Prescription orthodontics, Gait scanning and Biomechanical assessments

JW HEALTH AND PHYSIO IN COMBINATION WITH THE ORTHOTIC GROOP (TOG ) INTERNATIONAL ARE VERY PROUD TO INTRODUCE THEIR NEW PRESCRIPTION, CUSTOM MADE ORTHOTICS.

WHAT IS AN ORTHOTIC DEVICE?

TOG Orthotics are custom made devices worn in your shoes to provide correction to your feet helping them function to their optimum efficiency. Poor foot function and alignment lead to many biomechanical problems which put strain not only on the foot, but also on many other parts of the body. This can lead to pain in the feet, ankles, knees, hips and back. Custom made orthotics are made to your specific requirements, as everyone’s feet are different. They will correct your specific foot imbalance, reducing the stresses and strains on your body by bringing your feet, and therefore the rest of your body, back into the correct alignment.

SOME COMMON PROBLEMS CAUSED BY FAULTY FOOT POSTURE

BUNIONS, HAMMER TOES, FLAT FEET, ACHING FEET, ACHILLES TENDINITIS, PLANTAR FACIITIS, DROPPED METATARSAL HEADS, ACHING AND PAINFUL KNEES, LEGS AND HIPS, BACK PAIN – EVEN NECK PAIN.

YOUR FEET

Like the foundations of a house, your feet support the weight of everything above them. When a small problem develops in your feet, subtle changes in the way you walk will cause a chain reaction of adjustment in your posture and walking mechanism. This puts stresses on the joints higher up, and over years this can lead to more serious problems.
As physiotherapists we pick some of these problems up by thoroughly assessing the joints of your feet, ankles, legs and back. The foot however is only in contact with the ground for an .8 of a second when walking, and .25 of a second when running, so trying to assess foot function with a naked eye is impossible. Also your feet contain an array of small bones, 25% of all the bones in your body, and their movements are very complex.

TOG GAIT SCAN

The gait scan is state of the art computerised pressure plate which measures the distribution of forces throughout the whole of your foot in both standing and walking. The computer displays, 2 and 3D visual representations of the pressure under your foot. This identifies any abnormalities and alterations in pressure, sequence and timing. It compares right to left, and also your foot to an optimal foot, it summarises this information into a report, which will determine your orthotic needs. This information along with the findings from your biomechanical, physiotherapy assessment is than sent to TOG. The information analysed and your custom made insoles produced specifically for your needs.

ORTHOTICS

TOG orthotics are all formed round a individually moulded slim shell manufactured using 100% memory thermoplastic. This produces enough rigidity to support the foot offering the correct flexibility to properly absorb ground reaction forces. They can also be made to your specific foot wear and activity needs. A few examples are – running shoes, football boots, ski boots, working boots, walking shoes, high heals, dress shoes, golf shoes. They can be adapted in many ways e.g., have extra padding for diabetic or arthritic feet, coverings to suit hot sweaty feet, or deeper heal cups for children.
Unlike other custom made orthotics THE SHELLS HAVE A LIFE TIME GARUNTEE and the top coats and additions to the shell can be refurbished and modified if your orthotics needs change in the future.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PRESCRIPTION ORTHOTICS AND OFF THE SHELF INSOLES?

Prescription off the shelf insoles are obviously not custom made, to your specifications, but can be altered a little by adding additions. . A comparison could be made with off the shelf reading glasses, as opposed to prescription glasses, being adequate for minor imperfections only and less adaptable and long lasting.

To give the support needed they are much bulkier, as they are made from cheaper, weaker, less durable materials, so you may have a problem fitting them in to all your shoes. Some however, are now made for fashion, and high healed shoes, and as these shoes generally have less wear they are fine as a secondary pair. They last from one to two years, and cost between £40 and £70.

We do sell a selection of good quality off the shelf heel pads and insoles. They can be used as a cheaper alternative to introduce you to the use of orthotics. Being more useful for minor problems, requiring less correction or for short term support whilst recovering from an injury. They are also useful as a second pair in shoes that you wear less, or for growing or changing feet.

WHY COME TO JW HEALTH AND PHYSIO FOR MY ORTHOTICS AND GAIT SCAN?

As PHYSIOTHERAPISTS we are continually looking at and assessing biomechanical issues with all the joints and muscles in your body that relate to poor function, posture and pain. We therefore know better than any if you will require orthotics and also what to expect from them. Your rehabilitation alongside your orthotics are working together towards alleviating and hopefully getting rid of your problem for good. This approach needs coordinating and can take time but will be far more successful at sorting out your problem in the long term.

The gait scan can also be used to aid in your rehabilitation, helping you to see how the pressures under your foot change when you use certain muscles in a certain way, or change your posture., and to see if your have improved by keeping to your exercise regime, and wearing your orthotics.
TOG recommends patients to have a gait scan every 2 years, to assess for any changes that may cause potential problems in the future.

You can be booked in for a gait scan and biomechanical assessment with out having to purchase insoles.