Orthotic Prescription & Physiotherapy
Orthotics are often prescribed by physiotherapists in the treatment of foot, knee, hip and low back pain.? Orthotics are devices inserted into footwear to correct poor foot posture by controlling motion of the joints of the ankle and foot. Poor foot posture can cause biomechanical changes in the lower limb resulting in pain.
The foot is a complex structure comprising 26 bones (and 2 small sesamoid bones under the great toe) which form many joints. We spend most of our time walking on harsh, unforgiving surfaces such as concrete and bitumen. In order for our feet to come into contact with these surfaces, our feet are forced to"roll" inward or pronate. Concurrently our arches flatten out and? contact the ground. The degree to which we roll inwards is determined by our foot posture. ?
Excessive pronation is thought to affect up to 50% of the adult population.? The subtalar joint? (the joint between the heel bone "calcaneus" and talus bone, which forms part of the ankle joint) and? its correct functioning is crucial in terms of maintaining normal lower limb biomechanics.
Posterior View Of Ankle
Analysis of gait (walking pattern) is undertaken by our physiotherapists when a patient presents to the clinic with foot, ankle, and knee or hip pain to determine whether poor foot mechanics maybe contributing to the pain. If the physiotherapist determines that poor foot posture is contributing to pain, they may prescribe orthotics. These can be fitted in the clinic and are moulded to the individuals foot for maximum comfort and effectiveness.
Achilles tendinitis, patellofemoral joint pain and plantar fasciitis are common complaints seen at our clinic.? More often than not, poor foot mechanics are a contributing factor in why these problems occur.
Orthotics are used in conjunction with other physiotherapy treatment modalities to reduce a patients pain and ultimately to achieve a resolution of the symptoms.
For further information contact us here at EMPC +61 3 9370 5656.
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