Custom Orthotics Perth – Scarborough
Experiencing foot or heel pain? Consider orthotic therapy for relief.
What Are Orthotics?
An orthotic is a special shoe insert that can be used to treat various foot conditions, as well as support abnormal foot movement. There are many different types available, varying in material and features based on who has made them and what sort of condition you suffer from.
In fact, orthotics have been used to treat foot pain and improve comfort for more than 100 years now. The materials and theory behind them have evolved and changed over time, but the idea remains the same.
At Doubleview Podiatry, we aim to provide orthotic treatment that is based on the latest evidence to provide you with a solution best suited to your individual needs.
What conditions can orthotics help?
Custom foot orthotics can help a wide variety of foot and ankle-related issues.
Heel pain
This covers heel pain, plantar fasciitis, arch pain, metatarsalgia, and generally achy, sore tired feet. Custom orthotics will offload high-pressure areas and support your feet in working the way they’re meant to work, thus decreasing your pain.
Injuries
This covers chronic ankle sprains, arthritic conditions, bursitis, tendonitis, trauma, and fractures. Wearing a custom orthotic has been known to speed up injury recovery, as well as decrease the chance of re-injury in the future.
Forefoot pain
Pain on the top of the foot can be caused by several conditions, the most common of which are due to overuse from excessive running, jumping, and kicking (such as extensor tendonitis). Forefoot pain can also be caused by tight-fitting shoes.
Flat Feet
In some people, flat feet can cause foot, leg, and lower back pain. This limits a person’s ability to stand, walk, and perform daily activities. Flat feet can be caused by tight tendons, bony deformities (either from birth or injury), and obesity to name a few.
Arthritic conditions
People suffering from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other arthritic conditions often need softer, more gentle, and accommodative orthotics that provide shock absorption while controlling gait abnormalities.
Orthotics and Children
Some children have a tendency to in-toe, out-toe, suffer from excessive foot pronation, or have other types of developmental issues (including growing pains or frequent tripping/falling). Your podiatrist will assess their age, medical history, family history, activity level, whether any trauma has occurred, symptoms, and gait as part of their analysis.
Custom foot orthotics can be part of the solution, both short and long-term, depending on the situation. We only recommend orthotics when your child truly needs them.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of conditions that custom orthotics can help. If you are wondering if orthotics are for you, we would encourage you to make an appointment with a foot health professional for an evaluation and frank discussion about the potential benefits.
Functional orthotics based on measurable data combined with expert analysis. Contact us to begin your journey to becoming pain-free.
The Zebris Gait Analysis System
When you experience foot pain, especially in the arch, you likely thought you needed more cushioning. A softer sole or more cushioning feels great initially, but it doesn’t address the underlying issue causing the foot pain. This is often where people looking to invest in orthotics make mistakes. Knowing which orthotic you need and using our Zebris Gait Analysis system will save you from wasting money and living with more pain.
Based on the highest quality German technology and engineering, the Zebris Gait Analysis system features more than 30,000 pressure sensors embedded in the base of a treadmill. Combined with two cameras (one positioned on the side and the other behind), the system records an extremely accurate and objective analysis of every step you take. This information is then used to help diagnose and treat misalignments and asymmetries, and to assist in a rehabilitation plan (including the creation of custom foot orthotics).
Common Questions Our Clients Ask Us
- What’s the difference between custom and over-the-counter orthotics?
Custom orthotics are customised inserts that fit in your shoes to manage many different foot conditions or pathologies. They are individually designed to fit your feet and your feet only. To manufacture custom orthotics, the exact likeness of your foot needs to be captured. Originally a plaster cast was taken of your foot but nowadays we use 3D camera technology and thorough biomechanical assessment to achieve this.
Over-the-counter orthotics, on the other hand, can be purchased off the shelf and are designed to suit a generic foot shape. They fit according to shoe size or need to be cut down to size before they can be fitted into the shoe. While they offer some cushioning, as they have not been customised it’s unlikely that they’ll be able to manage the cause of your foot condition.
While this means that custom orthotics cost more initially, they are worth the investment over non custom orthotics in their effectiveness as therapeutic devices.
- Are all orthotics the same?
The short answer is no. Orthotic shells can be made of many different materials and can be covered by a multitude of different top covers. When prescribing your orthotics, your podiatrist takes your individual needs and presenting condition into consideration to ensure your comfort at all times.
- Do I need to wear my orthotics forever?
This is very dependent on your individual circumstances and presenting conditions – some people do, and some people only need to wear them for a short time. Your podiatrist will discuss this with you when developing your individualised treatment plan.
- How long will my orthotics last and do I need them checked regularly?
This can depend on many factors. The amount of force you apply to your orthotic is directly disproportional to the length of time it will last. Also, different types of orthotic materials wear at different rates (depending on their molecular properties). This is why we recommend a yearly assessment of your custom orthotics, just to make sure it’s still functioning the way it was originally intended to.
- How are orthotics made?
There is quite a process to crafting a pair of custom orthotics. Once your podiatrist has determined that you need custom made orthotics to manage your presenting concern and has gone through the process of diagnosing the exact orthotic that you require, the manufacturing process begins.
At Doubleview Podiatry, we use a 3D camera to capture your unique foot structure. This image is then sent as a digital image to our WA orthotic laboratory. At the lab, CadCam technology is used to craft your custom device according to your exact foot contours as per the prescription your podiatrist has specified. Top covers, usually of a soft nature, are then added to give the device its final touch.
- How long do orthotics take to make?
Given the process involved, surprisingly quick. Most orthotics have a standard turnaround time of one week but, in special circumstances, this can be cut to 2 days. Please speak with your podiatrist if you require orthotics urgently.
- How do orthotics work?
Orthotics work in many ways depending on your specific needs and condition. In simple terms, they provide support and help redistribute pressure away from over-used or over-stressed structures in the foot, allowing the body’s natural healing cycle to begin.
Why Choose Doubleview Podiatry?
Experienced Team
With more than 30 years experience in the provision of personalised foot care, rest assured that your feet will be in good hands with our Perth podiatrists.
Non-Invasive Approach
We place a special emphasis on helping patients find comfortable footwear and orthotics, as well as other non-invasive treatments.
Great Location
We’re proud to be the foot centre of choice in Perth and the surrounding area. Our clinic is well located for parking and public transport access.
Our Orthotics Perth Guarantee
We firmly believe in the Doubleview Podiatry Zebris Orthotic Program. From our experience and clinical assessments, we feel that individual prescription orthotics are the best course of action for treating a variety of conditions and will provide the best clinical results. However, we appreciate that the purchase of orthotics is a significant investment, so we want to make this decision as easy as possible by taking a large part of the risk ourselves – through our unique Orthotic Guarantee.
If, in the first 60 days after receiving your orthotics, you do not feel that they have significantly helped your current condition, or you are at all unhappy with the product, we will:
- Make the necessary adjustments to your devices to ensure you are 100% satisfied. These adjustments will be provided at no cost to you. (Note: the first orthotic review is included in the cost of the orthotics).
- If these adjustments do not correct the issue or you are just not happy with the devices, we will give you a full refund of the cost of the orthotics.
Areas We Serve
Our clinic is situated at 166 Brighton Road, Scarborough, Perth WA. To find us: Get Directions Here.
