What are foot orthoses?

Cushioning orthoses provide cushioning and padding underfoot with shock absorption during walking. Pressure relief orthoses offer additional relief by redistributing pressure on problem areas of the foot

Foot orthoses are shoe inserts designed to support, align, or improve the function of the foot. They are also often commonly referred to as ‘orthotics’. Orthoses fit comfortably inside your shoes. There are many different kinds of orthoses. The orthoses recommended by our podiatrists at Eastwest are prescription devices, custom-made to suit your individual needs and biomechanics (the way your body moves). Just like prescription lenses are based on each individuals eyes, so to are orthotics. Sometimes, each individual is more long or short sighted in one eye more than the other. This is the same as feet...both feet can be very different in shape and structure. So it is important that your orthoses are designed and prescribed around your feet precisely.
 

Who wears orthoses?

People of all ages with a variety of foot or lower leg problems wear orthoses. Sports people are often prescribed orthoses by their podiatrist to help maximise their performance, as well as to address mechanical problems. Anyone suffering from a chronic foot or lower limb condition which is limiting their mobility or independence may benefit from wearing orthoses.

When are orthoses used?

Your podiatrist may prescribe orthoses for your particular foot problem after a comprehensive assessment, taking into account your own biomechanics, footwear, and occupational and lifestyle factors. Orthoses provide valuable long-term solutions in the treatment and prevention of corns, callous and ulceration by redistributing the pressure of the body’s weight on the feet. Orthoses also help with rehabilitation of acute and chronic foot conditions such as tendinopathy, recurrent ankle sprains and stress fractures, by providing consistent postural control.
 

A personalised approached

If orthoses are recommended, our podiatrists at Eastwest will design a care plan. This plan will outline your diagnosis, the type of orthoses you have been prescribed, proposed footwear to wear with your orthoses, lifestyle changes you may need to make, as well as any additional treatment which may be required.
 

What type of orthoses?

Cushioning orthoses provide cushioning and padding underfoot with shock absorption during walking. Pressure relief orthoses offer additional relief by redistributing pressure on problem areas of the foot. Moulded cast or non-cast orthoses offer similar features with superior fit, whilst prefabricated orthoses provide relief with the benefits of being customised by your podiatrist. Functional foot orthoses offer all these features, plus the benefit of postural realignment.

Accurate Fit, Function and Support

Podiatrists are the primary health care practitioners for disorders of the foot and lower leg, dealing not only with diagnosis and treatment, but also prevention and rehabilitation. When prescribing orthoses, our podiatrists provide a comprehensive service to ensure safe and effective foot care, including: