Orthotics Balcatta
Suffering from foot or heel pain? Explore orthotic therapy for treatment.
What Are Orthotics?
Orthotics are a shoe insert designed to address various foot conditions and provide support for abnormal foot movement. These inserts come in a variety of types, with differences in materials and features, depending on the manufacturer and the specific foot condition being treated. Remarkably, orthotics have been utilised for over a century to alleviate foot pain and enhance comfort. While the materials and theories have evolved, the core concept remains consistent. At Doubleview Podiatry, our approach to orthotic treatment is rooted in the latest evidence, ensuring a solution tailored to your unique needs.
Which Conditions may Benefit from Orthotics?
Heel pain
This addresses issues such as heel pain, plantar fasciitis, arch pain, metatarsalgia, and the general fatigue and soreness of your feet. Custom orthotics are tailored to alleviate pressure in high-stress areas and restore your feet’s natural functionality, ultimately reducing pain.
Injuries
This addresses conditions like chronic ankle sprains, arthritic conditions, bursitis, tendonitis, trauma, and fractures. The use of custom orthotics has been proven to assist injury recovery and lower the likelihood of re-injury.
Forefoot pain
Pain experienced on the top of the foot can have several causes, with the most common being overuse from activities such as extensive running, jumping, and kicking (such as extensor tendonitis). Tight-fitting shoes can also be a contributing factor to forefoot pain.
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.
Children and Orthotics
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.
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).
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between custom and over-the-counter orthotics?
What distinguishes custom orthotics from over-the-counter orthotics? Custom orthotics are personalised inserts created to fit snugly inside your shoes, offering support for a wide range of foot conditions and pathologies. These orthotics are meticulously crafted to match the precise contours of your feet. The process of fabricating custom orthotics involves capturing an exact replica of your foot. While traditional plaster casts were historically used for this purpose, modern technology has shifted to 3D cameras and comprehensive biomechanical assessments. On the other hand, over-the-counter orthotics are readily available for purchase without the need for customisation. They are designed to accommodate a standardised foot shape and are typically sized based on shoe size or may require trimming to fit your specific needs. While over-the-counter orthotics do provide some cushioning, their lack of personalisation makes it less likely that they can effectively address the root causes of your foot condition. While custom orthotics may initially come at a higher cost, their superior therapeutic efficacy justifies the investment compared to non-custom orthotics.
Will I get the same results from all orthotics?
In a nutshell, no. Orthotic shells can be crafted from diverse materials and may feature different types of top covers. When your podiatrist prescribes orthotics, they take into account your individual requirements and the specific condition you’re addressing to ensure your ongoing comfort.
Will I have to wear orthotics forever?
The answer to this question varies based on your unique circumstances and specific conditions. While some individuals may require orthotics indefinitely, others may only need them for a limited duration. Your podiatrist will address this matter with you as part of the development of your personalised treatment plan.
How Long Do Orthotics Typically Last, and Is Regular Assessment Necessary?
The lifespan of your orthotics can be influenced by several factors. The more force your orthotics bear, the shorter their longevity. Moreover, the wear and tear of orthotic materials can differ based on their molecular characteristics. That’s why we recommend an annual assessment of your custom orthotics to confirm that they continue to function as initially designed.
How do orthotics get made?
The creation of custom orthotics involves a comprehensive process. After your podiatrist has determined the need for custom-made orthotics to address your specific concern and has completed the diagnostic phase to pinpoint the precise type of orthotic required, the manufacturing process swings into action. At Doubleview Podiatry, we utilise advanced 3D camera technology to capture the unique structure of your feet. This digital image is subsequently transmitted as a digital file to our orthotic laboratory in WA. In the laboratory, CadCam technology takes center stage as it meticulously crafts your customised device, adhering to the exact foot contours specified in your podiatrist’s prescription. To complete the orthotic, soft top covers, usually of a gentle nature, are applied.
What’s the timeframe for making orthotics?
Considering the intricate process, the turnaround time for orthotics is surprisingly quick. Typically, most orthotics are produced within one week as the standard timeline, but in exceptional situations, this can be expedited to just 2 days. If you find yourself in urgent need of orthotics, please don’t hesitate to consult with your podiatrist.
Why Visit Doubleview Podiatry?
Experienced ProfessionalsWith more than three decades of experience in providing personalized foot care, our Perth podiatrists are seasoned professionals you can rely on for your foot health. |
Non-Invasive TreatmentsWe place a special emphasis on helping patients find comfortable footwear and orthotics, as well as other non-invasive treatments. |
Ideal LocationWe take pride in being the preferred foot care centre in Perth and the surrounding region. Our clinic offers convenient parking and easy access to public transportation. |
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Our Orthotics Guarantee
Book near Balcatta today!
At Doubleview Podiatry, we hold a steadfast belief in the effectiveness of the Doubleview Podiatry Zebris Orthotic Program. Drawing from our extensive experience and clinical assessments, we are convinced that individually prescribed orthotics represent the optimal approach for addressing various conditions, delivering superior clinical outcomes. We understand that investing in orthotics is a significant commitment, and we strive to simplify your decision-making process through our unique Orthotic Guarantee.
In the event that, within the first 60 days of receiving your orthotics, you do not experience substantial improvement in your current condition or if you are dissatisfied with the product in any way, we are committed to the following:
We will make the necessary adjustments to your orthotics to ensure your complete satisfaction, and these adjustments will be provided to you at no additional cost. (Please note that the initial orthotic review is included in the orthotics’ cost.)
If these adjustments fail to address the issue or if you remain dissatisfied with the devices, we will promptly issue a full refund of the orthotics’ cost.
Meet Daniel Ryan
Since working in podiatry, I have routinely witnessed the benefits that can be achieved through custom orthotic prescription. By combining video footage, pressure analysis, and biomechanical assessment, I have had fantastic results when tailoring customised orthotics as a part of clients’ rehabilitation programs. Orthotics play a pivotal role in comprehensive treatment programs, helping to adjust biomechanical deficiencies, reduce pain and return to activity. Throughout my life, I have also used orthotics to overcome several of my own foot and lower limb injuries, so understand things from a patient’s perspective.
Areas We Serve
Our clinic is situated at 166 Brighton Road, Scarborough, Perth WA. To find us: Get Directions Here.
