Customised Medical Grade Orthotics: A Smarter Approach to Foot Support

At Achieve Podiatry, we frequently prescribe foot orthotics to help manage various foot conditions. However, unlike spectacles, which are often required for life, foot orthotics are typically used for a short period. Their primary function is not to create permanent gait changes but to reduce excessive load on different areas of the foot and ankle, allowing the body to heal naturally.

The Role of Foot Orthotics in Pain Relief

The human body is adaptable and resilient. When pain occurs in the foot, reducing the load on the affected area below a certain threshold enables healing. Once recovery occurs, we often prescribe exercises to build strength and improve the foot’s ability to tolerate everyday stresses. As a result, many patients find they no longer need orthotics after completing their rehabilitation program.

Prefabricated vs. Custom Orthotics: What’s the Best Choice?

Expensive custom-made orthotics are often unnecessary for most foot pain cases. Instead, at Achieve Podiatry, we use high-quality prefabricated medical-grade orthotics, which we customise to meet each patient’s unique needs.

How We Customise Prefabricated Orthotics

• Heat Moulding: This process allows the orthotic to conform more closely to the individual’s foot shape.
• Material Modifications: We use a variety of materials to fine-tune support and redistribute pressure across the foot.

By making these modifications in the clinic, prefabricated orthotics can often provide results comparable to fully custom-made devices, depending on the foot type.

Benefits of Customised Prefabricated Orthotics

• Cost-Effective: $150 compared to $500+ for custom orthotics
• Same-Day Dispensing: No long wait times for fabrication
• Soft and Comfortable: Designed for immediate wearability
• Easily Adjustable: Modifications can be made as needed
• Highly Effective: Often comparable in function to custom orthotics

A Modern Approach to Podiatry

We believe in shifting away from attempting to permanently alter gait with orthotics. Instead, we focus on using orthotics as a short-to-medium-term strategy to reduce load and facilitate healing. This patient-centred approach is supported by growing evidence and allows us to achieve great results while keeping costs manageable.

Of course, some complex cases still require fully custom orthotics. However, for the vast majority of patients, our customised prefabricated orthotics provide an effective and affordable solution.

Have Questions? Let’s Talk!

If you're experiencing foot pain and wondering whether orthotics could help, we'd love to chat. Our podiatrist, Cameron, is happy to answer any questions and help you find the best solution for your needs.