Not everyone does — but orthotics can be helpful if you’re experiencing persistent foot or leg pain, recurring injuries, or need additional support during activity. At Achieve Podiatry Port Macquarie, we assess whether orthotics are clinically indicated and only recommend them as part of a broader treatment plan when they will add value. We’ll guide you through the decision, explain your options clearly, and ensure the plan aligns with your goals.

Most custom orthotics last between 2 to 5 years, depending on usage, materials, and foot changes. We recommend a review every 12–18 months to check for wear, ensure continued comfort, and make any necessary adjustments.

In many cases, yes — but it depends on the shoe type. We’ll help you choose orthotics that fit most of your shoes or guide you on getting a second pair for different styles (like running shoes vs. work boots).

Orthotics can help manage a range of musculoskeletal and biomechanical conditions, including:

• Plantar fasciitis and heel pain

• Medial and lateral tendon overuse injuries

• Flat feet or high-arched foot posture

• Forefoot pain and metatarsalgia

• Knee pain (including patellofemoral pain)

• Shin splints and stress injuries

  They’re used as part of a broader treatment plan to improve comfort, offload injured areas, and support movement.

Orthotics help reduce pain by improving the way your body moves and offloading stress from sensitive or overloaded tissues. By changing how force is distributed across the foot and lower limb, orthotics can reduce pressure on painful areas, support joint alignment, and promote more efficient movement. This can help relieve symptoms and reduce strain on injured or irritated structures.

Yes. We recommend a break-in period of 7–10 days, starting with 1–2 hours of wear at home and slowly building up over time. This helps your muscles and joints adapt. We’ll provide you with personalised advice on how to break them in safely and comfortably.