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Orthotics are shoe inserts used to change how pressure and load are distributed through the feet and lower limbs. At Your Foot Clinic, we only recommend orthotics when an assessment indicates they may form a useful part of your treatment plan.
Depending on your needs, this may involve a prefabricated device or an orthotic made specifically for your feet.
Do You Need Orthotics?
Not everyone experiencing foot or lower limb pain needs orthotics.
Before recommending them, our podiatrists look at your symptoms, activity levels, footwear, foot posture and how your feet function during movement. In many cases, orthotics work best alongside other strategies such as footwear changes, strengthening or mobility exercises.
Orthotics may be considered when foot mechanics or pressure distribution are contributing to:
- Heel or arch pain
- Forefoot discomfort
- Foot fatigue during walking or standing
- Certain sports or running-related problems
- Pressure around bunions or other structural changes
- Lower limb discomfort associated with the way the foot is functioning
Understanding your foot posture is one part of determining whether additional support may be appropriate.
What Are Orthotics?
Orthotics, also called foot orthoses, are inserts worn inside shoes to influence the way load and pressure move through the foot.
Depending on their design, they may be used to:
- Support or offload particular areas
- Redistribute pressure
- Improve comfort during walking or standing
- Assist with certain biomechanical problems
- Work alongside rehabilitation or strengthening programs
The goal is not to force every foot into the same position. The appropriate design depends on the individual, their symptoms and what the podiatrist identifies during assessment.
What Happens During an Orthotic Assessment?
An orthotic assessment starts with understanding why you are experiencing pain or discomfort.
Your podiatrist may assess:
- Your symptoms and medical history
- The activities that aggravate your condition
- Foot and ankle movement
- Foot posture and lower limb function
- Your usual shoes and wear patterns
- Walking or running mechanics where relevant
A footwear assessment is particularly important because an orthotic needs to work with the shoes you actually wear.
Where a more detailed movement assessment is useful, video gait analysis may also form part of the process.
Conditions Where Orthotics May Be Considered
Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis
For some people with plantar heel pain, changing how load moves through the foot may help reduce stress on sensitive structures.
Orthotics are not automatically required for plantar fasciitis, but they may be considered alongside footwear changes, stretching, strengthening and load management.
Learn more about plantar fasciitis treatment.
Flat Feet and High Arches
Both flatter and higher-arched feet can function normally without pain.
However, when foot structure or movement is contributing to discomfort, an orthotic may be used to redistribute pressure or provide additional support.
Forefoot Pain
Pain under the ball of the foot can sometimes be associated with concentrated pressure through particular areas.
An orthotic can be designed to change where this pressure is placed and reduce load through sensitive structures where appropriate.
Bunions and Structural Foot Changes
Orthotics cannot reverse a bunion or permanently change the shape of the foot.
They may, however, be used in some cases to redistribute pressure, improve comfort and work alongside suitable footwear.
Lower Limb Pain
The way the feet function can sometimes influence loading through the ankles, knees and other areas of the lower limb.
An assessment is needed to determine whether the foot is actually contributing before orthotics are recommended.
Prefabricated or Custom Orthotics?
Your Foot Clinic uses both prefabricated and custom-made orthoses. The appropriate option depends on your condition, foot shape, footwear and treatment goals.
Prefabricated Orthoses
Prefabricated orthoses are pre-made devices available in different shapes, sizes and levels of support.
They may be appropriate when:
- The required adjustment is relatively straightforward
- A custom device is not necessary
- Short-term support is being trialled
- The available device suits the patient’s foot and footwear
Your podiatrist can select and adjust the most appropriate option rather than relying on a generic insert chosen without assessment.
Custom-Made Orthoses
Custom orthoses are prescribed for the individual and manufactured using measurements or a three-dimensional representation of the feet.
They may be considered when:
- More specific pressure redistribution is required
- Foot shape makes prefabricated options unsuitable
- Symptoms or biomechanics require a more individualised prescription
- The orthotic needs to perform differently between the left and right foot
Where appropriate, a scan or other measurement method is used together with the podiatrist’s prescription.
What Happens After You Receive Your Orthotics?
Getting the device is only part of the treatment process.
Your podiatrist will explain:
- How to gradually introduce the orthotics
- Which shoes they are suitable for
- What changes or sensations to expect
- Whether exercises or other treatment should continue
- When the orthotics should be reviewed
Adjustments can be made if the device requires modification after you begin wearing it.
The aim is for the orthotics to complement your broader treatment plan, not replace the need for appropriate movement, footwear and strength where these factors are relevant.
Why Choose Your Foot Clinic for Orthotics?
Our approach starts with determining whether orthotics are actually appropriate for your condition.
Patients have access to:
- Assessment by university-qualified podiatrists
- Foot and lower limb biomechanical assessment
- Footwear review
- Walking and running assessment where relevant
- Prefabricated and custom options
- Ongoing review and modification where required
Orthotic assessments are available at our Ferntree Gully clinic and Doncaster East clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthotics
How do I know if I need orthotics?
Pain alone does not mean you need orthotics. A podiatrist can assess your symptoms, foot mechanics, footwear and activity demands to determine whether an orthotic would be useful or whether another treatment approach is more appropriate.Are custom orthotics better than prefabricated orthotics?
Not necessarily. The best option depends on what you need the device to do. Some patients are well suited to a prefabricated orthosis, while others require a more individualised prescription.Will orthotics fix flat feet?
Orthotics do not permanently change the underlying structure of an adult foot. They are used to influence pressure, movement or support where this may help manage symptoms.Can orthotics help plantar fasciitis?
They may form part of treatment for some people with plantar fasciitis, particularly where load distribution or foot mechanics are contributing. They are usually considered alongside other treatment strategies rather than in isolation.Can I wear orthotics in any shoes?
Not every orthotic suits every shoe. Shoe depth, width, fastening and internal space all matter. Bringing the shoes you commonly wear to your assessment helps your podiatrist consider this when recommending a device.How long does it take to get used to orthotics?
Adjustment varies between people. Your podiatrist will generally provide instructions for gradually introducing the devices and review them if you experience persistent problems.Do I need a referral for an orthotic assessment?
Private patients can generally book directly with a podiatrist. Some funded care arrangements may require a referral or additional documentation.Book an Orthotic Assessment
If foot or lower limb discomfort is affecting your walking, work or exercise, an assessment can help determine whether orthotics or another treatment approach may be appropriate.
Or call 03 9753 6222.
