Orthotics

Could you benefit from orthotics?

1. Do you stand or walk on hard surfaces for more than 4 hours daily?
2. Do you participate regularly in any physical sport?
3. Do you suffer from back pain, knee pain and/or foot and ankle pain
4. Do your feet or legs ache when you walk or when you have been on your feet for only a few hours?
5. Do your shoes wear unevenly?
6. Do you have joint pain while standing, walking, or running?
7. Is one of your legs shorter than the other?
8. Do you have knock knees or bow legs?
9. Do you have obvious foot problems (bunions, corns, flat feet, etc.)?
10. Do your feet “toe out” or “toe in” when you are walking?

If you said yes to any of the above you need to consult Matthew for a Podiatry assessment where it will be determined whether you may benefit from the use of orthotics.

What are orthotics?

Orthotics are devices that are placed in shoes with the goal being to improve the mechanics of the way the foot functions  in order to  support and redistribute pressure away from prominent or painful joints. They can be used very successfully as part of a treatment plan to alleviate foot and ankle, knee, hip and/ or lower back pain. They can be prescribed to help all age groups from young children to the elderly and for people of all activity levels from mildly active people to elite athletes.

Orthotics come in all shapes and sizes and vary considerably in look, function and materials used. After seeing thousands of patients over the years and using several types of orthotics Matthew will choose the most suitable device for your needs.

This is based on the following:

The activities that the orthotics are designed for.

The style of footwear that they are to be used in.

The weight of the patient and the symptoms or problems that the patient presents with.

How much do orthotics cost?

Although good results can be obtained with "off the shelf" or preformed, modified orthotics Matthew usually prescribes bespoke or custom made orthotics if he feels that orthotics are required. If he feels that they are not required or if an "off the shelf device" or preform device would be suitable he will provide them for you or recommend a suitable brand. 

His custom made orthotics are an investment and as such backed by an exceptional warranty (see below). Orthotic manufacture and prescription is as much an art as it is a science. Matthew recognises that to get the best outcomes the patient has to trust him, give honest feedback and know that they can return for adjustments or alterations without being concerned about additional charges. Because of the accuracy of the scanning and manufacturing process adjustments are not often required but rest assured if they are they will be covered free of charge.

This policy has lead to excellent outcomes, improved patient compliance and word of mouth referral. 

If you require custom made orthotics Matthew will provide a full itemised quote so you can determine any out of pocket expenses before proceeding.

What does the process involve?

If, after a thorough initial exam and consultation, it is decided that orthotics are required the next step is to perform what is known as a biomechanical assessment.

This consult takes approx 30 minutes and involves taking a complete history, analysis of the patient's gait (the way they walk), assessment of shoe wear, muscle strength and tone, joint range of motion etc etc.

Once this is completed a 3D digital scan is taken of both feet using the very latest digital scanning equipment and computer aided design software.The days of messy plaster of paris are long gone! Scans are quick, easy and can be repeated if necessary until Matthew is happy with the captured scan.
Once Matthew is happy with the scan of both feet he uses the very latest computer aided design software to make any necessary modifications.This ensures that the fabricated orthotics are tailored specifically to the contours of both feet. It also allows for exact placement of "sweet spots" in order to deflect or reduce pressure from painful areas of the foot.

Once this process is completed a comprehensive prescription form is completed and the data is sent to an external laboratory where the orthotics are manufactured to my exact specification.

The turnaround is approx. 8 days but in emergencies the turnaround can be significantly quicker!

The orthotics are then checked and a fitting appointment is made where the orthotics are fitted into the patient's footwear.

Comprehensive wearing instructions are given both verbally and in writing.

A complimentary review appointment is made for 2-3 weeks after the fitting where any necessary adjustments are then made free of charge.

MATTHEW'S RISK FREE WARRANTY ON CUSTOM MADE ORTHOTICS

The orthotics that I prescribe have the following comprehensive warranty:

Any modifications or adjustments to the orthotics within the first 60 days are included free of charge.
If, after adjusting the orthotics you are still unhappy I will remake the orthotics at no extra charge.
If you are still unhappy after the remake i will refund any out of pocket expenses for the orthotic devices!!
I want my patients to be happy with their orthotics and with over 25 years of prescribing orthotics I am confident in my ability to use them to improve my patient's clinical outcomes that is why I remove the risk and offer the warranty that I do.Many patients are so happy that they request second pairs and refer family and friends!