Orthotic Therapy 

The foot is a complex structure of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, fascias, muscles, nerves and blood vessels. Biomechanics describes the study of the way that all of these work together (in the foot and lower limbs) to perform movement, like walking and running. Our bodies need to absorb shock with every step we take; and this is amplified when we run or jump. If your feet are not mechanically functioning in their most effective position, pain can often be the result.

 
Our podiatrists perform Biomechanical Assessments for foot pain sufferers – where they assess your mechanics when you stand and walk, test muscle strength and joint movement to determine the cause of your foot pain.

Treatment will often involve short- and long-term solutions: to provide conservative measures to help provide immediate relief to a painful area, but also address the underlying reasons for the pain and improve the foot mechanics (by means of orthotics, footwear and exercises) to prevent further injury. Commonly treated conditions include heel pain, arch pain, pain in the ball of the foot and ankle injuries. Knee and lower back pain are also often related to your overall posture and gait.

Orthotics are customised foot inserts that are placed into your shoes to improve the function of the foot or redistribute foot pressures. At Lidcombe Podiatry, we use the newest 3D foot scanning technology to capture the shape of your foot accurately and ensure that the devices are tailored to improve your individual foot mechanics.

 

Commonly treated biomechanical conditions

(Can include, but are not limited to the following)

Heel & Arch Pain

A number of reasons for these symptoms – plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis, heel spur syndrome, retrocalcaneal bursitis and fat pad inflammation

Forefoot Pain

Can be a result of: sesamoiditis, hallux limitus, hallux abducto valgus (bunions), pain in the ball of the foot, Morton’s neuromas (nerve sheath thickening in the forefoot, resulting in pain and numb toes)

Ankle Pain

Can be caused by ligament injuries and tendonitis of the tendons which course down either side of the ankle

Shin Splints

Runners are generally more prone to painful overuse injuries such as medial tibial stress syndrome and anterior compartment syndrome

Knee Pain

Often a result of poor foot and lower limb biomechanics (and strength of muscles surrounding the patella). This condition may be treatable with muscle strengthening exercises and orthotics

Book in for a Biomechanical Assessment!

Book in for a Biomechanical Assessment if you suffer from pain in the feet, legs, hips or lower back.

Book Online