Assesment & Treatment

Assessment and Treatment

Our specialist podiatrist will carry out a full assessment with you –

· Lying down - to check for symmetry, muscle function and joint range of motion

· Standing – checking the relationship of the foot to the floor and checking posture

· Walking – assessment of gait

By understanding the underlying cause of a condition our podiatrist can then, where appropriate, prescribe a functional foot orthotic. This will place the foot in a better alignment, improve foot function and reduce the damaging forces that have caused the painful symptoms.

If a prescription orthotic is required a cast will be taken of your feet at your first appointment and sent to the laboratory. Here the cast is modified with plaster additions or alterations by the podiatrist who carried out the clinical assessment. This involvement by our podiatrist at the manufacturing stage of the process ensures that the orthotic provided will lead to the best possible outcome for your condition.

The appropriate material will then be moulded around this altered cast. Materials used include carbon fibre or similar products which are lightweight and durable. Once moulded the orthotic shell is then further modified with additions such as forefoot or rearfoot wedges as identified from your prescription.

At the fitting appointment, usually two weeks later, our podiatrist will advise you on a ‘wear’ schedule and will arrange a review consultation to assess the improvement in your symptoms and make any adjustments. It is important to remember that conditions that have developed over a period of years may take time to fully resolve and any advice given to you by our podiatrist, including the ‘wear’ schedule, should be followed to get the maximum benefit from your prescription orthotics.