What Is Custom Orthotic Therapy?
Custom orthotic therapy involves the prescription and fitting of foot orthotics (insoles) that
are tailored to your individual foot structure, movement pattern and clinical presentation.
These devices are designed following a podiatry assessment and are intended to assist with
load distribution, support and comfort.
Orthotics may be used to help manage conditions such as
plantar fasciitis,
plantar heel pain,
bunions,
Mortons neuroma and
sports-related foot and ankle concerns.
They can be prescribed for everyday footwear, work boots and athletic shoes.
At Podiatry & Injury Clinic in Bankstown, orthotic therapy is commonly integrated with
soft tissue therapy,
strengthening exercises,
stretching programs and
strapping to support overall lower limb function.
Your podiatrist will discuss whether orthotics are appropriate for you as part of a
personalised treatment plan.
Signs You May Benefit from Orthotic Therapy
Orthotic therapy aims to support the foot and improve alignment to help reduce overload on
joints and soft tissues. The following signs may indicate that orthotics could be considered
as part of your management plan:
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Flat feet or overpronation with discomfort during walking or standing.
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Heel pain or plantar fasciitis such as
plantar fasciitis or
plantar heel pain.
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Knee or hip discomfort linked to foot alignment, especially with prolonged activity.
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Bunions or forefoot pain including
bunions and
Mortons neuroma.
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Uneven walking pattern or feeling of imbalance when on your feet.
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Ongoing foot fatigue with daily tasks or sport.
Conditions That May Benefit from Orthotic Therapy
Orthotic therapy is considered for a range of foot and lower limb conditions. Your podiatrist
will determine suitability based on clinical assessment and your goals. Conditions that may be
managed with orthotics, often alongside other therapies such as
soft tissue therapy and
strengthening, include:
How We Assess for Orthotic Therapy
Assessment is an important step before orthotics are prescribed. Your podiatrist will review
your symptoms, foot posture and movement to determine whether orthotic therapy is appropriate
and how it should be integrated with other treatments.
Biomechanical assessment
Gait analysis
Foot posture evaluation
Pressure mapping (if available)
Functional movement testing
How We Use Orthotic Therapy in Treatment
Orthotic therapy is tailored to your assessment findings and is combined with other podiatry
treatments where appropriate.
01
Custom-made orthotics
Devices prescribed and manufactured based on your foot measurements and clinical findings.
02
Prefabricated orthotic support (if suitable)
Pre-made orthotics may be used when appropriate and discussed with you during consultation.
03
Shoe recommendations
Guidance on footwear that works well with orthotics and supports your foot type.
04
Follow-up adjustments
Review appointments to check comfort, fit and make modifications where clinically indicated.
Why Early Consideration of Orthotic Therapy Matters
Foot mechanics can influence the entire lower limb. When alignment concerns are not addressed,
ongoing load may contribute to discomfort in the feet, ankles, knees or hips. Discussing
orthotic options early may help reduce ongoing strain and support more comfortable movement.
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Pain may spread upward – symptoms can be felt in knees, hips or back over time.
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Increased joint strain – misalignment can place additional load on joints and tendons.
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Progression of deformities – conditions such as
bunions may change over time.
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Reduced day-to-day comfort – walking and standing can feel more demanding.
-
Higher injury risk – altered mechanics may affect balance and load tolerance.
Early discussion with a podiatrist about orthotic therapy and related treatments can help
you understand options to support your feet and lower limbs.
Orthotic Therapy for Children
Children’s feet change as they grow, so orthotic therapy for kids is guided by age, growth stage, symptoms and activity levels,
and orthoses are reviewed as feet grow. Visit our children’s podiatry page, or read more about
how orthotic therapy may be used in the management of these kids conditions:
