2612
Phone: 02 6249 1758
ORTHOTICS
Painful feet
You only have one pair of feet and if they are in good working order they can take you
everywhere. So it makes good sense to take good care of them.
Unfortunately many people don't give their feet a second thought, unless they are
causing pain.
Most foot pain is the result of a faulty relationship between the bones and muscles of
the foot. Even the slightest misalignment of the bones and muscles can cause a lot of
discomfort. Misalignment can result in a number of problems, such as pronation, flat feet,
persistant ankle sprains, bunions, corns, calluses, even back and neck pain.
But there is something tht can help these problems, something better than warm water
in a tub and putting your feet up for awhile. The answer is prescription orthotics.
What are orthotics
Sometimes orthotics may be known as arch supports, but they are really much more than
that. Prescription orthotics are custom-made to correct your individual foot problems.
They are made of high-impact materials, such as plastic and super-strength woven
fibres, and they are designed to be inserted right into your shoes.
The most important feature of a pair of orthotics is that they are made specifically for your
feet. You and someone else may have a similar foot problem, but your feet are unique.
They're not like anyone else's. That's why the best orthotics are custom made.
Once orthotics are slipped inside your shoes, they fit comfortably to your foot. So
comfortably, in fact, that once you start wearing them you won't want to walk without
them again.
How do they work?
As your foot rests on the orthotic it is gently and consistently directed into the correct
position for walking, running and standing. With a pair of orthotics, pressure points,
improper rotation of the foot, and painful muscle strain are all eliminated because your
foot is functioning properly.
How are orthotics made?
First you must be fitted for them. Your podiatrist gives you a complete examination and
determines your particular foot problem. A plaster impression will then be made of your
feet held in the correct position. When the casts are finished, they are sent to the
orthotic laboratory where they are used to produce your orthotics. Here, technicians,
following your podiatrist's specifications, add special heel lifts, or built-ups to customise
an orthotic to correct your specific problem. The laboratory sends them back to your
podiatrist and then they're ready for fitting.
How long will I have to wear them?
Orthotics rarely cure your foot problem. They work on the same principle as glasses. An
eye specialist may prescribe glasses for you, but they won't cure your vision problems.
Instead, orthotics simply modify the function of your foot as you continue to wear them.
However, in some young patients, the early use of prescription orthotics before the body
is fully developed may actually correct a foot problem. Or at least, they can insure that
the problem does not develop further. In other words, you'll need to wear orthotics as
long as you want to avoid discomfort.
Remember your feet are the foundation for your entire body. Obtaining and consistently
wearing orthotics can be the best investment you can make in your overall wellbeing.
Talk to your podiatrist
Half of your foot problem is already over. You accomplished that just by coming
in to have your feet examined. Now the other half is treating the problem.
Orthotics may be what your podiatrist prescribes.
Our orthotics are made by prescription only and designed for you particular foot
problem.
Warning! Many imitations are sold over the counter by sport shops and pharmacies.
Genuine orthotics are prescription medical devices which correct your abnormal foot
function and minimise your foot problem