orthotics

Foot Orthotics Help People with Diabetes

How Custom Foot Orthotics Help People with Diabetes
How Custom Foot Orthotics Help People with Diabetes 724 464 Ace Health Centre

The Lifesaving Support: How Custom Foot Orthotics Help People with Diabetes

Diabetes is a complex medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While managing blood sugar levels is a primary concern, diabetes also brings a host of potential complications, particularly for the feet. Foot problems are common among individuals with diabetes, but there’s a powerful ally that can make a significant difference in their overall foot health: custom foot orthotics.

Understanding the Diabetes-Foot Connection

Diabetes can damage nerves (neuropathy) and reduce blood flow to the feet. This combination can result in reduced sensation, making it challenging to detect injuries or blisters. Additionally, poor blood circulation can lead to slow wound healing, which increases the risk of infection. It’s a perfect storm for foot problems, ranging from minor annoyances like corns and calluses to severe conditions like ulcers and even amputations.

The Role of Custom Foot Orthotics

Custom foot orthotics, also known as orthopedic insoles or diabetic insoles, are specially designed shoe inserts tailored to an individual’s unique foot shape and gait. Here’s how they can be a game-changer for people with diabetes:

1. **Pressure Redistribution:** Custom foot orthotics are crafted to distribute pressure evenly across the foot, reducing the risk of high-pressure points that can lead to calluses, ulcers, and wounds. This is critical for individuals with diabetes who may have compromised sensation and are less likely to notice these issues.

2. **Arch Support:** Many people with diabetes develop flat feet or other structural problems. Custom orthotics provide essential arch support, reducing strain on the feet and ankles and improving overall comfort.

3. **Shock Absorption:** These insoles are designed to absorb shock and reduce the impact on the feet during walking or other activities. This is crucial for preventing injuries and reducing discomfort, especially for those with neuropathy.

4. **Accommodating Deformities:** For individuals with foot deformities or irregularities caused by diabetes, such as Charcot foot, custom orthotics can be designed to accommodate and support these unique conditions, aiding in stability and balance.

5. **Preventing Complications:** By reducing pressure, improving support, and enhancing comfort, custom orthotics play a significant role in preventing common diabetes-related foot complications, including diabetic neuropathy and ulcer formation.

6. **Improved Mobility:** Comfortable and properly aligned feet encourage individuals with diabetes to remain active and engage in regular physical activity, which is crucial for managing blood sugar levels and overall health.

Foot Orthotics Help People with Diabetes

Foot Orthotics Help People with Diabetes

The Process of Getting Custom Foot Orthotics

Obtaining custom foot orthotics typically involves a series of steps:

1. **Assessment:** A healthcare provider, often a podiatrist, assesses the patient’s foot and gait to identify specific needs and any existing issues.

2. **Scanning:** The provider takes a digital scan of the patient’s feet to create a precise model for the orthotics.

3. **Custom Design:** The orthotics are then custom-designed to address the patient’s unique requirements, such as pressure points, arch support, and foot deformities. This is done via CAD-CAM software.

4. **Fitting:** Once the orthotics are ready, they are fitted into the patient’s shoes to ensure a proper fit and comfort.

Conclusion

Custom foot orthotics are invaluable tools in the fight against diabetes-related foot problems. They provide crucial support, reduce pressure, and enhance comfort, all of which are essential for preventing complications and maintaining mobility. For individuals with diabetes, investing in custom foot orthotics is an investment in their long-term foot health and overall well-being. These simple inserts can make a world of difference, helping individuals with diabetes step confidently on their journey to better health.

 

Contact us today if you have diabetes to get your custom foot orthotics.

