Orthotic prescription and dispensing
Orthotic prescription and dispensing involves the assessment, selection and fitting of foot orthoses to support and improve foot and lower limb function. Following a comprehensive biomechanical assessment, the podiatrist determines whether orthotic therapy may help address abnormal foot mechanics, reduce strain on tissues and improve overall alignment during walking or running.
Depending on your individual needs, custom-made orthoses or prefabricated (over-the-counter) orthotics may be recommended. Prefabricated devices can be a suitable and effective option for many patients and may be modified by the podiatrist to improve comfort and function. In other cases, custom orthoses may be prescribed, with measurements, foot scans or impressions taken to create devices tailored to your foot shape and movement patterns.
- Orthoses fitting and patient eligibility
Once the orthoses are dispensed, they are fitted and adjusted to ensure they sit correctly within your footwear and provide appropriate support. Your podiatrist will also provide guidance on gradually wearing in the orthotics and may schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments.This service is designed for patients who have been assessed with biomechanical alignment issues, lower limb aches or pains, or plantar foot ulcers. Patients will receive customised or custom-made in-shoe orthotic devices that are precisely designed to meet their individual requirements.
These may include orthoses and lower limb splints or braces. The service is available to patients of all ages.
- Prefabricated orthotics
Orthotics are in-shoe devices designed to help realign the foot and improve its function and movement. They aim to distribute forces evenly across the sole of the foot, helping to protect areas exposed to high impact, pressure, and stress.
By improving foot alignment and pressure distribution, orthotics can also help reduce discomfort and prevent injuries.