Faye Pattison Physiotherapy work with a specialist manufacturing company in the orthotics industry (Foothealth UK).Our biomechanicaltherapists have been trained directly by Foothealth’s medical director Kieran Carew who originally trained as a sports injury therapist and went on to study Podiatry. Kieran developed a keen interest in biomechanics during his career and now dedicates himself exclusively to foot biomechanics and orthotics.
While working together with Foothealth over the past years, we now have the most advance and up to date scanning technology available via Apple using an I-pad Scanner to allow our patients to achieve incredible success.
Taken from Wikipedia – “Orthotics (Greek: Ορθός, ortho, “to straighten” or “align”) is a specialty within the medical field concerned with the design, manufacture and application of orthoses. An orthosis (plural: orthoses) is “an externally applied device used to modify the structural and functional characteristics of the neuromuscular and skeletal system”.[1] An orthotist is the primary medical clinician responsible for the prescription, manufacture and management of orthoses.”
Could we imagine a world of identical human beings with the same looks, personality and character? This is not the case and is true for every foot. Each foot (even feet belonging to the same individual) leaves a unique foot print just like a finger print. There are many difference between feet from; High arch, Flat feet, over-pronating, supinating, under-pronating, width, length and volume which all have a direct influence on your bodies posture. There are an infinite number of possibilities for foot shapes so we have to ensure each orthotic is specific to your foot, your weight, along with other factors to allow the orthotic to offer the specific correction needed to get you out of pain or to help your body to function in a more biomechanically sound way to help prevent future injuries resulting from the poor foot biomechanics.
How do orthotics work?
Our custom orthotics work by realigning the feet and ankles to restore foot function, distribute weight, alleviate pressure on ‘sore spots’, provide shock absorption, reduce pain and prevent future problems and injuries.
Orthotic inserts allow the feet and lower limbs to function at their optimum potential and biomechanically correct. Orthotics can decrease pain, alleviate pressure, and increase stability in an unstable joint. In addition, orthotics are used to treat specific pathologies such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, Shin splints, achillies hell pain, knee pain, hip pain, arthritis and much more, see conditions we can help with orthotics(this to be linked to the below conditions we can help with orthotics).
I would like the below on our website with a picture however I need to change wording as this is cut direct from our labs webpage.
Conditions we can help with orthotics
HEEL/ARCH PAIN Heel Spur / Plantar Fasciitis
Heel pain occurs when the plantar ligament beneath the foot is constantly pulled and strained due to the foot collapsing into pronation or supination. This causes a condition called plantar fasciitis or heel spurs. There can be many different foot types that can be affected by this condition and it can aggravate all areas of the foot including the heel, inner or outer arch and even the ball of the foot.
BUNIONS
Bunions are caused by excessive weight being forced through the medial side of the first metatarsal head (behind the big toe). The pressure can cause the big toe to start to deviate inwards causing a lump to form on the outside of the toe. This can lead to a burning sensation or general pain and look unsightly. Accurate orthotics cannot cure a bunion, but will realign the foot and thus reduce pain and prevent the bunions becoming worse.
BALL OF THE FOOT (METATARSALS)
Pain and symptoms occurring in this area are usually due to a drop in the metatarsal heads which form the metatarsal arch in the ball of the foot. This can lead to metatarsalgia (a general pain in this area), Morton’s Neuroma, March fractures, corns and calluses.
SHIN PAIN / SHIN SPLINTS
Pain in the shins is usually a result of shin splints. This is caused by poor foot biomechanics resulting in the pulling of the muscle (Tibialis anterior) which runs between the bones in the lower leg. You may find this is normally aggravated when running and can instantly affect your sport/training or hobbies.
ANKLE PAIN
Pain in this area can be caused by a misalignment of the subtalar joint (main joint of the foot). This misalignment can lead to an instability of the ankle and can cause pain in the medial or lateral side.
ACHILLES PAIN Achilles Tendonitis
An instability in the subtalar joint can push the foot into pronation. This in turn forces the calf muscles to work harder to attempt to keep the foot in a neutral position. Since the Achilles tendon attaches onto the calf muscle and heel bone this can result in a constant pull and lead to inflammation of the Achilles (Achilles tendonitis). The Achilles is avascular and can be slow to heal. Therefore the condition can be extremely debilitating.