How a Podiatrist Can Help Children with Bunions

How a Podiatrist Can Help Children with Bunions
How a Podiatrist Can Help Children with Bunions 1280 720 Ace Health Centre

Growing Pains: How a Podiatrist Can Help Children with Bunions

Introduction

How a Podiatrist Can Help Children with Bunions? Bunions, though commonly associated with adults, can also affect children. A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe due to the misalignment of the joint. While genetics can play a role, other factors like footwear and foot structure contribute. Fortunately, seeking the expertise of a podiatrist can make a world of difference in managing and preventing bunion-related issues in children. In this blog, we’ll explore the role of podiatrists in addressing children’s bunions and how early intervention can lead to healthier feet.

Understanding Bunions in Children

Bunions in children, often referred to as juvenile hallux valgus, are a result of improper growth of the big toe joint. This misalignment can lead to discomfort, pain, and difficulty finding properly fitting shoes. While children might not experience the same severity of symptoms as adults, addressing bunions early can prevent potential complications as they grow.

Role of a Podiatrist

  1. Assessment and Diagnosis: A podiatrist is trained to identify and diagnose bunions in children. Through a physical examination and possibly imaging tests, they can determine the severity of the condition and its impact on the child’s foot health.
  2. Customized Treatment Plans: Podiatrists develop tailored treatment plans based on the child’s age, the severity of the bunion, and any underlying factors. They consider non-invasive approaches to ensure the child’s comfort.
  3. Footwear Guidance: One of the primary causes of bunions is ill-fitting footwear. A podiatrist can provide recommendations on appropriate shoe styles and sizes to prevent the worsening of the condition.
  4. Orthotics: Custom orthotic devices can help realign the foot, reducing pressure on the bunion and promoting proper foot development. A podiatrist can create orthotics that are specific to the child’s needs.
  5. Physical Therapy: In some cases, exercises and stretches might be recommended to improve foot strength and flexibility, aiding in the correction of the bunion.
  6. Monitoring Growth: Children’s feet are still developing, and a podiatrist can monitor the growth of the bunion and adjust treatment as needed to ensure healthy foot development.

Benefits of Early Intervention

Early intervention by a podiatrist offers several benefits for children with bunions:

  1. Preventing Complications: Addressing bunions early can prevent the condition from worsening and potentially leading to more serious foot deformities.
  2. Reducing Discomfort: Podiatrists can alleviate pain and discomfort associated with bunions, allowing children to engage in activities without hindrance.
  3. Promoting Healthy Foot Development: Proper intervention can help ensure that a child’s foot grows in the right direction, reducing the likelihood of future foot problems.
  4. Enhancing Mobility: By addressing bunions, children can maintain their mobility and physical activity levels.

Conclusion on How a Podiatrist Can Help Children with Bunions

Bunions in children should not be ignored, as early intervention can prevent discomfort and complications in the future. Consulting a podiatrist is crucial for accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and guidance on footwear and foot health. By working together with a podiatrist, parents can ensure their child’s feet develop properly, setting the foundation for a lifetime of comfortable and healthy movement.

 

Book now with our podiatrist if you think your child has a bunion

calf pain when running

Calf pain when running
Calf pain when running 960 576 Ace Health Centre

Calf pain when running

Understanding and Overcoming Calf Pain When Running: Tips and Techniques

Calf pain when running can be a common issue faced by runners of all levels. It can significantly hamper your performance and enjoyment of the sport. In this blog post, we will delve into the causes of calf pain, discuss prevention strategies, and provide effective techniques to alleviate discomfort and get you back on track.

