Footwear And Custom Orthotics Arcadia

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 various structures. 

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. 

ArcadiaArcadiaArcadiaArcadiaFoot 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. 

ArcadiaArcadiaArcadiaArcadiaThe benefits of orthotics include effective cushioning, support, pressure distribution, and reduced pain from issues like arthritis, bunions, plantar fasciitis, and flat feet. 

ArcadiaArcadiaArcadiaArcadiaFootwear influences your posture and overall alignment. Following an in-depth gait analysis, our podiatrists will help you choose the best shoes for your needs. Foot function, treatment, and performance are all key factors we consider when prescribing footwear. 

ArcadiaArcadiaArcadiaArcadiaWearing the right shoes isn’t just about protecting your feet from surfaces and rocks; it also helps maintain balance and proper posture. The design and fit of your shoes can make your feet work harder or easier, impacting their function. This is especially crucial when using orthotics to treat foot or leg pain. At the Foot and Leg Pain Centre, we can evaluate your new shoes to ensure they meet your needs. Proper footwear also prevents issues like plantar fasciitis and calluses by providing essential support and care. 

ArcadiaArcadiaArcadiaArcadiaNo, you don’t need a referral for orthotics, so feel free to make an appointment today! 

ArcadiaArcadiaArcadiaArcadiaAll of our treatments are rooted in evidence-based care. For further insights on footwear and orthotics, explore the references provided. 

• 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.