Orthotics

Custom Orthotics Cork

With over 30 years as a patient and 20 years as a practitioner of orthotic therapy here are some simple findings on foot leg and back problems which Orthotics can assist.

The mechanical properties of foot orthotics are there to help ensure the correct positioning of the 26 bones, 33 joints and multiple ligaments and tendons in the feet, ankles and knees. The muscles and ligaments leading up to the hips and holding the leg bones in place are prevented from misinformation over time. This can lead to further injury and aggravation, for example shin splints and Achilles’ tendonitis are both shown to respond extremely well to orthotic therapy.

Custom orthotics can also reduce muscular fatigue and may help to promote more efficient muscle performance based on the correct alignment properties being in place in dress shoes during the working day for professionals.

Many biomechanical problems related to the feet are caused by over pronation or over supination which occurs when connective tissue is placed under repetitive or constant stress. The connective tissue may slowly stretch over time and allow the joints to become misaligned, as in the case of plantar fasciitis an orthotic will readdress the medial longitudinal arch and support the impact stresses applied each day.

Increases in tissue length can cause greater bone instability in the foot and lead to issues such as fallen arches and plantar fasciitis and most noteworthy heel spurs and host of other foot problems. We apply heel spur pads directly and exactly through our pressure plate measuring system in an exact science of gait analysis.

Who will Orthotics help?

If you suffer from pain when walking

70 % of Irish people will experience foot problems of varying degrees, some of which can be painful and disabling, orthotics have a proven track record in helping relieve symptoms of foot pain.

If you are one of this 70%, the use of orthotics can help some people to avoid or prolong having surgery, and will most certainly help post surgery rehabilitation, due the orthotic qualities of shock absorption and the correct gait alignment.

You might benefit from foot orthotics if:

  • you stand or walk on hard surfaces for considerable amounts of time each day
  • you wear safety boots for most of the day
  • you are a farmer wearing poor supporting Wellington boots and tend to suffer with plantar faciitis issues.

If you are overweight, you may find that orthotics relieve the additional stress of extra weight from the ligaments in their feet and legs.  This will allow more pain free activities in your quest to control your weight, decreasing pain in your feet, shins, knees etc whilst being more active.

Many others have benefited from our orthotics include people from all walks of life, pun intended!

 

Knee and back pain ( such as sciatica ) sufferers

If knee or back pain is a part of your life,  bespoke orthotics will benefit you due to the correct biomechanics being applied through your gait line (i.e the way you walk).

If you have chronic, lingering pain in your knees, hips or lower back that has not responded to traditional treatment, orthotics may provide an alternative solution. There could be a connection between the pain you are experiencing and the way your feet function, that has not been addressed.

If your pain is due to your foot mechanics, orthotics can be a very effective way to relieve your symptoms, such as Metatarsalgia or arthritis. When it strikes certain joints in the body, a variety of painful conditions can arise. In many cases, foot orthoses can be administered to help you to retain and enhance mobility in painful joints.

Sports People

If you are active in sports, you will find that custom orthotics can help to increase your endurance, strength and performance due to the correct alignment of these important structures.  As the foot will travel closer to it’s correct gait line as opposed to a delinquent path resulting in less energy being expended for each foot strike, saving both time on the ground and energy to move forward.

If you have a had previous foot or leg injuries, or experience joint pain when walking, running, or standing and may have had ITB friction syndrome, marathon runners with delayed onset muscle fatigue will find that a well constructed bespoke orthotic can be a game changer in their quest to be their best.

I received my first pair of bespoke orthotics in 1986 in preparation for the Olympics in 1988, they had a profound effect on improving my times through injury prevention and correct gait alignment to optimise foot strike, especially important when running 160 miles week in week out as was required.

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How we prescribe your Orthotics

After your therapist does an evaluation and gait analysis, they will prescribe and make a custom orthotic for your individual condition and foot. Our orthotics are custom designed for your condition and made with supportive flexible materials that will give you the support that you require.

Each pair of Orthotics will last for approximately 2 years if worn all day every day and we advise regular gait analysis to maintain your prescription.

 

Common Conditions that will benefit from Custom Orthotics

 

  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Posterior Tibialis Tendonitis
  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Neuromas in the Foot
  • Hammer Toes
  • Bunions
  • Over Pronation
  • Patllofemoral Syndrome
  • Iliotibial Band Syndrome
  • Hip Bursitis
  • Back Pain
  • General Joint Pain
  • Ankle Sprains

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