A recent study concludes gait style "is a possible cause of chronic or acute recurrent low back pain. Proper treatment with custom made foot orthoses is more effective for improving symptoms of low back pain than is treatment with standard core methods and the symptoms remain improved for longer periods of time" (Dananberg & Guiliano, American Journal of Pod Med March 1999). No matter what the cause of the back pain feet may still further compound the problem. The aim of orthotic therapy is to rebalance the feet and correctly align them with the lower limbs. This has a profound affect on the way we walk and may certainly influence other parts of the body, namely knees, hip and back. While orthoses work well on their own we can enhance the current treatment being received by your physiotherapist, chiropractor or other health professional.

        Why see a podiatrist about orthotic therapy?

Podiatrists are the primary health care practitioners for disorders of the foot and lower leg, dealing not only with diagnosis and treatment, but also prevention and rehabilitation. When prescribing orthotics, podiatrists offer a comprehensive service to ensure safe and effective foot care, including:

    • A full clinical assessment of your foot problem prior to prescription.
    • Prescription of orthoses tailored to individual needs
    • Provision of any additional treatments required.
    • Advice regarding exercise, footwear and training methods where relevant.
    • Complete control over prescribing, making and fitting your orthoses
    • Comprehensive follow-up, including initial and on-going treatment plan.
    • The fine-tuning or correction of any problems experienced in wearing the orthoses.
COULD YOUR FEET BENEFIT FROM ORTHOSES?

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Plantar Fasciitis - Heel Spurs are a prevalent condition affecting either one or both heels. There are several different causes of heel pain the most common being plantar fasciitis (heel spurs). This pain is generally felt under the heel pad and is most prominent when first weight bearing after rest. Sometimes the pain may extend along the arch of the foot. Pain may also radiate around the edges of the heel and up towards the back of the heel. Although the problem is considered difficult to treat we are able to help most sufferers using the latest techniques. This may include the need to be fitted with soft temporary orthotics. We also use physical therapy such as laser and ultrasound to reduce the inflammatory process. Stretching exercises are also important. It is essential that treatment is commenced as early as possible. The longer the problem continues the more frustrating this condition is to treat.

DO YOU SUFFER FROM HEEL PAIN?
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Pain is often felt within the achilles tendon itself. The most common area of pain is in the lower third of the achilles tendon where it inserts into the heel. The achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the body. One of its functions is to anchor the calf muscle to the heel bone. There are a number of causes, overuse of the tendon being the most common. We can greatly help this problem by using various modern therapies and by correcting any abnormal foot alignment which may be exacerbating the problem. Physical therapy is also indicated.

DON'T LET THIS PROBLEM PROGRESS INTO THE CHRONIC STAGE!
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