Last week we discussed about Archies - the thongs made to look like Havaianas but with the arch support to assist with various lower limb problems including plantar fasciitis, achilles tendinopathy, shin splints, knee, hip and some back pains.
This is all good for the casual outings, the beach, holidays and around the home. But what happens if you develop problems but can't wear these?
That is where orthotics come in. Orthotics are a prescriptive inner sole that slides into the shoe (or it could even be something like a high heel) to help to correct biomechanical problems in the lower limb that ultiamtely overload structures and cause pain. The way orthotics are thought to work have changed over the years. Originally, they were a rigid block to abnormal movement but now they are a device that improves foot contact with a surface which promotes more accurate and complete muscle activity. This then improves the biomechanics meaning that there is a reduction in load to structures and an easing of pain. This demonstrates that orthotics don't make your feet or muscles lay or dependant on the orthotic, but helps to facilitate better movement.
So what types of orthotics?
Off the shelf: These are a general prefabricated orthotic, which can be made from different materials and is a good basic starting point for people with minor biomechanical issues. They are not custom or specific and are generally less effective for more significant issues. They are also cheaper so might be a good option if this is an issue.
Semi Custom: These are basic prefabricated orthotics, which can have some additions or changes to them from the practitioner. This will be in response to something that is seen in a gait analysis and will improve the effectiveness of the orthotic.
Custom: These are fully customisable and include all the things specific to your foot posture and gait analysis. To achieve this, we get you to walk across a pressure plate which gives an indication of force and timing in the gait cycle. This information gets sent to a podiatry lab in Canada that makes the orthotics direct to your specifications. These are more expensive than off the shelf options, but will come with a lifetime guarantee against breakage of the shell.
For all of these options, we offer a gait analysis on the gait scan pressure plate. People have pains when they are walking, standing or moving - and not sitting because your feet move differently when moving. Hence the old way of doing these castings and assessments in sitting is outdated. This will help to determine the best options and this assessment is free.
If you have any questions or would like a free gait scan, please feel free to contact us today on 95801985 or book online here.