Foot And Leg Pain Centre

Footwear And Orthotics

You won’t be sole-ly disappointed!

Orthotics: Good For Your Sole

Foot orthotics are a prescribed form of insole that is handmade to an individual’s specific foot or feet. Orthotics are often used to correct foot pathologies in an effort to reduce musculoskeletal pains in the feet and legs. In saying that, orthotics should always feel comfortable! They can be fitted into a wide range of footwear choices so that whatever you do and wherever you go, you can take comfort with you.

Orthotics: Explained

Orthotics For Children

The most influential years for a child’s foot development are prior to age six. Some conditions will be retained for life if not addressed prior to the age of two. Foot orthotics are an effective treatment for growing pains. Correct footwear can have a profound effect on improving your child’s balance, walking and running endurance.

General Orthotics

Custom functional orthotics are designed to address specific joints, allowing for improved muscle activity and restoring better function. They can also help reduce the load on injured structures and slow down the progression of conditions such as bunions and osteoarthritis. In addition, orthotics can be useful for individuals suffering from osteoarthritis in the feet or knees, plantar fasciitis, heel spur syndrome, Morton’s Neuroma, and other similar conditions. By providing support and reducing abnormal movement, orthotics can prevent further injury and improve overall biomechanics.

Orthotics For Sport

Enhance your performance and leave pain behind with Sports Orthotics. No matter which sports you or your child plays, orthotics are available to help you run, kick, and jump comfortably. We can provide orthotics for sport-specific footwear, such as football boots, ballet slippers, ice skates, ski boots or golf shoes.

Fashion Orthotics For Heels

Whoever said we need to suffer for fashion was straight-up wrong! Orthotics for high heels and other forms of fashion footwear may help to improve foot and leg comfort while strutting and showing off your style.

Foot And Leg Pain Centre

Why Foot and Leg Pain Centre?

Qualified Sports Podiatrist

Dr Angus Chard, PhD, is a qualified sports podiatrist and expert on the effect of footwear on foot and leg dynamics. He has 30 years of experience hand-making custom orthotics for multiple podiatrists. He is an expert at prescribing and making comfortable world-class foot orthotics for those in need of them.

Chronic Condition-Friendly

We will strive to end your chronic foot and leg pain, rehabilitate your legs and feet, and then provide you with the knowledge to be independent of treatment to leave the pain behind.

Motivated Team

We understand foot and leg pain is a ball and chain affecting your every decision. We are driven to provide world-class cost-effective solutions to resolve your chronic foot and or leg symptoms so you can get back to doing what you love.

A Note For Referrals

Looking for a trusted podiatrist to refer patients? Put an end to your patients’ chronic foot and leg pain with our evidence-based foot orthotic approach. We’re happy to accept referrals from practitioners who believe their patients would benefit from our care. With a particular interest in foot and leg pain, we’re able to deliver tailored care that is backed by the latest evidence-based treatments. We are also happy to collaborate with you and receive your patients under the Enhanced Primary Care Plan arrangement. Contact us today to learn more.

Foot And Leg Pain Centre

Your Orthotics Questions Answered

What is the purpose of orthotics?

Orthotics aim to improve foot posture (and, by extension, overall posture) by supporting the feet with specially designed shoe inserts. Orthotics may help reduce pain and discomfort in the feet and lower limbs by altering muscle activation and excessive loading of variouse structures.

Can orthotics be worn in any shoe?

While orthotics may be worn in many different styles of shoe, they’re not suitable for every type available. Your podiatrist will work with you to review your existing footwear and prescribe alternate footwear that will better complement your orthotic treatment and foot needs. As sports podiatrists, we recognise our role as helping you to be comfortable in the fashion shoe heel height of your choice while guiding you through the labyrinth of fashion footwear to the style most suitable for you.

Will I have to wear orthotics forever?

Foot orthotics are special shoe inserts that help fix injured or weak parts of your feet. It’s important to check if the orthotics still fit you well every six, nine, or twelve months. Although patients find them comfortable and choose to wear them, our ultimate goal is to help patients become strong enough not to need them all the time, and wear them only when they want to.

What are the greatest benefits of orthotics?

Orthotics offer many benefits, including appropriate cushioning and support, the redistribution of pressure on your feet, and a reduction in pain caused by conditions such as arthritis, plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and bunions.

