Orthotics in Forest Hill

We provide orthotics at our podiatry clinic for people with sports-related pain and other ongoing foot and leg problems.

What are foot orthotics?

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

There are many different types of orthotics. In many cases we prescribe custom devices made to suit your individual needs and biomechanics (the way your body moves). In other situations, a well-chosen prefabricated or semi-customised device is adequate and more practical.

Who wears orthotics?

People of all ages use orthotics for a range of foot and lower limb problems.

Sportspeople are often prescribed orthotics to help address mechanical issues and support performance. Children may use orthotics to improve foot posture while their skeleton is still developing. Anyone with a chronic foot or lower limb condition that is limiting mobility or independence may benefit from wearing orthoses.

When are orthotics used?

Orthotics are only prescribed after a comprehensive assessment. We look at your foot posture and biomechanics, the type of footwear you use, and your occupational and lifestyle demands.

Orthotics can play a long-term role in the treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of both acute and chronic foot conditions such as heel pain, tendon and muscle pain, recurrent ankle sprain and foot and ankle stress fractures by providing consistent postural control. They may also help reduce corns, callus and ulceration by redistributing pressure from the body’s weight across the feet.

What to expect when being prescribed orthotics

• A full clinical assessment of your foot problem by a podiatrist before any prescription is made
• Prescription orthotics tailored to your individual needs
• Provision of any additional treatment that is required alongside orthotics
• Advice about exercises, footwear and training methods where relevant
• Fine-tuning or correction of any problems experienced when wearing your orthotics

Common problems we use orthotics for

Orthotics are rarely a stand-alone answer. We use them alongside exercise, load management and footwear changes for conditions where foot mechanics clearly drive overload, including:

• Heel pain and plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendon pain
• Foot and arch pain
• Ball of foot pain
• Shin splints and shin pain
• Flat feet and overpronation
• Bunions and big toe joint pain
• Children’s foot and leg pain

Book an orthotics assessment

If you have ongoing foot, heel or leg pain, or a long-standing mechanical problem, it may be appropriate to consider orthotics as part of your treatment plan. You can book an orthotics assessment online or call the clinic to discuss the most suitable appointment.

Lefort Podiatry provides orthotics for patients from Forest Hill and surrounding suburbs including Burwood East, Blackburn, Vermont and Mount Waverley.