Orthotics are medical devices that go in your shoes. They are crafted after a podiatrist assesses your foot and ankle.
The goal is to get your feet and legs into a position that balances pressure evenly so that one bone, joint or muscle doesn’t have to shoulder too much weight. It will eliminate pain and prevent injury. Before you become concerned about the orthotics Adelaide cost, you must learn what the practice is all about.
What are orthotics?
Orthotics are prescription shoes or heel inserts that are custom-made for you. They are often used to treat conditions that cause foot pain, such as hammer toes, flat feet and plantar fasciitis. Doctors recommend them when off-the-shelf products and other treatments like home exercises and icing haven’t been effective.
Custom orthotics are a type of functional orthotic that is crafted from raw materials based on an evaluation of your foot structure and pathology. They are typically moulded from semi-rigid materials such as plastic or fibreglass.
Over-the-counter (OTC) orthotics are available in pharmacies and fit according to your shoe size. They are designed to relieve common foot problems such as flat feet and shin splints, but they don’t always work for everyone. OTC orthotics are not as customizable as custom-made devices.
Getting fitted for orthotics by a professional is a good idea, especially if you’re having persistent foot or ankle problems. Your doctor, most likely a podiatrist who specializes in the foot and ankle, will perform a complete examination of your feet to determine the best option for you. A podiatrist can also provide you with a referral to a specialist if necessary. Don’t worry about the orthotics Adelaide cost at this point. Getting fitted for orthotics can be expensive, but it’s an investment in your comfort and your ability to participate in the activities you love. Fortunately, orthotic-friendly shoe designs have come a long way in recent years.
How do orthotics work?
The bones, muscles and joints in your feet work together to support the weight of your body when you walk or run. Problems with the structure of your feet or the way you use your feet can cause pain and imbalances that affect other parts of your body, such as your knees, hips and lower back. Orthotics can help improve the way your foot and ankles function.
You can buy over-the-counter shoe inserts to ease minor foot problems, but if you have a serious condition, you should see a podiatrist trained in specialist orthotics (also called pedorthists or orthotists). Their training allows them to carry out detailed assessments of your feet and gait and make custom-made insoles for your shoes that fit well and will last.
Rigid orthotics are made of firm materials such as plastic or carbon fibre and are designed to be worn inside shoes that have a closed toe and low heel. They can treat a variety of foot and ankle problems, including flat feet (pes planus), overpronation and plantar fasciitis.
What are the benefits of orthotics?
Many people suffer from foot and ankle pain that affects their daily lives. While over-the-counter medications and physical therapy can help relieve symptoms, they don’t address the root cause of the problem. Orthotics, on the other hand, are medical-grade shoe inserts that provide cushioning and support in all the right places to fix biomechanical issues with your feet and legs.
By gently realigning the bones, tendons, and ligaments in your feet and ankles, orthotics can reduce pain from arthritis, bunions, and other foot problems. In addition, they can improve balance and reduce the likelihood of falls by reducing foot and ankle sprains.
How do I get orthotics?
A foot specialist will perform a thorough evaluation of your feet, legs and ankles to determine the root cause of your discomfort. It may include traditional imaging techniques like X-rays and bone scans as well as non-invasive methods like pads that measure how your feet strike the ground when you walk or run.
Then, based on your symptoms, your doctor will make a recommendation about whether shoe orthotics are right for you and will tell you the orthotics Adelaide cost. A person who has a general problem such as heel pain may do well with over-the-counter or kiosk inserts, which are cheaper and usually only come in one size that fits most shoes.