What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are custom-designed shoe inserts that help support and align the feet and lower limbs. They’re used to manage a range of conditions, including foot pain, knee discomfort, and back strain, by correcting imbalances in posture and movement patterns. At our clinic, we assess, design, and fit orthotics based on how your body moves, not just how your feet look.

Orthotics aren’t just about comfort — they’re a functional tool used to assist in everyday movement. From walking and running to standing for long periods, well-made orthotics aim to redistribute forces through the lower limbs and help reduce excess strain on muscles and joints.

Why Are Orthotics Used in Physiotherapy?

Many people are unaware of the significant influence their feet have on the rest of their body. A slight imbalance at the foot or ankle can cause a ripple effect, impacting knees, hips, and even the lower back. That’s where physiotherapists come in.

We examine how your body moves as a whole, rather than in isolated parts. During your initial assessment, we analyze walking patterns (gait), joint mobility, and muscle engagement. From there, if it becomes clear that your foot alignment is contributing to broader discomfort or limitation, orthotics may be one of the options considered.

Orthotics are not a standalone solution. They’re part of a broader approach to support the way your body functions, reduce physical stress, and enable better movement over time.

Conditions That May Benefit from Orthotics

Orthotics can play a role in managing a variety of biomechanical issues and discomforts, including:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Poor foot mechanics often worsens a common cause of heel pain.
• Flat feet or high arches
• Both conditions can lead to imbalance, causing strain further up the kinetic chain.
• Shin splints
• Often linked to improper loading patterns in runners or active individuals.
• Achilles tendon strain
• In some cases, excessive foot motion can cause the tendon to become overloaded.
• Knee and hip discomfort
• Often, the result of long-standing misalignment during walking or weight-bearing activities.
• Lower back tightness
• Subtle postural shifts from the ground up can sometimes lead to compensations in the back.

Orthotics do not “fix” these concerns on their own. Instead, they are tools that support other therapeutic measures such as strengthening, manual therapy, and stretching.

What to Expect During a Custom Orthotic Assessment

Your visit starts with a thorough conversation about your symptoms, physical activity level, and footwear habits. This is followed by a physical examination that may include:

• Gait analysis
• We assess how you walk or run, looking at stride length, foot strike, and symmetry.
• Postural screening
• Examining alignment of the ankles, knees, hips, and spine.
• Joint mobility testing
• Check how each joint in your lower body is moving.
• Pressure mapping (where available)
• Advanced tools may be used to see how weight is distributed when you stand or move.

From this data, we determine if orthotics are appropriate and what type of support would be most suitable.

Types of Orthotics We Provide

We offer various types of orthotic inserts tailored to your specific needs. These may include:

• Rigid orthotics are made from firm materials to control motion and are often used in walking or dress shoes.
• Semi-rigid orthotics strike a balance between support and flexibility, making them ideal for individuals with active lifestyles.
• Soft orthotics are designed to cushion and absorb shock, and are often used for people with sensitive feet or underlying health conditions.

Each pair is fabricated based on detailed measurements and observations from your assessment. Turnaround time may vary depending on the complexity of the design and whether adjustments are needed during the fitting process.

How Orthotics Fit Into Your Treatment Plan

Orthotics are never used in isolation. We integrate them into a treatment plan that may include:

• Physiotherapy exercises
• To build strength and stability in the feet, legs, and core.
• Manual therapy
• To help reduce stiffness or tension in surrounding joints and muscles.
• Footwear recommendations
• We may suggest specific features to look for in shoes to help the orthotics work effectively.
• Ongoing re-evaluation
• As your body adapts, we track changes and adjust the plan as needed.

Your progress is measured not just by how the orthotics feel in your shoes, but by how well you’re able to move throughout your day without restriction.

When Should You Consider an Orthotic Assessment?

You may want to book an assessment if:

• Your foot or leg discomfort increases with walking or standing
• You’ve had recurring issues with running or sports
• You notice unusual wear on your shoes
• You’ve tried other approaches with limited improvement
• Your physiotherapist or healthcare provider recommends it