Orthotic Recalls: Do you need to have your orthotics reassessed or refurbished?

Why do I Need my Orthotics Reviewed?

One motto we work by at Sport & Spinal Physiotherapy is ‘prevention is better than cure’.  If we can prevent a problem from occurring we can save you time, energy and money while reducing your chance of pain and physical inactivity. Just like getting your car serviced, an orthotic review ensures your foot and lower limb mechanics are optimally supported by your orthotics. If you don’t get your car serviced the chances of a break down increases. If we reassess your orthotics and lower limb biomechanics we can prevent injury.

Yearly reviews are recommended because the foot changes shapes and function throughout the life span. Stages of increasing changes occur when the foot and body are growing such as in childhood, adolescence, during pregnancy and with significant weight changes.

Materials that construct an orthotic also have varying shelf-lives and therefore will need replacing accordingly.  For example, top cover materials generally last 1-2 years but this depends on activity levels.

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Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the orthotic review process.

What happens during the orthotic reassessment consultation?

Your podiatrist will ask if you have any lower limb pain or if you have any new injuries. A niggling pain can lead to chronic pain. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to ensure minimal pain and time away from work and physical activity.

Current exercise and activity levels will also be discussed. Your exercise goals are important to us at Sport & Spinal Physiotherapy because a lack of physical activity is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, colon cancer, breast cancer, obesity, high blood pressure, depression, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis¹. If changes to your orthotics can assist with an increase in activity this can benefit your entire wellbeing. Additionally, increased forces associated with higher amounts of exercise can impact on the orthotics, warranting orthotic modifications.

A musculoskeletal and biomechanical examination will be performed. This involves checking joint range of motion, assessing for muscle tightnesses, standing foot and lower limb posture and visual gait (walking and/or running) analysis barefoot and shod. 

The orthotics will be checked that they are the right length and width, that their shape contours your arches and that in gait they are controlling, supporting and realigning your foot and lower limb posture. If the orthotics are no longer resolving your foot and lower limb concerns, new orthotics may be recommended.

Footwear prescriptions can be given for work shoes, sports related shoes and casual shoes.  Footwear acts as a backing behind the orthotic to let it do its job.

What happens if the orthotic cover has worn out?

Some orthotics have cushioned top covers which are usually made out of materials that are not as durable as the orthotic shell itself.

If the orthotic shell is still in good condition you can have your orthotics recovered to give them a new lease of life.   Orthotics covers can last anywhere between 1-2 years depending on your level of sporting activities and how well you look after them. The podiatrist can informed you on the best care instructions for the top covers.

We have materials and equipment on site to recover or apply a new cover to your orthotics. This may require you to leave or drop off the orthotics off at a later date and pick up the next business working day. Your podiatrist will discuss with you how long you will have to wait.

How much will an orthotic reassessment cost?

Appointment fees apply. Please contact reception at Sport & Spinal Physiotherapy on (02) 6262 4464 for up-to-date pricing. If you require a new top cover or new orthotics, your podiatrist will discuss this with you prior to commencing adjustments.

How long will the orthotic reassessment take?

Generally the appointment will take less than 30 minutes. If you have a complex case additional time may be required.

What do I bring to the appointment?

1. Your orthotics and any previous pairs you have found helpful or unhelpful

2. Shoes that you wear regularly. Try not to buy new shoes just prior to the appointment as we can prescribe the best shoes for you.

3. A pair of shorts if possible

References:

Darren E.R. Warburton, Crystal Whitney Nicol and Shannon S.D. Bredin; Health benefits of physical activity: the evidence

http://www.cmaj.ca/content/174/6/801.short

CMAJ March 14, 2006 vol. 174 no. 6 801-809: Canadian Medical Association. Journal.