Orthotics

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are specialised devices designed to support, align, or improve the function of your feet. Think of them as personalised insoles that can be slipped into your shoes to provide additional comfort and support.

Orthotics have many uses, they can be created to help accommodate and offload a foot deformity, support a low arch foot or add stability to someone with a high arch foot. They can help redistribute pressures across the foot and minimise areas of high load or unwanted wear patterns on the bottom of your shoe.

At Maroochy Podiatry, we use traditional hand-made manufacturing techniques to create our orthotics, on-site. We do not send our casts away to be made by an external orthotic lab.

Custom vs Pre-fabricated Orthotics: What’s the Difference?

Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics, now known as ‘patient-matched’ are tailored specifically to your feet. Our process begins with taking a plaster cast of both feet. This negative mould is then used to create a positive cast, which is further modified with plaster expansions to form the shape of the orthotic. This process ensures that the orthotic suits the individuals specific needs and goals. 

Pre-fabricated Orthotics

Pre-fabricated orthotics are “off-the-shelf” devices with a more generic shape. At Maroochy Podiatry we use ‘PolyFab Orthotics’ which come in various arch heights and shell lengths, allowing us to select the one that best matches your foot type. To enhance the fit and functionality, we make small modifications/additions to further customise the device to your feet. While they may not be as tailored as custom orthotics, prefabricated options can still provide significant relief and support for a variety of foot conditions.

If you have any questions or are interested in getting a pair of custom or prefabricated orthotics, feel free to book an appointment, so we can determine the best option and treatment for you.