Achy feet, heel pain, sore shins or knee pain? Orthotics Can Help!
If you are suffering from any of the following symptoms, Orthotics (combined with the right exercises) can help to resolve your symptoms:
- Heel pain
- Achilles Tendon pain
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Deviated or painful Big toe
- Shin pain
- Calf or knee pain
Like our fingerprints, each of us have a unique footprint and the shape of our foot and ankle varies from one person to the other. The shape of your foot and arch could be a contributing factor to your injury or your symptoms. Orthotics can help to modify the ground reaction forces that go up your foot and ankle when performing physical activity by supporting your arch and changing lower limb alignment to help your symptoms.
There are various types of orthotics that are available out there in the market. It can be quite confusing as to which one you need for your problem. We are happy to guide you to get the right orthotic for you.
The type of Orthotic you will need depends on the following factors:
- Your weight
- The condition you are suffering from
- What you use your footwear for: Work? Sport? Casual?
- What type of footwear you use most often
If you decide to come see us for Orthotic advice, please bring the following with you on your first appointment:
- Your current footwear (the one you use most often)
- A pair of socks
- A Pair of old used shoes or slippers that you have used for a while (if available)
- Any shoe inserts or orthotics you already have or are currently using
What to Expect during your appointment?
Our Sports Physiotherapist will ask you a detailed history of your symptoms and do a thorough assessment to find the exact cause or source of your symptoms. If Orthotics are required, we will measure your feet for the same and then organise one for you. You may also be given some exercises to do along with Orthotics.
What to expect after getting Orthotics?
Orthotics can be uncomfortable for the first few (4 to 6) weeks. You may also notice some pain in areas of your foot and ankle or calves where you did not have pain before, it’s just your muscles and ligaments trying to adapt to your new foot position. This will improve with time and our Physiotherapist will keep track of your symptoms. We recommend that you ease into wearing the orthotics, meaning that you can start using them for a few hours only to begin with and then gradually increase the time you use them.
How often do you need to change them?
Depends on your usage. Most good quality orthotics would last between 6 months to a year.
What will it cost?
Apart from your Physiotherapy consultation fees, the Orthotics may range between $50 to $100. Way less than orthotics that are made by a Podiatrist. Research has confirmed that off-the-shelf orthotics are just as effective as custom made orthotics.
When do I follow-up?
Usually, 4 to 6 weeks after you have started using your Orthotics is a good time to see us again. We can modify the orthotics if needed and then give you a set of exercises to do to complement the orthotic therapy.
Written by Neel Pangaonkar, Associate Physiotherapist, MyPhysioSA Payneham and The International Spine Centre.