TheSAPodiatryClinic orthotics Adelaide have long been recognised for their ability to reduce pain and increase balance, as well as improve cushioning and load distribution, thus decreasing strain on plantar fascia ligaments.
Rigid orthoses are constructed with cork, leather or solid plastics and feature medial and lateral flanges to extend from the heel to metatarsal heads.
Arch Supports
Foot arch supports are an effective way to distribute weight evenly, improve foot function, and ease foot-related ailments such as bunions, heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. If your flat feet or overpronation cause gait issues that affect knees, hips or back problems then arch supports can also help correct gait while slowing the progression of foot problems that could affect knees, hips or back issues.
Gel inserts are another popular choice of arch support, often made of silicone or thermoplastic elastomer materials that can be heat formed to fit the contours of your feet, providing cushioning and shock absorption while being comfortable enough to wear all day long. Silicone or thermoplastic elastomer materials also can be shaped to mold to your feet for additional support while helping reduce foot odor by absorbing sweat.
Rigid arch supports, or orthotics, are rigid insoles designed to control foot motion and distribute pressure evenly over the entire foot. These arch supports can either be designed as inserts into shoes or replacement insoles; custom arch supports may even be tailored specifically to an individual’s foot type and needs.
People with feet that are too small, too big or have structural abnormalities cannot be properly fitted with off-the-shelf arch supports or insoles; in such instances it is advised that they visit their podiatrist or other foot health professional for custom fitted orthotics.
Heel Supports
Heel supports are designed to reduce pressure on heels, relieve foot and ankle stress and ease plantar fasciitis pain – an ache in the bottom of your heel caused by walking or standing after prolonged rest – and may help.
These inserts are typically composed of soft materials that absorb shock and improve balance, providing relief for conditions like arthritis or shin splints as well as symptoms from heel spurs, chronic problems such as gout or diabetes.
Orthotics differ from over-the-counter shoe inserts in that they’re specifically designed to address foot conditions rather than just making shoes more comfortable. Instead, orthotics fit inside your shoes to support both foot and heel structures with materials like gel or foam; you can either purchase these at a drugstore or consult a podiatrist who will evaluate your condition before providing custom made devices designed specifically for you feet.
Studies have demonstrated that heel cups with arch support insoles can increase stability among elderly individuals who don’t exhibit abnormal gait patterns or deformities of the foot, as well as help prevent falls that could prove deadly for these patients. One research team noted that using these insoles led to a higher score on their stability index score.
Metatarsal Supports
Metatarsal supports, commonly referred to as met pads, are placed behind the ball of your foot to spread your transverse arch and encourage return of any overextended toes to their normal anatomical positions. They also assist with returning your forefoot fat pad back into its rightful spot beneath your metatarsal heads – providing pain relief associated with bunions, hammertoes, morton’s neuroma or metatarsalgia.
Studies on metatarsal pads demonstrate their effectiveness at reducing both peak and mean plantar pressure when used with full length or sulcus length orthotics; however, metatarsal pads are rarely included as part of custom foot orthotics due to either lack of practitioner awareness or small products not providing sufficient reduction of pressure under the feet.
Insoles
As children’s song goes, “the footbone’s connected to the leg bone and knee bone. However, when feet become misalign, this connection breaks down completely and creates pain from improper movement patterns. Shoe insoles are designed to align feet within shoes and reduce pain associated with improper foot alignment.
Shoe insoles that can be purchased and sold in stores offer many choices for cushioning, such as those constructed of memory foam or EVA material, though they won’t meet every individual foot’s needs and won’t last as long as a custom orthotic insert would.
By visiting a podiatrist for custom orthotics fitting, it’s the easiest way to ensure you receive products tailored specifically for your feet. This process includes an in-depth foot exam and casting your feet before creating and fitting the orthotics individually for you.
