Orthotics and gait analysis

An Orthosis is an inlay for the shoe, manufactured to exact adjustment requirements for your foot for the purpose of:

Alleviating foot pain

Controlling / correcting abnormalities in walking pattern

Controlling movement for the competitive athlete

Providing cushioning, or shock absorbency for the patient who stands or walks all day.

Helping the elderly patient with a need for general support and to help them remain ambulant.

Helping patients with knee, hip or back pain which originates at the foot.

Orthoses should only be prescription medical devices made specifically for your foot and made to take into consideration any abnormal foot structure and function, to provide you with the ultimate of comfort and control.

Prescription orthoses are designed to last many years but their effectiveness may be reduced due to the development of various medical conditions, alteration in foot shape due to weight increase or loss and activity levels/ type- therefore regular check-ups are recommended.

Some conditions have taken many years to develop even though symptoms may only have occurred more recently. Patients should therefore understand that it may take some time to alleviate and resolve their symptoms and will involve both commitment and compliance on their part as well as the Podiatrist.

If you fit into any of the above categories you are a candidate for orthoses. Medica Clinic can carry out a Biomechanical Evaluation and Gait Analysis to determine whether you need orthoses and if so, which type.

Custom-made foot supports are designed from a plaster cast / mould or laser scan taken of your foot to help support the bones in your feet as well as the arches. They are what we call a 'functional device' as they are designed to specifically change the function of your foot. They help place the foot in a biomechanically correct position, allowing the muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones to function more efficiently, and therefore reduce and limit abnormal forces that cause pain and discomfort in your feet, lower limbs, back and neck.

Because everyone's anatomy and development is different, custom-made foot supports are made to meet the variances in structure and function of each individual. They are also designed to suit different activities, as they can be made for sports shoes, work boots, and also dress shoes. 

Medica Clinic work directly with Edser Orthotic Labs whose orthoses (including 3D printed devices) are fabricated based on a 3D corrected model of the foot. A 3D scan of the foot is sent directly to the Edser Orthotic Labs together with a completed Prescription form detailing any accommodations to be incorporated. Edser will then custom mill the base of each device to the corrected form of the foot and then hand finish the components of the Prescription making the device entirely based on your requirements alone.