Foot orthoses are specially designed shoe inserts that help support the feet and improve foot posture. People who have chronic foot or leg problems that interfere with the health and functioning of their feet may be prescribed orthoses by their podiatrist. For example, someone prone to calluses can have the pressure of their body weight redistributed across their feet with the aid of custom-fitted shoe inserts. Athletes may also wear orthoses to help correct any foot problems that could hinder their performance. These prescription shoe inserts are either ‘off the shelf’ or made from scratch using a plaster cast or computer-aided digital picture of the patient’s foot. Another name for orthoses is ‘orthotic devices’- any artificial aid designed to support or brace the spine or limb.
Conditions that can be treated with orthoses
Some of the foot and lower limb problems that can be successfully treated in the long term with orthoses include:
- Corns and calluses
- Foot ulceration
- Tendonitis
- Recurrent ankle sprain
- Recurrent stress fractures
- Heel pain.
Orthoses are individually designed
Orthoses are designed to address the patient’s particular foot problems. The various types of orthoses can include:
- Functional foot (customised kinetic) orthoses - to offer all the features below, including postural adjustment.
- Prefabricated orthoses - these devices can be customised by the podiatrist to provide relief for a specific problem.
- Cushioning orthoses - to offer extra shock absorption to the foot.
- Pressure relief orthoses - to remove pressure spots (that could be responsible for complaints such as corns or calluses) by redistributing the person’s body weight across the sole of the foot.
Comprehensive diagnosis
When prescribing your orthoses, your podiatrist will consider various factors, including:
- Existing foot problems (such as corns and calluses)
- Foot structure and function
- Biomechanical considerations, including posture and walking style
- Type of footwear commonly worn
- Occupation (such as whether your job involves standing up for long periods of time)
- Lifestyle factors (such as preferred sports).
Assessment
A comprehensive clinical assessment is done before orthoses are prescribed. This will take into account such things as your:
- Medical and surgical history
- Footwear
- Occupational issues
- Lifestyle factors.
If an orthosis is considered necessary, a comprehensive understanding of your foot function will be required. This may be done by examining the foot or using a computer. It might include a range of motion studies, gait/walking analysis, postural alignment evaluation or other relevant techniques.
Long term treatment
Orthoses will usually be prescribed with accompanying therapies, such as a tailored program of stretching and strengthening exercises to improve posture and alignment. These exercises are generally developed by the podiatrist in consultation with you and commenced at the time of orthotic prescription. Other physical therapies may include:
- Ultrasound
- Mobilisation
- Manipulation
- Taping and strapping.
For people with diabetic foot ulcers, wound cleaning and dressings are provided as well as pressure-relieving orthoses to improve the rate of healing.
You may need to visit your podiatrist after your orthoses are fitted to make sure they are working properly. In some cases, small adjustments to the shoe inserts are needed. Your podiatrist will devise an ongoing treatment plan to help you manage your foot problems in the long term.
Where to get help
- Podiatrist
- Australian Podiatry Association (Vic) - to find a podiatrist in your area please call Tel. (03) 9866 5906 or website
Things to remember
- Foot orthoses are specially designed shoe inserts that help support the feet and correct any imbalances.
- Some of the foot and lower limb problems that can be successfully treated in the long term with orthoses include corns and calluses, foot ulceration, tendonitis, recurrent ankle sprain, plantar fasciitis or heel spur syndrome and recurrent stress fractures.
- Other treatments may include exercises and recommendations on footwear.
You might also be interested in:
Feet - relief for pain and injury.
Foot care - podiatrists.
Foot problems - treatments.
Footwear for healthy feet.
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