What are Orthotics?

Orthotics are special insoles that are designed to correct individual problems in the feet. They will realign your foot so that it functions correctly. Orthotics are not simply arch supports but affect the way in which your whole foot works when it is in contact with the ground whilst walking, running or dancing as well as simply standing up. The Orthotics supplied by The Woodhouse Clinic are made with a special lightweight polymer material. This composite material has an unique ability to flex, but unlike traditional materials it will always return to its originally set shape. It also has a high built-in strength so that it is thin and takes up less room in your shoes. The orthotics are made to individual prescription after a full GAITSCAN analysis, and may include taking some measurements or an impression of your foot and noting any special requirements you have. You may have a similar foot size to someone else but this does not mean that the same off the shelf orthotics will fit your individual requirements.

Why might I need Orthotics?

Many foot problems are the result of faulty relationship between the bones, muscles and ligaments. This can be caused by a number of factors including faulty footwear, accident, natural ageing. These can give rise to a number of problems, flat feet, ankle sprains, corns callouses. It can even give rise to problems that you might not have considered anything to do with your feet such as pain in the knees, hips and back. They can also be the cause of headaches. Improper functioning of the feet can cause all sorts of problems such as:-

Foot pain and buildup of excess callous - Metatarsalgia - sharp pain due to pressure on nerves in the foot

Chronic sacro-iliac, low and upper backpain,- neckpain,- headaches

Pain in the knees, hips

Who can benefit?

Anyone, sportsmen and women, walkers, runners, golfers, cyclists, anyone who spends time on their feet and who has a biomechanical dysfunction. Optimal function can not only reduce the level of pain and discomfort, it can even improve performance.

How do they work?

Because your feet will sit comfortably on the Orthotics it will gently and consistently direct it into the optimum position allowing the foot to function correctly whilst standing, walking or running.  By helping to correct the faulty alignment of the feet and restore proper bio-mechanical function, orthotics can help to resolve all the problems causing pain and discomfort. In fact once you start to wear them you will wonder how you managed without for so long.

How do you tell whether orthotics may help?

A full biomechanical assessment will be undertaken if it is suspected that pain is arising because of dysfunction of the feet. This is undertaken by use of the GAITSCAN apparatus. The patient walks across a pressure plate. The signals generated are then analysed by a dedicated computer which displays the pressure distribution generated by the foot during the walking motion. By comparing this to the optimum profile and using a sophisticated analysis of these patterns the need for and the precise nature of an orthotic required to optimise the biomechanics of each individual patient can be determined.

Can I wear them in any shoes?

Orthotics are designed to optimise the working of the foot so there is some element of compromise to be made in shoe selection. For lace up shoes or shoes with a buckle there should not be a problem provided the depth of the heel cup is adequate. Because inevitably the foot will be raised by a millimetre or two problems can arise with ladies court shoes when the foot will tend to lift out of the shoe when walking. Sandals without a heel cup can also be a problem as the orthotic can slip out of place.

When buying shoes always take your orthotic with you to avoid potential problems. We are able to supply a range of footwear with prescription orthotics in place, including sandals.

Do I need to be referred by my doctor?

Both the Osteopath and the Chiropodist at the Woodhouse Clinic are experienced in the recognition and diagnosis of mechanical foot problems. If you are experiencing pain in your feet then they will be able to give you a proper assessment and advise as to whether Orthotics may be helpful in your particular case. You can make an appointment direct at the clinic for a private consultation without the need to consult your GP. The clinic practitioners will refer you to your GP should it be necessary for you to be considered for alternative treatment.

What is GAITSCAN?

Gaitscan is a sophisticated computerised method of gait analysis performed by measuring the pressure distribution of the foot on the ground in both a static and in a full dynamic sense with the foot in normal walking motion. This information can be used to diagnose problems and determine how these may be corrected using orthotics. Click here to learn more about GAITSCAN.

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