FOOT PAIN
We have a special interest in dealing with foot pain and its management. We look at factors that may influence your pain and give advice accordingly such as:
• Foot strength
• Footwear
• Foot posture
• Exercise
• Medical conditions such as arthritis
• Insoles
Some common conditions are:
• Metatarsalgia (pain in the ball of the foot)
• Hallux Abducto-Valgus (bunions)
• Plantar Fasciitis/fasciopathy (heel pain)
• Patello-femoral pain
• Tibial Stress Syndrome (shin splints)
• Pes Planus (flat feet)
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Osteoarthritis of the ankle, knee and hip
Off the shelf Insoles
We offer temporary soft off-the-shelf insoles made by a New Zealand company Formthotics. Formthotic devices come in different densities and thicknesses and can be designed to fit into an appropriate shoe. These are soft more rigid insoles which provide a mild arch support, suitable for the older or younger foot or for someone who needs some short term support while their foot is getting stronger or healing from an injury. Sometimes if you don’t need an insole you might just need a metatarsal bar and we can fit these and put them in the correct position on your shoe.
Custom Made Orthotics
Custom made orthotics are for those with more chronic issues in their feet that do not respond to exercise and loading advice. Sometimes those with arthritis will need a more structured support.Measuring for orthotics may involve a 3D scan of your foot or a foam box mould. We can use a wide variety of materials to make the orthotic more flexible or padded depending on the need. The insoles are designed to the width of your foot and we take into account the shoes that they are going to be put into, be it a pair of football boots or your fancy boots. The cost of orthotics can be claimed back against health insurance and Med1. If you are coming for a foot assessment please bring in all the shoes that you wear regularly, so we can see how you are wearing them down.