Foot Supports/Orthotics

What are Orthotics?

Orthotics are shoe inserts designed to support, align, and improve the functions of the foot, ankles, knees, hips, and lower back. Foot orthotics prescribed by Peel Podiatry Clinic, Mandurah are custom-made to your feet using the most recent advances in biomechanics and technology. All our impressions are obtained using state of the art 3D laser scan. This technology is extremely accurate and ensures your orthotics fit correctly and are comfortable to wear.

A functional orthotics does not work on the principle of merely supporting the arch. The device aims to precisely control the position of the foot segments, the degree of motion and the timing sequence of each motion. Improved muscle mechanics will need less energy expenditure, resulting in more efficient walking and running. This assists in reducing and preventing injuries to the foot and lower limb.

How do I know if Orthotics is what I need?

Before any orthotics are made, our Podiatrists ensure extensive tests are carried out to determine the suitability of a patient to orthotics therapy. This includes thorough assessment and diagnosis, biomechanical study, gait analysis, and strapping of the foot.

Strapping is very important to determine whether the orthotics will be successful to a patient. The strapping is applied to the foot for three to four days as a trial for the orthotics. If the strapping helps to alleviate symptoms, the orthoses will generally work. Feedback from the strapping will help to determine the level of correction and type of orthotics to prescribe. To know if orthotics is right for you, please feel freee to contact our Podiatrists.

Generally speaking, the tell-tail signs that people may need orthotics, if:

• One side of their shoe sole wears out faster than the other
• They are prone to sprained ankles
• They have chronic heel, foot, shin, knee or lower back pain
• Their arches are ‘flat’
• Their feet point inward or outward when they walk
• Their feet hurt in general

What are Orthotics used for?

Foot orthoses is recommended to treat the following conditions:

• Heel spur
• Painful foot
• Osteoarthritis in the foot
• Shin splints
• Achilles tendonitis
• Hallux Limitus
• Sesamoiditis
• Peroneal tendonitis
• Knee pain
• Leg pain
• Leg length discrepancy
• Ankle pain
• Running or over-use injuries
• Morton’s neuroma
• Pain in the hip or back related to flat-footedness or faulty mechanics within the foot
• Treating children with walking or co-ordination problems e.g. pigeoned toe or out-toeing, toe walking, excessive tripping etc

What’s included in the price?

At Peel Podiatry Clinic we have special interest in biomechanics and foot orthotics. Our price is fixed and includes free reviews and any adjustments required in the first three months. We will ensure the orthotics are carefully followed up and are comfortable to wear. Our orthotics take 2 weeks to make. However, if you need them in a hurry, we can put it through as an express order (A small additional fee will apply.) Please speak to our Podiatrist for further information.

Once the orthotics arrives, we will check them for quality before dispensing them to you. After 2 weeks from dispense we will do a courtesy check to make sure they are comfortable. Two months later, we will do another courtesy assessment to make sure your pain or symptoms are improving.

We focus very strongly on service and patients’ satisfaction. Rarely, the orthoses we made causes any irritation. However, if they do, we will adjust them at no further cost to our patients. Our aim is to provide you with an excellent service and ensure the best treatment outcomes possible.

Can I claim the cost of my orthotics?

Rebates for foot orthotics can be claimed with almost all major health fund with orthotics included in your ancillary cover. Please check with your health fund if you are unsure. To attain the item numbers and price, please contact our friendly receptionist.