ORTHOTICS
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INSOLES AND ORTHOTICS?
Insoles/Inserts that you can buy in stores without a prescription can provide cushioning and support. They may be made of materials like gel, plastic, or foam. Inserts fit into your shoes. But they're not custom-made for your feet. They can provide arch support or extra cushioning on the heel, around the toes, or for your entire foot. Inserts might make your shoes more comfortable but aren't designed to correct foot problems.
Orthotics are different. They are prescription medical devices that you wear inside your shoes to correct biomechanical foot issues such as problems with how you walk, stand, or run. They can also help with foot pain caused by medical conditions such as diabetes, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, and arthritis. Orthotics might even help you avoid surgery.
DO I NEED ORTHOTICS?
Following a biomechanical assessment, your podiatrist is the right person to tell you if you need orthoses. There are however, some key indicators that you should be aware of.
If you are on your feet a lot then they may need some extra support to help relieve the extra stress that you are putting on them.
If your shoes show an irregular wear pattern, one side more worn down than they other is often a sign that you are rolling your feet which can cause long term foot and back problems.
If you have suffered from a hip, leg, knee, lower back, ankle or foot problem that could affect how you walk, placing unnecessary strain on unaffected areas.
If you have any foot pain you should always consult a qualified Podiatrist.
what orthotics do J&L health offer?
J&L Health offers both semi-bespoke and bespoke orthoses. Following your biomechanical assessment, our Podiatrist will advise what would best suit your needs, taking into account a range of factors including budget, lifestyle and footwear
At J&L Health our bespoke orthotics are all manufactured from Firefly, the UK’s leading provider of custom made devices for Podiatrists in private practice & NHS trusts.
Firefly also has the exclusive license to supply the Richie Brace to Podiatrists. The Richie Brace has proven an exceptionally successful conservative treatment for adult acquired flat foot, posterior tibialis tendon dysfunction and other pathologies of the foot and ankle.