KNEE PAIN Patella-Femoral Syndrome
Pain which is localized to the front or medial aspect of the knee is normally caused by over pronation of the foot (flat feet). The pronated foot can cause the knee to internally rotate resulting in a misalignment of the knee cap leading to irritation of the Patella Tendon known as Patella Tendonitis or Chondromalacia.
HIP PAIN Piriformis Syndrome
Pronation of the foot can have an effect on the knee, causing an internal rotation. This can have an impact on the muscles that support the leg. In some cases this can lead to a pain in the outside of the thigh (Ilio Tibial Band syndrome) and into the hips (Piriformis syndrome).
LOWER BACK PROBLEMS
Lower back pain can often be a result of poor foot function and can occur if a patient has a condition known as Ankle Equines. Ankle Equines can cause a hyper extension of the knees and a forward tilt of the pelvis resulting in the patient suffering from Sacroiliac joint pain. Lower back pain can also occur from other biomechanical imbalances of the feet such as pronation and supination.
Types of orthotics available
We can offer an enormous range of orthotics style but list our most popular styles below. If you require a specific style of orthotic please call to discuss your requirements. We can put you through to a member of our technical team who will be happy to help.
Click to enlarge images
CLASSIC
This is a classic design suitable for flat shoes
CASUAL
Designed for more casual shoes such a loafers or flat
lace ups.
SPORT
Designed for extra shock absorbtion from the impact of sports and every day gym workouts. Can also be worn in trainers for general wear and comfort.
DRESS
For smart ladies shoes or men’s formal footwear.
FASHION
Tapered for ladies court shoes/high heels and additional padding in the ball of the foot area.
GOLF
Designed to cope with the various terrains and a perfect fit into golf shoes. Patients have noticed an improvement in their technique and swing!
FOOTBALL
A slim fit model of our sports orthotic. This is perfect
for football boots and other similar sports shoes such as cycling etc.
CHILDREN
All the above styles can be catered for children.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What is included in the assessment and how much does it cost?
A: You will be given a full biomechanical assessment with a fully trained member of staff. During the assessment they will examine the alignment of your feet, knees and hips and explain in detail any biomechanical imbalance that is occurring, discuss any conditions or pain this could be causing you and the options available to alleviate your discomfort.
This appointment is completely free of charge and there are no hidden costs
Q: How much are the orthotics?
A: Our orthotics are individually custom made for your exact requirements. They can vary between approximately £200 – £500. Until we see your feet we will not be able to give an accurate price but the consultation is free so it costs nothing to attend and be assessed.
Q: How long does it take for orthotics to work?
A: This can vary from patient to patient. Some will feel immediate relief while others can take time to adapt. Each case is very individual, but we are only a telephone call away to talk through your personal case. If at any time you are concerned or just want reassurance, our staff will be more than happy to see you for an aftercare appointment.
Q: How many times will I need to come and see you?
A: Usually only once. We can assess you and take your scans on the same day if you wish. However, if you prefer to think it over and come back for a separate scan appointment then you are also welcome to do so. Once you receive the orthotics, you may wish to arrange a follow up appointment after a few months to see how you are getting on or talk over any concerns.
Q: What can I do if orthotics are not suitable for my condition?
A: We have the distinct advantage of working alongside some for the leading practitioners in the field. If your condition cannot be helped with orthotics but would benefit from general podiatry, osteopathy, chiropractic treatment or even surgery we can direct you to a clinic or hospital that will be able to assist you.
Good bit of blurb to use on the site but again copied from another site…
Do you experience discomfort in your feet, ankles, knees, hips, back or neck when you head out for a jog? Is it preventing you from getting the best out of your exercise routine, or has it even stopped you from playing sports altogether? Many common injuries and niggles can be traced back to imbalances in your feet that cause problems in your gait. Book an appointment with the biomechanical assessment and orthotics clinic at Physio4Life and we can fit you for custom built insoles called orthotics to take the pain out of your exercise routine and allow you to push yourself harder than ever
Take the pain out of running with prescription orthotics
Exercising is tough enough without being in constant pain. Orthotics can reduce stress on the body, protect against injuries and even improve performance by correcting the alignment of your feet.
