Foot Orthotics Melbourne

Posted on December 31, 2023

For information about What Orthotics Are, How Much They Cost and The Benefits, please read on..Melbourne Orthotics.

What are Foot Orthotics?

Customised Orhotics Podiatrist Melbourne

FOOT ORTHOTICS, also known as Orthoses, are inserts that are placed into your shoes.

They are designed to improve the posture, pressure distribution and biomechanical function of your feet.

They do this by changing the position of joints, improving the alignment of the lower limbs and muscles.

This new positioning decreases stresses on the foot and lower limb, improving symptoms and reducing the likelihood of future injury.

What can Orthotics do for my feet?

Many people have structural or alignment problems with their feet.

Around 70% of the population has feet that tend to pronate or “roll in.”

These structural issues don’t always mean that you will have foot problems.

However, they  can increase the risk of overuse injuries.

Such problems can result from inefficiencies of the feet or ankles during simple activities, such as walking (also called “the gait cycle.”)

Excessive pronation or “rolling in” can lead to foot pain, problems in the knees and lower leg, inefficient gait, muscle fatigue, early onset of osteo-arthritis, excessive shoe wear and hip or back pain.

Orthotics dis-burden the structures of the foot and lower limb, increase the shock absorption capabilities of the foot, change the pressure distribution of the foot and aid in the recovery of both acute and chronic foot and lower limb injuries.

What conditions can Orthotics help with?

  • Orthotics can often treat and prevent conditions such as:
  • Plantar Fasciitis or Heel Pain
  • Stress Fractures
  • Bunions or Hallux Abducto-valgus
  • Tendinopathy or Tendonitis
  • Neural compression or Neuroma
  • Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome or Shin Splints
  • Knee Pain
  • Sever’s Disease, Osgood Schlatters or growth plate issues
  • Osteo-arthritis
  • Corns and callous
  • Lower Back Pain

They can also improve many other conditions affecting the foot and ankle and leg.

How does a Podiatrist prescribe Orthotics?

  • A Podiatrist can prescribe, modify and fit a range of orthotic devices ranging from prefabricated off-the-shelf orthotics to semi-customized orthotics and fully customized casted orthotics.

Step One - Biomechanical Assessment

Prior to the prescription or issue of any orthotic device, your Podiatrist will perform a full biochemical assessment to ensure the Orthoses are appropriate to your needs.

Among other evaluations, your Podiatrist will take measurements of your foot and the position of various joints.

Angles are measured to determine the relationship between your foot, ankle, lower leg and knees to ensure that the orthotic will improve your alignment rather than work against your natural biomechanics.

You’ll also receive a thorough gait assessment to analyse the motion of your feet and lower legs throughout the gait cycle.

Your Podiatrist may also use technology such as videos, photos, treadmills or specialized computer programs in this process.

Step Two - Choose type of Orthotics

**IMPORTANT - when comparing pricing for different Podiatrist's cost of Orthotic Prescription, ensure you ask what is included in the cost, in terms of consultations.

Some Podiatrists include the cost of multiple consultations into the prescription, whilst others charge additional for these.

You should have multiple consultations for orthotics prescriptions, to follow up on your progress after you begin use...

Summary Orthotics Prices:

  • Prefabricated Orthotics or Over-the-Counter ($80 - $150)
  • Semi-Customized Orthotics Melbourne (approx. $380)
  • Fully Customised Orthotics Melbourne ($600)

Prefabricated Orthotics or Over-the-Counter ($80 - $150)

pre fabricated orthotics podiatrist

Prefabricated orthotics come in a variety of shapes, sizes, materials, levels of arch support and features. These devices can cater to different footwear and activities.

Your Podiatrist can to select from an array of options to find an orthotic appropriate to your needs.

Some of these devices can be modified to fit your foot or accommodate asymmetries between your feet.

Prefabricated orthotics offer limited levels of support, and you can usually expect them to last between six months and two years depending on the way you use them, how often you use them, and the mechanics of your feet.

The advantage of these devices is they can usually be fitted on the spot to avoid any delay in treatment.

These devices range in price from $80 to $150 and may be covered under your private health insurance if you have a plan that covers Podiatry. (Orthotics Reviews here)

Semi-Customized Orthotics Melbourne (approx. $380)

Semi-customized or non-casted orthotics provide a more specific device for your needs and are made from more durable materials.

Semi-customized Orthoses allow your Podiatrist to select from a few different criteria and have an orthotic made up for you.

Your Podiatrist has the ability to select the shape and material of the device,  what type of cover will best suit your needs, and any additions that will help to improve the comfort and control of the orthotic.

Your Podiatrist will take a tracing of your feet to ensure that the device is made to the appropriate shape and size.

You can expect them to take approximately 7 – 10 days to be made before they can be fitted into your shoes.

Semi-customized orthotics usually last up to 5 years, also depending on the amount of wear and the mechanics of your foot.

Semi-customized Orthoses cost about $380 and may be covered under your private health insurance if you have coverage for Podiatry.

Fully Customised Orthotics Melbourne ($600)

Functional Foot or Customized Kinetic Orthoses are devices made specifically for you, your feet, your activities, your footwear and your lifestyle.

These devices require a plaster cast to be taken of your feet to get an accurate impression of your foot.

From here, your Podiatrist can  specifically tailor a prescription to your biomechanics and the position in which your foot functions best.

Your Podiatrist can then select the degree of correction, shape, material, cover material, padding and accommodative additions, thickness and size of the device, along with biomechanical additions to alter the function of muscles and joints locally.

Functional Foot Orthoses are made to last up to 10 years and usually cost around $600 depending on material options.

Some or most of this cost may be covered by your private health insurance if your plan covers Podiatry.

Functional Foot Orthoses are deemed to be the gold standard in Orthotic Therapy for conditions affecting the foot and lower leg.

Podiatrist's Orthotics Prescribing Training

Your Melbourne Podiatrist has specifically studied biomechanical and orthotic therapy at University and is trained to provide you with the most appropriate orthotic options for your needs.

Some other health professionals including Physiotherapists and Myotherapists are attempting to prescribe or fit Orthoses.

However, they do not undergo extensive training in this area as Podiatrists do, and should refer to a Podiatrist in their local area.

Your Podiatrist should keep many criteria in mind when prescribing or issuing any type of orthotics, including your individual biomechanical requirements, foot posture, injuries history, activities, training load, growth (in children), footwear choices and budget.

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