Orthotics and Bio Mechanics
Where orthotics may be needed?
We specialise in the manufacture of precision custom made Foot Orthoses. Orthotics for correction and comfort. Foot Orthoses are devices that fit inside your shoes to help stabilise and correct poor foot posture. Each foot is an engineering masterpiece. The foot is made up of 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments. We tend to take this for granted until something goes wrong or we develop pain. This is where we need orthotics.
Bio mechanical problems affecting the feet can increase stresses within the foot structures and the surrounding soft tissues, creating localised pain in the foot and ankle. This can also cause problems in the lower limbs, knees, hips and back. Correction of poor foot bio mechanics with Foot Orthotics can improve and prevent many types of symptoms such as:
• Forefoot Pain (Metatarsalgia).
• Arch Strain (Plantar Fasciitis).
• Policeman’s Heel (Heel Spur).
• Ankle Pain (Tibialis Dysfunction, Lateral Impingement Syndrome).
• Shin Pain (Compartmental Syndrome, Shin Splints).
• Knee Pain (Chondramalcia Patella, Patella Tibial Syndrome).
Orthotics and bio mechanics
Paediatric and adult Pes Plano Valgus feet (flat or collapsed arches) not only cause bio mechanical dysfunction in the feet and ankles but also throughout the body. Foot Orthoses can help correct this condition. The aim of a Foot Orthoses is to correct dysfunctional bio mechanics and therefore:
• Reduce pain.
• Provide support.
• Prevent or halt the development of foot deformity.
• Provide better positioning.
• Relieve pressure on a certain area of the foot.
• Improve the overall biomechanical function of the foot.
• Improve pelvic alignment.
• Reduce lower limb torsion and knee stress.
Foot Orthoses are able to correct the biomechanical collapse of the foot structures and improve mid foot and hind foot alignment. This allows joints to be aligned correctly and promotes efficient transmission of biomechanical forces. We believe in a holistic approach to any biomechanical problem, we understand that the underlying problem may not always be located around the area of the body that develops the symptoms.
In some cases the problem may lie in a number of areas, such as poor posture, pelvic misalignment, leg length discrepancies, tight or poorly toned muscles. We can use Foot Orthoses to improve posture and accommodate for any limb length discrepancy. If we do not feel that your problem is caused primarily by your foot position or poor biomechanics, we will not prescribe you any Foot Orthoses. We are able to offer a complete Posture Assessment using a range of Posture Control Foot Orthoses.