How does footwear affect posture?

The type of shoe you wear plays into your postural alignment. Our experienced podiatrists will guide your footwear choice following an extensive gait analysis and assessment. Footwear will enhance or detract from your condition, your treatment, foot function and performance. These functional considerations will be considered with any footwear prescription.

What is the importance of proper footwear?

Wearing the right shoes does more than just protect your feet from hot surfaces and rocks. It also helps you keep your balance and stand up straight. Shoes can make your feet work better or worse, harder or easier depending on their design and fit. Choosing the right shoes is especially important if you’re also using orthotics to treat foot or leg pain. At the Foot and Leg Pain Centre, we’re happy to check any new shoes you’re thinking of buying to make sure they’re suitable for your needs. Good footwear can also prevent common problems like plantar fasciitis and calluses by giving your feet the care and support they deserve.

Do I need a referral for orthotics?

No, you don’t need a referral for orthotics, so feel free to make an appointment today!

Do you use an evidence-based approach?

We proudly use evidence-based approaches for all of our treatment options. Explore the following references for more information on footwear and orthotics.

Burns, J., et al. (2006). “Effective orthotic therapy for the painful cavus foot: A randomized controlled trial.” Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association 96(3): 205-211.
Staheli, L.T., Shoes for children: a review. Pediatrics, 1991. 88(2): p. 371-375.
Walther, M., et al., Children sport shoes. A systematic review of current literature. Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery, 2008. 14: p. 180 – 189.
Barwick, A., J. Smith, and V. Chuter, The relationship between foot motion and lumbopelvic–hip function: A review of the literature. The foot, 2012. 22(3): p. 224-231.
Bird, A.R., A.P. Bendrups, and C.B. Payne, The effect of foot wedging on electromyographic activity in the erector spinae and gluteus medius muscles during walking. Gait and Posture, 2003. 18(2): p. 81-91.
Bleck, E. E. (1983). “Metatarsus adductus: Classification and relationship to outcomes of treatment.” Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics 3(1): 2-9.
Barwick, A., et al. (2012). “The relationship between foot motion and lumbopelvic–hip function: A review of the literature.” The Foot 22(3): 224-231.
Chard, B. A. (2017). The effect of unsupportive and supportive footwear on children’s multi-segment foot dynamics during gait. USYD: Thesis
Gordillo-Fernández, L. M., et al. (2015). “Effect by custom-made foot orthoses with added support under the first metatarso-phalangeal joint in hallux limitus patients: Improving on first metatarso-phalangeal joint extension.” Prosthetics and Orthotics International.
Kothari, A., et al. (2016). “Are flexible flat feet associated with proximal joint problems in children?” Gait and Posture 45: 204-210.
Mundermann, A., et al., Foot orthoses affect frequency components of muscle activity in the lower extremity. Gait & Posture, 2006. 23(3): p. 295-302.
Nawoczenski, D.A., C.L. Saltzman, and T.M. Cook, The effect of foot structure on the three-dimensional kinematic coupling behavior of the leg and rear foot. Physical therapy, 1998. 78(4): p. 404-416.
Tomaro, J. and R.G. Burdett, The effects of foot orthotics on the EMG activity of selected leg muscles during gait. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 1993. 18(4): p. 532-536.
Murley, G.S., K.B. Landorf, and H.B. Menz, Do foot orthoses change lower limb muscle activity in flat-arched feet towards a pattern observed in normal-arched feet? Clinical Biomechanics, 2010. 25(7): p. 728-736.
Murley, G. S. and A. R. Bird (2006). “The effect of three levels of foot orthotic wedging on the surface electromyographic activity of selected lower limb muscles during gait.” Clinical Biomechanics 21(10): 1074-1080.

Foot And Leg Pain Centre

Ready, Set, Run To Foot And Leg Pain Centre

Whether you’re taking your first steps, a sports star on the rise, a student, or a retiree, if you have any pain or discomfort in your feet, this may be alleviated by footwear guidance and or orthotics. At Foot and Leg Pain Centre, we offer the latest 3D foot orthotics technology, the gold standard for customised treatments to get you back to full pain-free function as quickly as possible. To get started, book an appointment with us today.