Footwear And Custom Orthotics Norwest

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. 

Orthotics can be worn in a variety of shoe styles, but they aren’t compatible with every type of footwear. Your podiatrist will assess your current shoes and recommend alternatives that best support your orthotic treatment and individual foot requirements. As sports podiatrists, we aim to help you stay comfortable in your preferred heel height while navigating the complexities of fashion footwear to find the ideal fit for your needs. 

NorwestNorwestNorwestNorwestOrthotics are custom shoe inserts that provide support for weak or injured parts of your feet. It’s essential to reassess their fit every six to twelve months. Many patients appreciate their comfort, but our ultimate goal is to strengthen your feet, reducing reliance on them over time. 

NorwestNorwestNorwestNorwestWith orthotics, you can enjoy benefits like proper cushioning, foot support, pressure redistribution, and pain relief for conditions such as plantar fasciitis, arthritis, flat feet, and bunions. 

NorwestNorwestNorwestNorwestYour choice of footwear significantly impacts your postural alignment. After a detailed gait analysis and assessment, our expert podiatrists will recommend the right shoes for you. Footwear affects your condition, treatment, and overall foot performance, all of which will be carefully considered in your prescription. 

NorwestNorwestNorwestNorwestWearing 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. 

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

NorwestNorwestNorwestNorwestAll 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.