Wearing in your Orthotics

Instructions

Like eyeglasses, you will be aware of your orthoses, but as time passes, you will be able to wear them with ease.

• Remove all existing inserts from your footwear.
• Insert the orthoses into your shoes so that the heel sits up against the back of the shoe.
• Wear your orthotic devices one hour the first day, two hours the second day, three hours the third day and so on.
• Discomfort is expected, but discontinue orthotic wear if acute pain occurs.

Troubleshooting

•  Your orthoses may require some small change or adjustment. These adjustments are made in accordance with the changed position your feet are assuming because of improved function.
• Try to purchase shoes that have a deeper heel seat or higher cover, or an orthotic friendly shoe.
• A six week review is recommended after you start wearing your devices to ensure fit and comfort is adequate.

Severs Disease

Also known as Calcaneal Apophysitis

Symptoms

 Heel pain, usually in young physically active individuals, which is:

• Gradual in onset, and worse on
• exercise, especially running or jumping.
• Relieved by rest.
• Often bilateral.

Repeated activity leads to a small injury where the calf muscle tendon attaches to the heel bone.

Treatment

 Apply Rocktape & Rocksauce before activity.

Stretches as shown below – 30sec x 2 daily.

If pain continues at the same level, we may use shoe inserts.

Orthotic Devices

Your feet are like wheels on a car. If they are out of alignment, they can lead to wear and tear on other parts of the body. Poorly aligned feet can cause pain in not only the feet but the ankles, hips and back.

Foot orthoses are shoe inserts designed to support, align, or improve the function of the foot.

People of all ages with a variety of foot and leg problems wear orthoses.

Orthoses provide valuable long term solutions by providing consistent postural control.

Orthotic Options

Fully Customized Orthotic Therapy

• The first appointment allows for visual gait analysis to enable correct prescription of the orthoses. A cast of your feet is then obtained. At this time a $353.40 deposit is required.
• The issue appointment is approx 3 weeks later, where the orthoses are measured and fitted in your footwear. The balance of $412.50 for the devices is payable at this time.
• Total cost $765.90 inc GST.

Accommodative (Off the shelf) Devices

• We do have several varieties of Medical Orthoses that your Podiatrist can fit you with. If you are interested in one of these options, we are happy to discuss these with you.

Plantar Heel Pain

Symptoms

• Pain at the base of the heel.
• Worst first thing in the morning, or first instance of weight bearing.
• Pain can be: burning, tightness, sharp, jabbing, stabbing.
• Eases as steps continue.

Multiple causes, such as – weight gain/ loss, increased or differing activity level.

Also known as: heel spur, plantar fasciitis or bursitis.

Treatment

• Modify footwear– fasteners ie: lace up, heel pads or cushioning can relieve pain.
• Achilles & Hamstring Stretch (30sec/twice day).
• Rocktape Strapping & Rocksauce (leave on for 3 – 5 days).
• Orthotic intervention/ shoe inserts. Your Podiatrist can explain the benefit these devices can make long term.

Treatment for Fungal Toe Nails

Use Anti-Fungal Cream – for nails & skin (Do not use this product between the toes).

• Always treat the back of the nail to protect the new growth from infection.
• Apply Lamisil Cream to each toe daily for one week, repeat each month (so one week on & three weeks off).
• Use Tea Tree Foot Spray sparingly (one spray on each foot), twice a week.

Lamisil Cream & Tea Tree Foot Spray are available to purchase from the clinic.

These can be purchased as a combo (which saves you $10), or they can be purchased individually.