Biomechanical Podiatry

Moulded Orthotics are made to measure foot supports made from plaster moulds or 3 dimensional scans of feet. They give an exact fit and provide degrees of correction and amounts of support to keep the body in straight alignment. They are used widely for walking and in sports and running to provide shock absorption.

In the past many moulded orthotics were made from hard materials such as carbon fibre and fibre glass. Recently more specialist shock absorbing materials are commonly used to reduce shock and give cushioning in walking especially sporting activities and running. The materials used are shock absorbing light and easy to clean. They are used by national sports people and used widely also for walking.

There is no research at present to suggest scanning is more accurate than plaster bandage casting. I use both three dimensional digitised scanning and plaster bandage casting depending on differing conditions and height of support required. Digitised casting is the only repeatable method of taking three dimensional impressions of a foot. The London Foot Hospital bought a digital casting machine patented and designed by myself.

The main function of moulded orthotics is to correct body alignment or increase shock absorption and therefore to help in ankle ,knee hip and lower back pains alignment, especially if the feet roll in (excess pronation) during walking and running.

For many people moulded orthotics are invaluable in reducing shock and maintaining straight walking and running. This improves body posture and helps higher joints in the knees, hips and in the back.

Bespoke orthotics are moulded around the exact contours of each foot. The highest forces of shock which go up the body are as the heel strikes down. Therefore they fit accurately and when using a shock absorbing material moulded around the contour of the heel this increases the surface area and reduces the impact of the ground forces. Over days and weeks of wearing bespoke orthotics significantly less shock will be transferred up into the body to the ankles, knees, hips, lower and upper back when walking or running.

Making moulded orthotics is labour intense and highly skilled to keep the body at exactly the correct angle. Plaster bandage is placed around the foot and the ankle whilst the plaster sets can be recorded by a patented system electronically. Or a three dimensional scan may be taken. A positive mould is then made out of plaster or resin. The chosen material for the orthotic is then heated within an oven and pressed over the mould of each foot under pressure separately. As the material cools it retains the memory of the shape of each foot mould exactly. Next the height of the orthotic is ground. Finally the angle of the orthotic is ground using calibrated horizontal grinders. These are calibrated to single level degree accuracy. The angle of the orthotics is of the utmost importance and a single degree incorrect at foot level can lead to swaying and leaning at higher levels. For these reasons making moulded orthotics is time consuming and skilled. Please see our price page for listing of charges.

Orthotics and biomechanical assessments are now covered by very few private health schemes. The majority of people who have orthotics now self pay.