Orthotics Churchlands
Encountering foot or heel discomfort? Ask your podiatrist about custom orthotics.
Understanding Orthotics: What Are They?
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 Be Addressed with 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 encompasses chronic ankle sprains, arthritic conditions, bursitis, tendonitis, trauma, and fractures. Utilising custom orthotics has a track record of accelerating injury recovery and reducing the risk of future re-injury.
Forefoot pain
Top-of-foot pain can stem from several conditions, but the most frequent culprits are overuse due to extensive running, jumping, and kicking (like extensor tendonitis). Additionally, wearing tightly fitting shoes can also lead to discomfort in the forefoot.
Flat Feet
For some individuals, flat feet can result in discomfort in the feet, legs, and lower back, hampering their ability to stand, walk, and carry out everyday tasks. Tight tendons, congenital or injury-related bony deformities, and obesity are among the factors that can contribute to flat feet.
Arthritic Conditions
For individuals dealing with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other arthritic conditions, customised orthotics play a crucial role. These orthotics are designed to be soft, gentle, and accommodating, offering both shock absorption and gait abnormality control.
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.
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 foot pain, especially in the arch, strikes, many assume that they simply need more cushioning. A softer sole or extra cushioning may provide initial relief, but it often fails to address the root cause of the pain. This is a common pitfall for those considering orthotic solutions. Identifying the right orthotic for your needs and utilising our Zebris Gait Analysis system can prevent you from wasting money and enduring ongoing discomfort. Powered by top-tier German technology and engineering, the Zebris Gait Analysis system boasts over 30,000 pressure sensors integrated into the treadmill’s base. Coupled with two cameras—one positioned on the side and the other behind—you can expect an exceptionally precise and unbiased analysis of your every step. This valuable data aids in diagnosing and treating misalignments, asymmetries, and contributes to the development of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan, including the creation of customised foot orthotics.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 have to wear orthotics permanently?
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 will my orthotics last and do I need them checked regularly?
The durability of your orthotics can vary due to numerous factors. The longevity of your orthotics is inversely proportional to the amount of force they endure. Additionally, different orthotic materials wear down at different rates based on their molecular properties. This is why we advise an annual evaluation of your custom orthotics to ensure they are still performing as originally intended.
How are custom orthotics 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 approximate time does it take for orthotics to be made?
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?
Skilled PractitionersWith 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. |
Focus on Non-Invasive OptionsWe place special emphasis on assisting patients in discovering comfortable footwear, orthotics, and other non-invasive treatment options. |
Convenient Clinic 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 Churchlands today!
We have unwavering confidence in the effectiveness of the Doubleview Podiatry Zebris Orthotic Program. Based on our extensive experience and clinical evaluations, we firmly believe that individually prescribed orthotics offer the most effective approach for addressing a wide range of conditions and yield superior clinical outcomes. Recognising that investing in orthotics is a significant decision, we aim to simplify it for you by assuming a substantial portion of the risk through our unique Orthotic Guarantee.
If, within the first 60 days of receiving your orthotics, you do not experience significant improvement in your current condition or are dissatisfied with the product for any reason, 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 do not resolve the issue or you remain dissatisfied with the devices, we will promptly issue a full refund of the orthotics’ cost.
Meet Daniel Ryan
My tenure in the field of podiatry has consistently demonstrated the remarkable benefits that custom orthotic prescriptions can yield. Through the integration of video footage, pressure analysis, and biomechanical assessments, I have achieved exceptional outcomes by tailoring custom orthotics as an integral part of clients’ rehabilitation programs. Orthotics play a pivotal role in comprehensive treatment strategies, addressing biomechanical deficiencies, mitigating pain, and facilitating a return to physical activity. Additionally, I have personally utilised orthotics to overcome several foot and lower limb injuries throughout my life, affording me a unique understanding of the patient’s perspective.
Areas We Serve
Our clinic is situated at 166 Brighton Road, Scarborough, Perth WA. To find us: Get Directions Here.
