Custom Orthotics Perth (Bassendean & Mount Lawley)

Support foot and lower limb function with custom-made orthotics.

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Customised Orthotics for Foot And Lower Limb Function

The proper alignment of your feet and legs is vital in maintaining the balance and function of your entire body. It can influence your skeletal and neuromuscular systems, and can mean the difference between pain or comfort.

At Foot & Leg Podiatry in Perth, we offer custom orthotics for patients dealing with pain and other issues such as flat feet and weakness. This treatment repositions the foot structure to achieve better neuromuscular and skeletal balance, which aims to reduce the stress on your leg and foot joints to optimise functionality and mobility.

What are Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics may be beneficial for a range of conditions. These specifically-designed medical shoe insoles are orthopaedic appliances that work towards improved support and alignment. This aims to prevent or correct deformities, weaknesses, poor foot mechanics, or postural issues and to improve functionality and mobility throughout the body. Foot orthotics have been used for over 150 years in Australia to treat painful issues related to the foot and lower limbs.

Some conditions that custom foot orthotics may assist include:

• Sore heels/plantar fasciitis
• Arch pain
• Ankle sprains
• Calf pain/shin splints
• Knee pain
• Patello-femoral pain syndrome
• Running injuries
• Hip pain
• Children’s joint pains (such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis)
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Foot osteoarthritis
• Ankle osteoarthritis
• Hemophilia A
• Diabetic foot calluses and lesions
• Forefoot pain/metatarsalgia
• Lower back pain
• Poor balance/falls risk patients
• Leg length discrepancy

Experienced podiatrists and podiatric specialists often consider custom orthotics to be the most important non-surgical treatment of these foot and leg conditions.

Why use Orthotics: Who Benefits?

The human foot is a complex anatomical structure that acts as our body’s foundation. Over time, your foot can change and create inefficient movement patterns, be subjected to injuries, or develop medical issues. These may lead to pain, reduced mobility, increased risk of injury, and poor posture and alignment of the entire body.

Many people assume custom orthotics only help people with flat feet. This is not true. Although orthotics can be highly beneficial in treating excessive foot pronation (rolling in/low arch), they can also help with a range of other issues, such as supination (rolling out/ high arch), tight muscles and back conditions, and provide lasting relief from pain and weakness. They may also assist with athletic performance and injury prevention. People with occupations that require standing on hard surfaces for long periods may also find orthotics’ cushioning, support, and realignment features helpful.

Custom Orthotics Made by Experienced Professionals

No two feet are the same, so we cannot expect to always see results from generic orthotics. By creating customised orthotics, we can achieve a perfect fit to optimise this form of podiatry treatment. Prescription and development of custom orthotics must be done by a trained, experienced professional to ensure the most suitable outcome.

Before your custom orthotics are made, your podiatrist will examine the anatomical structures of your foot and relevant body regions while you are walking, standing, and not weight bearing. Further investigations, including x-rays, ultrasound, and MRI, may be recommended to better identify and precisely measure the structures involved, therefore guiding the correct treatment.

At Foot & Leg Podiatry, we utilise traditional, accurate foam cast techniques as well as the latest technology laser scanners and other modalities to cater for your individual needs. Once moulds and measurements are made, we work alongside the best WA orthotic laboratory to provide only local high quality products to our patients.

Custom Orthotics FAQs

What is the lifespan of custom orthotics?

The length of time your custom orthotics lasts depends on how active you are and how well you care for them. Most patients typically order new orthotics every two to three years and many have more than one pair for different shoes.

How much do orthotics cost?

High-quality custom orthotics are one of the best investments you can make for your health. Custom orthotics require a thorough biomechanics assessment by a trained podiatrist or podiatry specialist. They accurately assess the problem and prescribe the correct device. Custom orthotics can be made from a wide variety of materials: lightweight carbon fibre, hard plastic, or soft foams depending on the condition and degree of deformity or alignment issue.

Since custom orthotics are not ‘mass-produced’ and require individual moulding, a pair of custom orthotics can cost from $300-$900 depending on the prescription. Orthotics also take time to be made ranging from 1-3 weeks. Most health funds cover custom orthotics Australia wide as part of podiatry cover. Some health funds cover a new pair every year. Please contact your private health fund for more details.

Can I just use over-the-counter orthotics instead?

You can purchase over-the-counter orthotics from your local pharmacy for under $50 – 100. These will typically provide some arch support and cushioning but only come in a few sizes and lack specific customisation. These pre-fabricated orthotics generally act like a shaped cushion rather then a comprehensive foot support and typically do not provide the level of correction required.

Can I wear orthotics in all my shoes?

Custom orthotics require space within the shoe and a solid foundation. This is why custom orthotics will not fit into certain footwear such as strappy sandals, high heels, or thongs. Most enclosed sport and work shoes can fit custom orthotics. We can provide guidance regarding choosing the most appropriate shoes to wear with orthotics. Remember – Good Shoes Take you Good Places!

Is there a different treatment method available?

Foot orthotics help through consistent use, ‘the old saying goes – ‘they only work when you wear them’ – so if you feel that orthotics do not suit your lifestyle or budget, talk to our podiatrist about Foot Mobilisation Therapy in Perth. This gentle, non-surgical treatment can help improve foot pain, bunions, and other foot and lower limb conditions.

Find Your Perfect Fit at Foot & Leg Podiatry

If you are dealing with discomfort, weakness, or reduced mobility, please contact our team to organise an initial session or follow up appointment to begin the process of orthotic treatment. Your body will thank you in the long run!

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