Do You Think You Need Insoles?

Often people are told by medical professionals to look into getting insoles, otherwise known as orthotics to help whatever lower limb and foot problems they may be having.

They also may know  very  little about them.

So let us tell you what they are and what the assessment process is here at South Dublin Podiatry which specialise in providing this service.

Most People Don’t Know These Facts About Orthotics

• Pronation/flat feet is normal and usually does not require orthotics at all.
• Orthotics are usually not for life, in our clinic they are normally 18-36 months
• Orthotics do not have to be worn all day every day
• In Ireland unfortunately most people handing out Orthotics have done a weekend course or none at all.

I firmly believe that…

Nobody Should Be Given Orthotics Unless They Really Really Need Them.

I have made it my mission in South Dublin Podiatry to tell people like you the truth regarding orthotics and why we continually invest in the Latest and Most Cutting Edge Technology when it comes to resolving our patients Foot Pain.

The world of orthotics is seeing some exciting developments as we move away from the traditional practice of creating orthotics toward a more sustainable, patient friendly service.

So What Are Orthotics?

 Orthotics are shoe inserts worn to give support to an injured or weak part of the body which is causing pain, discomfort or damage. A device that is vital for day to day comfort must be made with the closest attention to detail and speed to provide a patient with lasting relief as soon as possible.

To Determine whether you actually need orthotics and to get a full diagnosis of your problem we might recommend a Biomechanical Assessment for you.

What Exactly Is A Biomechanical Assessment? 

A Biomechanical Assessment is where a Podiatrist will examine the movement of the joints, bones and muscles and how they are affecting the way you walk , run or your posture.

Your podiatrist will examine your pelvis, legs ,knees and feet assessing the relationship between them to get an accurate idea as to where your pain is coming from.

What Happens During A Biomechanical Assessment? 

During the Biomechanical Assessment your podiatrist will perform a range of different tests depending on the kind of issue/pain you are having. Some of the tests are as follows:

• Joint assessment - checks the range of motion of the joints in the lower limb and feet. 
• Static assessment - evaluates foot posture and alignment in a relaxed position when standing. 
• A Gait Analysis and Video Playback-  which assesses the way you walk, to determine biomechanical or structural abnormalities in the lower limbs. 
• Pronation (fallen arches - ankle rolling inwards movement) and supination (walking on the outside of the feet) are evident at this stage. 
• Muscle strength - tests muscle tone, strength and tightness.
• Leg length measurement- checks for a leg length discrepancy

What Happens Next? 

Your Podiatrist will give you a full diagnosis, the reasons why you are experiencing the pain you have, what's causing it and what needs to happen next to get you back to doing what you love. You will get a written action plan of what treatment is needed for you. The treatment recommended varies depending on the issue/pain that you are experiencing. Some examples of the treatments you may be recommended could be :

A Home Exercise Plan-Your podiatrist will explain and demonstrate the exercises advised as part of a stretching/strengthening programme. This is a crucial step in becoming pain free, especially if muscle tightness or weakness is noted during the assessment.

Footwear Advice-Your podiatrist may provide you with advice on good properties of footwear and what styles/brands to look out for when buying your next pair of shoes. Equally, they would inform you what you should avoid e.g. over-flexible, thin soles. An expensive shoe does not mean it is good for your feet! 

Dy Needling-Dry needling is a therapeutic approach in which fine filament needles are inserted in to specific points on the body to relieve pain and improve function. The needles used are the same as acupuncture needles but a different treatment technique is used.

Joint Mobilization-Joint mobilization is the careful use of skilled graded forces to move a joint in a desired direction. Unlike stretching of a muscle joint mobilization is specific to the capsule of the joint itself. Gliding of the joint is usually used to improve motion and normalize joint function. Joint mobilization also has the added benefit of controlling pain.

Padding and Strapping- This is the fabrication and application of different types of materials (foams, felts, silicone, tape) to the foot to help alleviate pain and or offload pressure and tension on various parts of the foot.

Custom Made Orthotics-

South Dublin Podiatry continually invest in the latest and most cutting edge technology when it comes to prescribing our patients orthotics.

We use 3d video motion Gait Analyses  to allow us to examine every part of your gait in detail no matter how fast you move.

We are one of the few clinics in Ireland to use both 3D scanning equipment like they have on the space station and our 3D Printed Orthotics when needed to get you back in action.

This new practice for creating orthotics has proven to be revolutionary in that the limitations of the traditional practice have all been addressed and remedied.

The first stage of the process is an advanced 3-dimensional scan of that which enhances the accuracy of the orthotic by detailing the exact dimensions necessary down to less than a millimetre! This will cause no discomfort to the patient and is significantly less invasive than the previous method .

The scan is then used to produce the highest quality orthotic using a mix of materials, thicknesses and flexibility catered perfectly to the needs of the individual patient.

While this was always the aim in the traditional method, the level of accuracy now achieved is unparalleled.

One of the most incredible achievements of this technology is how much it has reduced the waiting time. 

This technology works seamlessly with the knowledge of your podiatrist as to the precise, custom needs of each individual to patient eliminating frustration, discomfort and wasted time.

Since the manufacturing process is machine-based, 3D printing minimises human error, optimising the consistency of the end product.

If you think you might need insoles call us today to discuss further: 📞01 9012009

Or 
Fill Out The Form Below And Request A Call From South Dublin Podiatry.