Podiatrists are experts in orthotic prescription. Orthotics are prescribed after a diagnosis has been reached and form part of your treatment plan. We want to get you back to doing the things that you love as soon as possible. Many factors must be considered prior to prescribing orthotics including:
Site of injury or problem
Type of injury or problem
Degree of correction needed
Activity level
Type of activity
Body Weight
Footwear
Patient convenience and time frames
Foot Mechanics prescribes 2 types of Orthotics.
Our Prescription and Customised Orthotics sit inside your shoes and under your feet. They are prescribed by a Podiatrist after Lower Limb Musculoskeletal Assessment and are used as part of your treatment plan to improve foot function, support the foot as the foundation for the body and to redistribute forces through the foot and lower limb.
Prescription 3D Printed Orthotics
Prescription Custom Foot Orthotics are custom made using 3D Print technology. Foot Mechanics uses an Auckland based digital lab to manufacture all prescription made foot orthotics.
3D Printed orthoses are printed on commercial Stratasys H350 SAF printers, these are the first of their kind in New Zealand. Using this technology means thinner and lighter orthoses, but with up to 90% less material wastage compared to direct-mill orthoses.
3D printing offers exciting benefits to you:
- thinner and lighter for easier shoe fit
- greater strength compared to traditional materials
- modern, chic appearance
- industry leading and environmentally friendly technology
Customised Orthotics
Customised Orthotics are prefabricated and held in stock at the clinics. They are matched to your foot size and your footwear. The orthotic is then customised to achieve the therapeutic effect the Podiatrist has identified as necessary.
Prescription Orthotics are not “off the shelf arch supports”
Temporary “off the shelf arch supports” pack the area under the arch which can feel comfortable in the short term. However, long term use of “off the shelf arch supports” will weaken the arch of the foot and can lead to other musculoskeletal problems in the feet, ankles, knees, hips or lower back.
The foot is an engineering marvel and requires more expertise than basic arch supports to address musculoskeletal problems.
Prescription Orthotics must be prescribed as part of a treatment plan. They do not directly support the arch but rather improve the overall foot function enabling the body’s own support mechanisms to function efficiently. This leads to stronger, healthier feet and in most cases relief of symptoms.