Orthotics
Our podiatrists are trained to perform gait assessments and look at any lower limb mal-alignments through a comprehensive 'Biomechanical Assessment'.
Orthoses are devices used to realign the feet and legs, allowing them to function correctly. As all the structures of the body are connected, abnormal alignment of the feet may affect other parts of the body causing pain or deformity. Orthoses can be beneficial for the foot, legs, hip and even lower back pain.
Orthoses differ from insoles or arch supports that may be purchased without prescription, as they are manufactured and prescribed for the individual.
Before prescription, your podiatrist will perform an assessment. This involves watching how you stand and walk, and testing your joints and muscles. Taking these factors into account, the orthoses are made to treat your particular foot type and problem.
Orthoses can vary in length and features and this can dictate what conditions they are used to manage. For example:
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Full length orthotics are used for rear foot, mid foot, forefoot correction and shock absorbing. A variety of top covers can be made to accommodate more dressier shoes. Full length orthotics can also be made specifically to fit your Revere sandals.
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Web length orthotics have all the same attributes as the full length with the added advantage of padding underneath the ball of the foot but the toe region free to enhance shoe fit.
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Shell Length orthotics provide rear foot and mid foot correction but provides no padding in the forefoot but can have padding over the shell. Shell Length orthotics have the same correction as web and full length but even greater shoe transferability and are some of the lowest bulk devices we offer.
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Court orthotics can be divided into 2 further categories (court hook and full heel) these are used for shoes of 50mm and higher, less supportive or corrective elements but a real advantage of this it can be used in your dress shoe as it is low bulk and narrower than a regular orthotic.
Orthotics ca be used to treat the following conditions such as:
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Plantar fasciitis
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Osteoarthritis pain
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Painful callouses and corns
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Heel spur syndrome
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Ankle injuries/repeated rolling of ankles
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Flat feet and related pain
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Lower back pain
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Knee pain
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Achilles tendinopathy
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Server's disease in children
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Out-toeing & in-toeing in children
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Providing cushioning to forefoot pathologies
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Morton's neuroma
And more......
the RICHIE BRACE
The Richie Brace is a custom-made ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) designed to provide dynamic support and stability for individuals with progressive flat foot, also known as adult-acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD). This condition often results from dysfunction of the posterior tibial tendon, leading to arch collapse, hindfoot valgus, and foot fatigue during standing or walking.
Unlike rigid braces that limit all motion, the Richie Brace combines a custom-molded foot orthotic with semi-rigid uprights that support the ankle while still allowing controlled movement. This design helps reduce strain on the posterior tibial tendon, improve alignment, and restore a more natural gait pattern. By stabilizing the hindfoot and supporting the medial longitudinal arch, it can significantly decrease pain and slow progression of the deformity.
The Richie Brace is commonly prescribed in moderate stages of progressive flat foot when orthotics alone are no longer sufficient but surgery is not yet indicated. It can be worn inside most lace-up or athletic shoes and is often part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include physical therapy and activity modification.
For patients seeking non-surgical management of progressive flat foot, the Richie Brace offers a balance of comfort, mobility, and corrective support that helps maintain function and quality of life.