Foot orthotics support stressed joints and tissues, correct poor foot function and help to relieve your pain and help injuries heal

We love orthotics because of the massive change they make to the lives of our patients – and not to mention their pain levels. The way they alter foot biomechanics to help injuries and promote healthy foot and leg function mean our patients feel great, look great, and can get back to doing the things they love faster than ever. Here’s what you should know about orthotics:

Orthotics are shoe inserts that are intended to correct abnormal, or irregular walking patterns that have contributed to increased stress through the feet and legs, and ultimately injury. Orthotics are not merely “arch supports”. An orthotic is designed to guide the mechanics of the foot to a precise degree which help the muscles and tendons to perform more efficiently, making standing, walking, running and generally living more comfortable.

If you’re suffering from pain or injury, your orthotics are specifically designed to correct any biomechanical anomalies that are contributing to your injury and ongoing pain, and distribute weight away from the painful area.

When orthotics are expertly designed to meet the needs and function of your feet, they can compensate for impaired foot function, controlling the position and motion of your feet so you can walk and feel better.

Orthotics can also prevent the occurrence of a new injury, recurrence of a previous injury and additional deformity of the feet.

Before orthotics can be prescribed:

• A detailed history is taken and a diagnosis is made from your symptoms
• A full biomechanical examination is conducted
• Computer video gait analysis is performed and evaluated
• All regular footwear is examined
• A diagnosis is made based on our clinical findings
• We discuss your treatment options and make a treatment plan to get you back to 100%
• Your goals and preferences are considered in your orthotic prescription
• Often the foot is casted so that the orthotics are made precisely from your foot impression

Footwear Modification and Adjustment

The shoes we wear can either support our bones, joints and muscles with every step we take, or allow the foot to roll freely in the shoe or on the ground and at times contribute to the development of foot pain and problems.

Similarly, having the right shoes can work as a crucial part of treating foot pain by helping to take pressure away from the painful area and keep the feet supported.

At Perform Podiatry, we are one of the few clinics in New Zealand – and the only one in Auckland – that have the ability to modify your footwear to help injuries, deformities and accommodate most fit problems.

Our secret weapon is Senior Podiatrist & Podiatry Lecturer Martin Kane, who sports a wealth of experience in clinical biomechanics, orthotic prescription, footwear modification and generally being a fantastic all-around human being. Marty does this to the highest of standards you get the best results and the most comfort.

Footwear Modifications include:

• Increase cushioning or shock absorption
• Heel height alterations internally and externally  for those with limb length differences
• Stretching: targeting specific areas such as bunions and Hammertoes / Claw-toes
• Heel grips: so as to prevent your slip on becoming a slip off!
• Lateral or medial wedges for severely deformed feet