Foot orthoses / orthotics

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, it is possible that you would benefit from foot orthoses

Important things you should know about foot orthoses

Foot orthoses (also referred to as 'orthotics and 'arch supports) are used to support the foot in a manner which alters pressure under the foot to influence movements of joints and muscle activity. There are many shapes and sizes and levels of customisation available. The podiatrists at Northern Foot Clinic have undertaken world-class research exploring the effects of foot orthoses on foot pain and rehabilitation; as well as how foot orthoses influence biomechanics (movement and function). There is very good research evidence supporting the use of foot orthoses in the treatment and prevention of several common conditions affecting the foot and leg. Foot orthoses can be used to treat people with all types of foot postures/shapes.

What will the Podiatrists at Northern Foot Clinic do for me?

• take a thorough medical and exercise history from you ​
• carefully assess the injury you present with
• observe your walking or running gait and evaluate your footwear​
• discuss a range of treatment options, including the use of foot orthoses (if appropriate)

If foot orthoses are needed, what happens next?
The podiatrist will:

• discuss which type/s of foot orthoses are appropriate for your condition, including consideration of your footwear
• explain the cost and lifespan of the foot orthoses
• provide details of items numbers and processes for making a private health insurance claim your foot orthoses via HICAPS
• custom-made orthoses are sent a premium orthotic manufacturer (Footwork Podiatric Laboratory)
• your orthotics are designed on a computer and milled from solid materials, and then professionally hand-finished

​​Where can I find more information about flat-feet?
We recommend the following website (high-quality and independent information for consumers) for more detail about flat feet.

Call Northern Foot Clinic today to arrange an appointment with a podiatrist and get professional advice — (03) 9004 2342

Podiatrists from Northern Foot Clinic have published several research articles in international journals about foot orthoses. Below is a selection of the titles:
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Clinical studies:
Scott LA, Munteanu SE, Menz HB. Effectiveness of Orthotic Devices in the Treatment of Achilles Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review. Sports Medicine. Sports Medicine 2015; 45(1): 95-110.2014.

Munteanu SE, Scott LA, Bonanno DB, Landorf KB, Menz HB, Cook JL, Pizzari T, Scott LA. Effectiveness of customised foot orthoses for Achilles tendinopathy: a randomised controlled trial. British Journal of Sports Medicine: accepted for publication (August 2014).

Barton CJ, Munteanu SE, Menz HB, Crossley KM. The efficacy of foot orthoses in the treatment of individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome: a systematic review, Sports Medicine, 2010; 40(5): 377-395.

Biomechanical studies:
Franettovich MM, Murley GS, David BS, Bird AR. A comparison of augmented low-Dye taping and ankle bracing on lower limb muscle activity during walking in adults with flat-arched foot posture. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 2011; 15(1), 8-12.

Murley GS, Landorf KB, Menz HB. Do foot orthoses change lower limb muscle activity in flat-arched feet towards a pattern observed in normal-arched feet? 2010. Clinical Biomechanics: 25(7), 728-36.

Murley GS, Landorf KB., Menz HB., Bird AR, 2009. Effect of foot posture, foot orthoses and footwear on lower limb muscle activity during walking and running: a systematic review. Gait Posture 29(2), 172-87.

Munteanu SE, Bassed AD. Effect of foot posture and inverted foot orthoses on hallux dorsiflexion. Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association 2006; 96(1): 32-7.

Murley GS, Bird AR, 2006. The effect of three levels of foot orthotic wedging on the surface electromyographic activity of selected lower limb muscles during gait. Clin Biomech 21(10), 1074-80.