What are orthotics?

Orthotics are shoe inserts that are designed to solve any biomechanical issues that a patient has. Wearing these products are often part of the recovery process of patients who are suffering from a foot injury or people with long-term chronic foot issues.

Orthotics also help the patients to have more control over the movement of their feet.

Do foot orthotics really work?

The simple answer is yes. But how do they work exactly, you might ask?

Shoe orthotics like the one supplied by Docpods are designed specifically to help your feet, legs, ankles, to realign naturally as you walk, run, or just stand. With the correct alignment and proper support, your lower extremities will move even more efficiently. 

Not only that. Since most shoe orthotics are comfortable to wear and great in supporting your lower body, these inserts can take some of the pressure and strain off your ankles, knees, hips, and your back. This kind of support will certainly relieve some of the pain you’re suffering from.

2 Types of Shoe Orthotics

Now if you think you’ll need to start wearing shoe orthotics anytime soon, you have two options. Below are the two types of orthotics Melbourne.

1. Prefabricated Orthotics

These are the shoe inserts that you can buy directly from sports goods stores. They are ready-made and are available in different sizes. You just have to choose what will fit your feet.

2. Custom Orthotics

This type of orthotics on the other hand are shoe inserts that are patterned to the exact biomechanical profile of your feet. Customised or personalised shoe orthotics will provide more accurate support and will produce the best results, especially if you have very specific foot issues.

If you need custom orthotics, visit a podiatrist

Podiatrists are the experts when it comes to your feet. That’s why they’re the best people to consult first if you think you need to wear orthotics in the first place.

According to podiatrists, you need to visit a podiatry clinic if you think you have these foot issues:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bunions
• Ankle Instability
• Various Tendinopathies
• Bursitis
• Synovitis
• Knee, Hip & Back Pain
• Limb Length Discrepancies
• Flat Feet
• Shin Splints
• Stress Fractures

Once the podiatrist has clarified or identified the issue with your feet, they’ll carve out a plan that’s according to your condition, lifestyle, and budget. They’ll also tell you whether you’ll need to wear shoe orthotics or not.

Here’s how the whole process of getting your custom orthotics will pan out.

First Appointment

Your first appointment with a podiatrist after identifying that you’ll need a pair of orthotics is the scanning appointment. The purpose of this visit is to get an exact biomechanical profile of your feet.

A laser scanner will be used to make an exact impression of your feet, which will serve as a pattern for your custom shoe orthotics. 

Second Appointment

By the time of your second appointment, your custom shoe orthotics are already made. That’s why during this visit, you should wear or bring the shoes that you’ll most likely wear all the time. This way, your podiatrist can check if the inserts are a snug fit to your sneakers.

Since an exact impression of your feet was used to make the inserts, you’re probably good to go with these. But if needed, the podiatrist can expertly modify the orthotics to perfectly fit your feet and shoes.

Third Appointment

The third visit is mostly dedicated to follow-ups. This is to see whether the shoe inserts are working in your favour. Normally, podiatrists ask their patients to go back for reevaluation five weeks after the orthotics were provided. But it’s still a case-to-case basis.