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Lochthorn Medical Centre. Edinburgh Road. Heathhall. Dumfries. DG1 1TR.
Tel: 07597694581
What are orthotics?
They are a special shoe inserts which your Podiatrist may prescribe for you to help with pain and discomfort of the feet, ankles, knees and lower back.
Orthotics may be 'off-the shelf' for more simple problems or 'custom made' to prescription for those patients that require more complex needs due to foot deformities, complex gait patterns and their recreational activities.
Orthotics are also used to provide support and cushioning in certain areas of the feet such as the balls of the feet and heels or to 'off-load' painful areas caused by bony prominences or corns.
Orthotics are made from various types of materials from rigid to flexible depending on need and their function. A Functional Orthotic works better when your foot is still flexible and can restore the foot into a more natural or 'neutral position, whereby a Accommodative Orthotic is used when your foot is arthritic and in a fixed position. Your Podiatrist is specially trained to provide the best orthotic to suit your needs and activities.
Do orthotics help everyone with foot & ankle pain? the answer to that is no, like most medicines or devices there are many different reasons why orthotics may not work
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the foot and ankle injury is too complex or cannot be corrected.
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The footwear is not suitable to accommodate an orthotic, or is the wrong type to help the orthotic e.g. slip on shoes.
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How the person wears them e.g. 1-2 hours per day or once a week and this will not help.
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The person does not follow other instructions like exercise regime etc...
Orthotics are not a quick fix and will take time to get used to, they may also have to be used with other treatment modalities and correct footwear to be effective.
What conditions may orthotics help
Flat feet (Over pronated- rolling in) & high-arched feet. (Supinated - rolling out) can cause significant ankle foot and back pain.
Bunions & hammer toes can often structurally painful. Orthotics along with suitable footwear can provide additional support and reduce pressure and reduce or prevent reoccurrence of corns and calluses.
Rheumatoid Arthritis & osteoarthritis can cause major discomfort due to the poor positioning and alignment of bones, joints and soft tissues, orthotics may be able to offer cushioning and support.
Bursitis is the inflammation of the fluid filled sacs (bursa) which cushion and support the joints and the inflammation is a result of repetitive movement or excessive pressure of the joint and may cause swelling and stiffness around the joints.
Diabetes can lead to nerve damage called Neuropathy, which is the loss of sensation in the feet. A person may not be able to feel the friction and pressures in their feet which could lead to skin damage and result in ulceration. Orthotics may help to reduce tissue stress and prevent ulcers.
Plantar (Fasciitis) & heel spurs are a common cause of heel pain and there are many reasons these may occur. Orthotics which support the arch and heel will help reduce pain and inflammtion.
What to expect during your appointment...
MSK Appointments are usually 1 hour long and your Podiatrist will take a full Medical history and a detailed list of your foot or ankle problems. Please wear appropriate clothing as you will need to do a physical examination of your foot to feel for any areas that are painful as well as any standing and walking assessments (as required). Treatment plans may be carried out in the form of strapping/taping, exercise regime, Laser therapy and potential orthotics.
Sometimes the Podiatrist may have to ask your GP for referral further scans such as x-rays, MRI or ultrasounds before carrying out any treatments. Follow up appointments are usually required.
PayPal - pay in 3
Custom made orthotics made uniquely to your own prescription. You can now spread the cost into 3 equal split payments.
All patients will need to have been assessed by their Podiatrist before purchasing this item.
Custom Orthotics *£350
