An Orthotist is a health-care professional who makes and fits braces and splints (Orthosis) for people who need added support for body parts that have been weakened by injury, disease or disorders of the nerves, muscles or bones.
What can Orthotics help with?
- Foot or toe pain such as Plantar Fasciitis, Metatarsalgia, Neuromas, Bunions, Dropped Arches, Previous fractures etc.
- We can treat positional problems such as tight hamstrings, calves or Achilles; perhaps due to modern life or related to conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy or Charcot Marie Tooth.
- Leg Length differences and problems finding high street footwear to fit are a common requirement.
- Weakness due to conditions such as Foot Drop, MND, Strokes or previous injuries This can be the upper or lower limb.
- Hernias – we can supply custom, and stock hernia supports. If you have a support that you are happy with but is worn-out, we will be glad to use this as a pattern where possible to repeat it for you.
- We can also make bespoke footwear or simply provide advice on how to source off the shelf footwear to fit if this is a better option for you.
What is the difference between Orthotics and Podiatry?
- There is some overlap between Podiatry and Orthotics. Both orthotists and Podiatrists can supply insoles and footwear; however, podiatrists are qualified to deliver nail and foot treatments such as debridement of dead skin and nail surgery.
- Orthotists, however, are not qualified to treat skin problems but can provide biomechanical assessment pertaining to the whole body. This includes providing braces to treat spinal, neck, hip and knee pain/dysfunction - including footwear, shoe adaptations and insoles.
What will happen at your appointment?
- At your initial assessment we will assess you to discuss your goals and treatment options. We will then prescribe and possibly take a mould or measurements to order you custom made or off the shelf orthosis.
- We then order your orthoses or footwear and fit them at a later date suited to you.
- We aim to deliver our orthotics as quickly as possible, but manufacturing times will vary dependant on prescription.
- In some cases, we may be able to advise on other treatment options if we think that you may benefit more from a different service.
- We will not supply orthotics unless we believe that they will be of benefit to you.
- We offer a full biomechanical assessment; we are trained to do this without using machines or pressure analysis plates.
- We will check the range of motion through your joints if required and watch you walk or stand as necessary. If you are not able to stand, we can assess your range of movement while you’re seated.