Orthotics for Flat Feet or High Arched Feet



Musculoskeletal Podiatry

Orthotics can help reduce problems such as Heel Pain, Fallen Arches, Achilles Tendonitis, Plantar Fasciitis, Bunions & Calluses, Knee Pain, Lower Back Strain, Flat Feet, Arch & Metatarsal Pain, High Arched Feet, Hip Pain, Postural Instability, Hyper Mobility, Hammertoes, Foot Rotation, Athletic Injury, Arthritis, Diabetic Foot Problems, Geriatric Conditions, Congenital Deformities, Prolonged Standing, Narrow/Wide Feet, and Foot Trauma.

This is a typical list of conditions but many people come becase they are either in pain or are worried they have ‘high’ or ‘low’ arches.

Orthotics are used extensively to support flat (or pronated) feet and the aim is to allow the foot to support the weight better and reduce turning inwards of the leg and hip and back. Orthotics for high arches aim to reduce the impact and shock. In other cases the orthoses may be used to redistribute pressure away or to a particular area e.g. panful bunion or second joint.

Assessment

Your Podiatrists Assessment will consist of the following:

A thorough history and lower extremity biomechanical assessment – looking at the range of motion in the foot and leg, leg length as well as your walking and gait.

Footwear will be assessed

Sports, training, job and activities that you do.

We may use the Podotech foot pressure mat to enable us to measure and watch the way your foot walks and distributes the pressure with each step.

A questionnaire will be emailed to you prior to your assessment to take a brief overview of your symptoms.

Click here to access this questionnaire

Design

Your custom-made prescription orthotics will be unique to your condition, activity level and to the footwear in which they will be used. Your Podiatrist will design the device based on their assessment findings and the prescription and uses several laboratories depending on need, style and cost (quality).

In many cases we do use a prefabricated orthotic if the prescription did not need to be exact. There are many different styles and companies that make them so it is often possible to find a pair that would work. It may also be used to test before committing to a custom pair.

Fitting

Within approximately two weeks your orthotics will be ready for fitting. At your fitting appointment they will be checked for proper fitting (to your feet and footwear) and you will be given break-in information which helps with the transition stage, also any follow-up appointment that may be necessary. Typically wearing them in an hour a day increasing daily.

To arrange a fitting appointment, please call the clinic on 01923856235