Many people have structural or alignment problems with their feet. Around 70% of the population has feet that tend to pronate or “roll in.”

Foot orthotics, also known as orthoses, are inserts that are placed into your shoes. They are designed to improve the posture, pressure distribution and biomechanical function of your feet.

They do this by changing the position of joints, improving the alignment of the lower limbs and muscles. This new positioning decreases stresses on the foot and lower limb, improving symptoms and reducing the likelihood of future injury.

Customised orthotics are devices made specifically for you, your feet, your activities, your footwear and your lifestyle. These devices require a plaster cast to be taken of your feet for it to get an accurate impression of your foot. From here, your podiatrist can specifically tailor a prescription for your biomechanics and the position in which your foot can function best.

Your podiatrist can then select the degree of correction, shape, material, cover material, padding and accommodative additions, thickness and size of the device, along with biomechanical additions to alter the function of muscles and joints locally.

Customised orthoses are made to last up to 10 years depending on material options. Some or most of the cost that will be incurred may be covered by your private health insurance if your plan includes podiatry.

Orthotics can often treat and prevent conditions such as:

They can also improve many other conditions affecting the foot and  ankle and leg.