ORTHOTIC DEVICES ARE CUSTOM SHOE INSERTS that are intended to accommodate or correct an abnormal, or irregular, walking pattern. Orthoses are not solely “arch supports,” although some people use those words to describe them and they perhaps can best be understood with those words in mind. Orthotics may be used for different types of sports, the care of the diabetic foot, plantar fasciitis, bunions, heel spurs, abnormal gait, arthritic & grossly deformed feet and body balance. It is important to have your lower extremity evaluated as a whole to provide for appropriate orthotic control for foot problems.
A PODOSCOPE allows me to carry out a static examination of the feet by providing a view of your footprints to reveal the foot’s load-bearing zones.
The cause of your problem may not be in the feet, but elsewhere in your body.
A BIOMECHANICAL/POSTURAL STUDY of your walking pattern and posture must be observed by using a video. We also need to assess the joints (position, function, range of motion, etc.).
If an orthotic is required, a mold will be taken of your foot. This, along with measurements taken during the biomechanical exam will be used to create your custom made orthotic.
THE SEMIRIGID ORTHOTIC DEVICE provides for dynamic balance of the foot and body while walking or participating in sports. This orthotic is not a crutch. This functional dynamic orthotic helps to restore normal functions by guiding the foot through proper motions, allowing the muscles and tendons to perform more efficiently. The classic, semi-rigid orthotic is constructed of layers of soft material, reinforced with more rigid materials. These devices are long lasting, do not change shape and are usually difficult to break. Because of the nature of the materials involved, very little alteration in shoe size is necessary.
ORTHOTIC DEVICES FOR CHILDREN are effective in the treatment of children with foot deformities. Most physicians recommend that children with such deformities be placed in orthotics soon after they start walking, to stabilize the foot. The devices can be placed directly into a standard or athletic shoe. Usually, the orthoses need to be replaced when the child’s foot has grown two sizes. Different types of orthotics may be needed as the child’s foot develops and changes shape. The length of time a child needs orthotics varies considerably, depending on the seriousness of the deformity and how soon correction correction is addressed.
THE PRACTICE OF PEDORTHICS addresses a medical condition of evaluating, planning treatment, measuring, designing, fabricating, assembling, fitting, adjusting, managing of the patient, or servicing necessary to accomplish the application of a pedorthic device for the prevention or amelioration of painful and/or disabling conditions of the foot and ankle, pursuant to a written prescription from a physician.