Understanding Orthotic Treatment: A Guide to Foot Care Solutions

What are Foot Orthoses?

• Custom devices fitting inside shoes
• Designed to improve foot function
• Aid in joint realignment
• Enhance walking, running, and standing posture

Treatment Applications

Pain Management

• Plantar fasciitis
• Heel spur syndrome
• Achilles tendon issues
• Shin splints
• Flat feet conditions
• Knee and back pain

Preventive Care

• Deformity prevention (bunions, hammer toes)
• Sports injury prevention
• Protection against foot fatigue
• Arthritis management

Rehabilitation

• Post-fracture recovery
• Sprain rehabilitation
• General injury recovery

Pediatric Care

• Flat feet in children
• In-toed gait correction
• Sever's disease
• Osgood-Schlatter's disease

The Orthotic Process

Initial Assessment

• Comprehensive medical history
• Detailed foot examination
• Gait analysis
• Muscle and joint testing

Technical Analysis

• Dynamic plantar pressure assessment
• 3D computer foot scanning
• Plaster casting when needed
• Custom prescription development

Follow-up Care

• Fitting session
• Monitoring period
• Adjustments as needed
• Exercise recommendations

Custom vs. Off-the-Shelf Options

Custom Orthoses

• Precisely designed for individual feet
• Scientific approach to specific problems
• Similar to prescription eyeglasses
• Long-term solution

Off-the-Shelf Insoles

• May help with temporary issues
• Used for diagnostic purposes
• Generic support
• Limited customisation