What are orthotics used for?
Custom foot orthotics are shoe inserts designed to support the natural shape of the foot, align the ankle and improve posture and foot function in general. At My FootDr our podiatrists prescribe orthotics to treat a range of foot, ankle, leg and lower back conditions.
The podiatrists at My FootDr use the latest technology to design and make our custom foot orthotics. Our podiatrists prescribe your orthotics using advanced computer-aided methods. This allows us to fine-tune and manufacture your custom foot orthotic prescription with computer-aided precision and repeatability. This means that there is no need for a conventional messy and inaccurate plaster cast to make your orthotics. Instead, we record the exact contours of your foot whilst it is being held in its corrected standing position by your experienced My FootDr podiatrist.
How do custom foot orthotics help?
Custom foot orthotics are prescribed to help alleviate and prevent foot, ankle, and knee pain, and improve your balance and foot function in general.
Benefits of custom foot orthotics include:
Support your feet and legs whenever weight bearing to increase confidence and sports performance.- Improve chronic and acute sports injuries.
- Improve weight distribution and posture.
- Optimise shoe fit and comfort and absorb shock.
- Alter abnormal foot functioning position to correct many common foot ailments or prevent them from getting worse.
- Help your child’s foot grow in more neutral or anatomically aligned position.
- Eliminates low back pain from leg length inequalities.
- Improve your balance.
From children, mums and dads to professional sports athletes, My FootDr has helped support many happy feet across the country and is proudly the leading provider of custom foot orthotics in Australia.
How we make your custom foot orthotics
The first step to making your custom foot orthotics begins with your initial appointment at My FootDr, where your podiatrist will provide a musculoskeletal assessment including a video gait (walking) assessment. To completely customise your foot orthotics, we take a 3D scan of your foot, that creates an exact likeness of your foot in its corrected position. The computer measures the 3D scan to an accuracy of 0.1 mm. If any software adjustments are necessary for your custom foot orthotic, such as adding a heel raise for a short leg, your highly skilled podiatrist will display this on a high definition computer monitor so you can see your orthotic prescription before they are manufactured. The scans are then sent to our laboratory where your orthotics are completed.
Special features of custom foot orthotics
- No messy plaster casts required
- Precision foot scans are stored on our on-site computer system for future reference or to fit additional pairs of orthotics at a significantly reduced cost.
- Soft full-length foot orthotics or 3D printed hard plastic shell, half-length and full-length orthotics are available.
- Soft leather or padded covers are available for your orthotics.
- Our orthotics fit any shoe type from athletic to dress shoes to football or works boots – even ballet slippers.
- Our orthotics require little or no wearing-in period so you can feel the benefits of our soft orthotics immediately.
Orthotics FAQs
How much do custom orthotics cost?
The price of your custom foot orthotics will vary depending on the complexity of your needs and foot care requirements. Your My FootDr podiatrist will provide a quote after examining your feet and discussing what the orthotics are going to achieve at your initial orthotic consultation or biomechanical appointment with us. This includes a musculoskeletal assessment, video gait analysis and 3D scan of your foot.
How do you know if you need orthotics?
There are numerous reasons why you might require custom foot orthotics. Some reasons include having pain in your foot or heel, being regularly on your feet and are getting any aches or pains in the feet or legs, having high arches or flat feet, having an inward or outward rolling step, or suffering from general foot pain while walking, running, playing sports or even at rest.
The best way to find out if you need custom foot orthotics is to book a consultation with your local My FootDr podiatrist. They will explain more about custom foot orthotics and exactly how your unique pair will work to help improve your comfort, reduce your pain, prevent the aches, or optimise your performance.
Do orthotics wear out? How long do custom foot orthotics last?
Custom foot orthotics are more durable than regular orthotics as they are custom made to suit your feet. Our orthotics at My FootDr are made from premium materials and are carefully selected to match your activities. For example, those playing soccer will be made with a very different material than those that want more comfort due to arthritis in their foot.
Custom foot orthotics can last between one to five years if treated well and are quite durable.
Can orthotics help flat feet?
Custom foot orthotics are well suited to treating the symptoms of flat feet by providing support and reducing the amount of stress flat feet are subjected to.
Can orthotics help bowed legs?
Custom foot orthotics can alleviate problems caused by bowed legs and help prevent further damage and pain, but this depends on the severity of the problem. It is best to consult with your local My FootDr podiatrist to find the best treatment option – this may not always be orthotics, or orthotics may be one component of the treatment plan needed to achieve the best results.
Do orthotics help bunions?
Bunions are formed at the base of your big toe and are generally the result of bones in the big part of your foot moving out of place. Custom foot orthotics can help realign your foot structure and reduce the risk of bunions forming or worsening.
Can orthotics help back pain?
Custom foot orthotics are designed to help the alignment of your feet, which in turn has a positive effect on your general posture. This is how orthotics may be able to help relieve back pain through improving your natural stance and gait. As back issues are often complex and multifaceted, it is best to consult with your local My FootDr podiatrist to find your best treatment options and understand the effect that orthotics may have for your back.
Do orthotics work for heel pain or plantar fasciitis?
Heel pain and plantar fasciitis are two of the primary problems that we often prescribe custom orthotics for. Plantar fasciitis causes pain at the bottom and inner edge of the heel, caused by continuous stress to the tissue. Custom foot orthotics can help relieve the pain by supporting and offloading the damaged tissue, thereby treating the painful and uncomfortable symptoms caused by plantar fasciitis.
