Services & Treatments
Custom Orthotics in Perth CBD
Feet can be likened to the wheels on a car- if the alignment is not correct then excessive stress and pressure is placed on other parts of the body leading to incorrect or misuse and even wear and tear.
Orthotics are prescriptive medical shoe inserts that are utilised to lend assistance in realigning lower extremity joint malfunctions. In general, orthotics act to decrease the amount of abnormal stress and strain on the lower extremity, as well as structures above. The plastic body of the custom orthotic helps to re-align the foot by redirecting and reducing certain motion that takes place during the gait cycle.
It can reduce and eliminate painful lesions such as corns that build under the foot from pressure. Orthotics can also give significant relief of painful symptoms associated with tired feet or arches. Not only can pain present in the feet as a result of poor foot function, but many people often report pain in the legs, knees, hips and lower back secondary to poor foot biomechanics. By improving and correcting foot function, often such pain can be relieved or prevented altogether.
Common Conditions Treated with Therapy
- Localized foot pain
- Morton’s neuroma
- Bunions, hammer toes
- Arch pain and support
- Leg/knee pain
- Hip or back pain – even neck pain
Types of Orthotics at Central City Podiatry
There are several different types of orthotics available, with numerous variations in materials possible. Your Podiatrist will complete a thorough biomechanical assessment to determine the alignment and function of your feet and their relation to the rest of your body. After the thorough assessment, your Podiatrist can discuss that which will best suit your needs, taking into consideration your preferred footwear type, the activity you want to do and the symptoms that you have.
OFF-THE-SHELF
These are generic style, over-the-counter devices which are not customized to the individuals’ foot type or specific needs. They can be a good starting point to trialing orthotic therapy, however these devices are a more short-term solution.
CUSTOMISED
GaitScan Orthotics – The TOG GaitScan is a digital casting device that allows practitioners to analyse client biomechanics and order custom products. The GaitScan device is an in-depth method of assessing your gait cycle with a dynamic scan that offers bio-mechanical information that may not be obtained with the naked eye. Over a million points of data are recorded, tracking minor flaws in your biomechanics. The images are sent to a local lab in Perth where devices are made in relation to the specific shoe and type of activity they are required for. The constructed orthotics are then sent back to our clinic two to three weeks after ordering time.
Cast molded orthotics – A customized plaster mould is taken of both feet and a prescription is made up by the Podiatrist according to your foot type and specific requirements to assist in realigning your feet. The devices are then accurately constructed at a local laboratory in Perth, with a turnaround time of two to three weeks.
Private Health Fund Codes
Assessment
- F111 – Muscle test
- F114 – R.O.M study
- F117 – Gait analysis
OR
- F118 – Biomechanical assessment
- F301 – Negative cast / impression of foot
*Different private health funds use one of these two assessment code combinations. When checking with your private health insurer about the cover you may have for Orthotics, it is best to also check with them as to which combination they use. This will mean your claim can be processed immediately in the clinic.
Orthotic Fitting
- F221 – Each individual orthotic ie. F221 x 2 for a left and right foot orthotic
Fitting Your Orthotics
Once the devices are received, the Podiatrist will check the fit and assist you in adapting them appropriately into your desired footwear. When first introduced, it is essential that you wear them in progressively to allow the muscles and joints of the body time to adapt to a new posture. Our Podiatrist will give you clear instructions for the best way to wear in your orthotics.
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Ready to help your feet feel better than ever and improve your health? Contact us today to learn more about custom orthotics.