Custom Orthotics Balcatta
Facing foot or heel pain? Consider custom orthotics.
Orthotics: What Are They?
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.
What Conditions Can Be Addressed with Orthotics?
Heel pain
This includes conditions such as heel pain, plantar fasciitis, arch pain, metatarsalgia, and the general discomfort associated with tired, achy feet. Custom orthotics are crafted to alleviate pressure in areas of high stress and encourage your feet to function as intended, resulting in a reduction of pain.
Injuries
This includes chronic ankle sprains, arthritic conditions, bursitis, tendonitis, trauma, and fractures. The adoption of custom orthotics is associated with hastened injury recovery and a reduced risk of future 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
Those affected by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other arthritic conditions often benefit from orthotics that prioritise softness, gentleness, and adaptability. These orthotics may provide shock absorption while effectively addressing gait abnormalities.
Children and Orthotics
Certain children may exhibit tendencies such as in-toeing, out-toeing, excessive foot pronation, or various developmental issues, including growing pains or frequent tripping/falling. To evaluate their condition, your podiatrist will consider their age, medical history, family history, activity level, any history of trauma, symptoms, and gait. Custom foot orthotics may be a viable solution, either in the short or long term, depending on the circumstances. Our recommendation for orthotics is made only when it’s truly necessary for your child.
It’s essential to understand that this list does not cover all the conditions that custom orthotics can address. If you’re contemplating whether orthotics are right for you, arrange an appointment with a podiatrist. During this assessment, you can be assessed and learn about the possible benefits tailored to your feet.
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
How do custom orthotics compare to 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.
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?
Whether you need to wear orthotics indefinitely or for a shorter duration depends on your unique circumstances and the specific conditions you’re dealing with. Your podiatrist will address this question when crafting your customised treatment plan, tailored to your individual needs.
How long will my orthotics last and do I need them checked regularly?
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 meticulous procedure. Once your podiatrist has determined that custom orthotics are necessary to address your specific concern and has completed the diagnostic phase to identify the precise type of orthotic required, the manufacturing process commences. Here at Doubleview Podiatry, we employ a 3D camera to capture the unique structure of your feet. This digital image is then transmitted to our orthotic laboratory in WA. At the laboratory, CadCam technology is employed to meticulously fashion your customised device in accordance with the exact contours of your feet, as specified by your podiatrist’s prescription. Finally, soft top covers are typically applied to provide the finishing touch to the orthotic.
What’s the timeframe for making orthotics?
Given the complexity of the process, it’s quite impressive how quickly orthotics can be manufactured. Ordinarily, the standard turnaround time for most orthotics is one week, but under special circumstances, this can be accelerated to a mere 2 days. Should you require orthotics urgently, we encourage you to reach out to your podiatrist for guidance.
Why Visit Doubleview Podiatry?
Skilled PractitionersOur Perth podiatrists boast over 30 years of experience in delivering individualised foot care. You can trust that your feet are in capable hands. |
Focus on Non-Invasive OptionsWe prioritise helping patients find comfortable footwear, orthotics, and other non-invasive treatments to address their foot concerns. |
Ideal LocationWe take pride in being the top choice for foot care in Perth and the surrounding region. Our clinic offers ample parking and easy access to public transportation. |
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Our Orthotics Guarantee
Book near Balcatta today!
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.
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.
