About Custom Foot Orthotics
Custom foot orthotics (commonly also called orthoses) are used by specialist practitioners such as Podiatrists to redistribute forces or pressure under the foot or feet. These are prescribed & designed by your Podiatrist at The Foot Spot, where after consultation and discussion with the patient, a 3D scan of the foot/feet is obtained using a specialized imaging device. This is 100% safe, has no side effects & does not produce any radiation like an X-Ray or CT Scan.
The 3D image is able to be manipulated in a computer by your prescribing practitioner, and quite often we will also take a 3D image of the inside of your footwear. This helps with accurate fitting of the device. Although most orthotics can be swapped between similar style shoes, it is always important to discuss with your Podiatrist at The Foot Spot how the orthotics will work with your specific types of footwear. Often your practitioner will prescribe footwear to obtain & achieve certain outcomes. Your practitioner may also use radiographic images to obtain more data making your orthotics even more customized for your specific issue.
Once this 3D image has been obtained, and your referring practitioner has finished with your specific customization’s, it is sent to our partner orthotic laboratories who manufacture your orthotic device using the latest in computerized techniques.
Each patient may require different types of orthotics, depending on their individual size, mass, shape, footwear, activity - hence we are able to utilize techniques such as CAD (computer aided manufacture and design), 3D printing along with other more traditional methods of manufacture. Our labs use the latest technology to bring you the most comfortable orthotic imaginable.
We often get asked about “hard” or “soft” orthotics and what the difference is. The reality is, there is no such thing as HARD or SOFT. There is simply different orthotics which are customized for each patient based off their mass, activity and outcomes. For example at The Foot Spot our Podiatrists frequently prescribe orthotics to elderly patients; these orthotics are generally much softer and cushioned due to the patients age, weight and lower activity levels. Each patient is different, hence each orthotic device should be customized specifically for them.
At The Foot Spot, our Podiatrists also have access to use the latest in SEMI-CUSTOM or OFF THE SHELF orthotics. We will cover that in a separate post. Custom orthotics are not suitable for all patient or all problems. Quite often semi custom or off the shelf orthotics are cheaper, faster and more applicable for certain people.
Custom orthotics can be made in as little as 24hrs for patients requiring it. Regular manufacture is around 5-7 days. Costs can vary for custom orthotics, however they vary commonly between $520 - $690 (excluding consultation fees). Private health fund rebates can reduce this cost significantly, and rebates commonly range from 30% to 100% - which means some patients may have no gap payment for their orthotic devices. Please check with your own private health fund to see what you individually may be entitled to. Please be aware the level of rebate you may obtain is commensurate with the individual level of coverage you have with your own private health fund. Private health funds often ask for the ITEM CODE you are inquiring about; the item code for custom foot orthotics is F221.
Once your orthotics are manufactured, they are sent back to The Foot Spot where your Podiatrist will check them and dispense them to each patient, ensuring they are correct. Your Podiatrist may also make adjustments to your orthotics at this appointment. At The Foot Spot ALL appointments to check orthoses after the fitting are FREE OF CHARGE for 6 months. Our Podiatrists will review you at 4 weeks post initial fitting and often again at 12 weeks. There is no charge for these appointments. Patients can call The Foot Spot at anytime and request an “ORTHOTIC CHECK” which is FREE of charge at anytime within this 6 month period. We are not happy until you and your feet are.
Detailed instructions are discussed at the fitting appointment - these can also be found by CLICKING HERE.
At The Foot Spot we have been researching, teaching, designing, manufacturing and dispensing custom foot orthoses for nearly 30 years. We guarantee you & your feet will be happy in our care.