WHAT ARE ORTHOTICS

Orthotics are custom-made insoles which enable the feet to be held in a more stable position, correcting foot imbalances and therefore, reducing stress and strain on the ankles, knees, hips, back and neck.

HOW DOES THE WHOLE PROCESS WORK

At your initial assessment with a Chartered Physiotherapist, a detailed biomechanical evaluation of the structure of your feet will be made. Analysis of how your feet affect the posture and movement of your body as a whole will be made. If it is deemed you need custom-made Orthotics, a plaster paris cast is made of both feet. This cast in turn, is sent to the Laboratory from which your Orthotics are custom made for you.

You also may be in the category of not needing a custom device but an off-the shelf device will suffice. This will be determined by your Chartered Physiotherapist.

WILL ORTHOTICS HELP ME

Orthotics gently reduce problems associated with muscle strain, pressure points and abnormal bones in the feet, ankles, knees, hips and spine. Very often after a very short time, custom made orthotics can bring relief from fatigue and pain, allowing you to enjoy daily activities comfortably.

WILL ORTHOTICS HELP ME IN MY SPORT

Many patients are active sport people whose injuries – often repetitive injuries, have been alleviated by customised orthotic insoles and now enjoy sport, injury and pain free.

IS THERE A TIME FRAME TO GET USED TO MY ORTHOTICS

When you first receive your Orthotics

• Day 1 – 1 Hour
• Day 2 – 2/3 Hours
• Day 3 – 3/5 Hours etc.

Each individual is different. You may wear your devices in over a longer period of time to adapt to them more slowly. Orthotics should be in your footwear at all times. Yes, even in Slippers and Wellingtons, Hiking Boots etc. Once you have been wearing Orthotics for a period of time you will notice the difference when they are not in your Shoes, Wellingtons, Slippers, Trainers – you will miss them.

DO I HAVE TO WEAR THEM INTO THE FUTURE

YES! YES!

Once a biomechanical fault of the feet is established the Orthotics have been prescribed to rectify this. The way you stand, walk, run – by not wearing the Orthotics – the fault will reappear causing the pain/strain to re-emerge.

CAN MY FEET IMPROVE OVER TIME AS A RESULT OF WEARING THE ORTHOTICS

Generally speaking, the answer is “No”. The need for Orthotics in the first place has arisen out of a bony malalignment of the feet – which is a genetic pre-disposition. Therefore, as your genetic pre-disposition is not going to change, your need for Orthotics will continue.

HOW WILL I KNOW IF MY CHILDREN NEED ORTHOTICS

More often than not, if either or both of the parents has a genetic pre-disposition to bony mal-alignment in the feet the children inherit the weakness and will require support.

IS THERE A DISCOUNT IF I NEED MORE THAN ONE PAIR OF ORTHOTICS

• Your initial pair of custom made Orthotics – 300 Euro
• Your second pair of custom made Orthotics – 235 Euro

Off the Shelf Orthotics are also available and will be recommended by us  as an alternative to the custom made Orthotics as and when appropriate and at a much lesser cost to the patient.

CONDITIONS OFTEN TREATED BY ORTHOTICS INCLUDE:

• Achilles tendonitis
• Plantar Fascitis (Heel Pain)
• Pes Planus (Flat Feet)
• Lumbo-Sacral Pain (Low Back Pain)
• Tired aching Feet/Legs
• Metatarsalgia (Pain the ball of the Foot)
• Tibial Stress Syndrom (Shin Splints)
• Patello – Femoral Mal-Alignment (Knee Cap Pain)
• Osteoarthritis of the Knee, Ankle or Hip
• Foot/Ankle/Calf/Knee Pain

In addition to assessing Adults for Orthotics, we, at West Cork Chartered Physiotherapy Clinics specialise in assessing children and their subsequent requirements.