  1. Understanding the Causes: Calf pain during running can stem from various factors, including muscle strains, overuse, improper footwear, inadequate warm-up, and biomechanical imbalances. Identifying the root cause is crucial for implementing the right treatment and prevention methods.
  2. Prevention Strategies: Preventing calf pain starts with a solid foundation. Invest in proper running shoes that offer ample support and cushioning. Gradually increase your training intensity and duration to allow your calf muscles to adapt. Incorporate dynamic stretches and warm-ups to prepare your muscles for activity. Strengthening exercises targeting the calf muscles, such as heel raises and toe raises, can also help prevent pain and injuries.
  3. Effective Techniques to Alleviate Calf Pain: When calf pain strikes, it’s essential to take prompt action to minimize discomfort and aid recovery. Resting and applying ice to the affected area can reduce inflammation. Gentle stretching exercises, like calf, stretches against a wall or using a foam roller can help relieve tension. Consider using compression sleeves or socks to improve blood flow and provide support during runs. If the pain persists, consult a healthcare professional or a sports therapist for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
  4. Gradual Return to Running: After recovering from calf pain, it’s crucial to reintroduce running gradually. Start with shorter distances and lower intensities, allowing your calf muscles to rebuild strength and endurance. Listen to your body and increase the duration and intensity of your runs gradually over time. Incorporating cross-training activities like swimming or cycling can also help maintain fitness while reducing strain on your calves.

Conclusion

Calf pain when running can be a frustrating setback, but with the right strategies, it’s possible to overcome it. By understanding the causes and implementing prevention techniques, you can get back to pain-free running.

Remember to consult a healthcare professional if your calf pain persists or worsens, as they can provide expert advice tailored to your specific condition. Stay consistent with your prevention strategies, listen to your body, and enjoy the benefits of running without calf pain.

 

Heel Pain in Children

Custom orthotics for severs disease
Custom orthotics for severs disease 600 400 Ace Health Centre

Custom orthotics for severs disease

Custom orthotics are widly used for severs disease. If done right they can have a great effect in help reduce pain in in childrens feet, alowing them to continue doing exercise and walking with less if not no pain.

Severs disease is growing pains in the heel of kids feet. It mostly occurs in in children aged 9-13. Although they will eventually grow out of it, it can be debilitating at times. The pain can make children avoid speding time on their feet, doing sport and activities. Keeping chrildren active, moving and therefore happy is the main objective. Nobody in pain and avoiding the activies they love is happy.

Orthotic prescription

When prescribing orthotics for sever there a a few things that we aim todo.

  1. To start, we are aiming to take pressure away from the heel area. This is done by providing adequate arch support. The more weight we can redistrobute away from the heel the less pain that they will experience.
  2. The next is providing extra cushiong. Hard floors and vibrating increase pain, and so adding extra lawyers of cushing can reduce pain.
  3. Adding a heel lift helps reduce pull of the achillies on the heel. This is done via footwear that have a heel pitch built in. The orthotics under the heel also add a slight heel lift to reduce pain.
  4. Pronation can cause strain on the heel. The foot rolling inward causes the calf muslce to pull on the heel bone. The orthotics can be used to reduce pronations to help reduce pain.
  5. Soft top covers on the orthotics can help further add cushioning.

We commonly use Custom orthotics for severs and found them much more effective than off the shelf ones. This is due to the range of customisation we have to aim the orthotics at the child at hand. Having the right support, the right arch height, the right amount of chsioning to maximises the effects of the orthotics. They are also much more durable than over the counter products.

If your child is experiencing heel pain then give us a call today to see how custom orthotics can help them.

 

Blog written by Mike, Podiatrist

Ace Health Centre. Podiatry Gold Coast. Best podiatry Cold Coast. Bulk billing podiatry. Flat Feet. Best Orthotics. Low arch.

Orthotics for flat feet
Orthotics for flat feet 1000 667 Ace Health Centre

 

Orthotics for flat feet

When designing orthotics for flat feet there are lots of different modifications you can do. Changes in the arch height, flexibility, rear foot and forefoot angles and more.  In the video, we run through one example of a prescription we have done for a client.

The design

This design is for a client that has been coming for a fair few years now. We have tried a few different prescriptions over time to try and improve the outcomes but it seems the best for this client is to keep it fairly simple. The client has extremely flat feet and has suffered from chronic foot, knee and back pain and other injuries associated with having flat feet. They have a job that requires them to be on their feet all day and so the orthotics have been a massive help for him not only for work but for allowing them to play touch.

The prescription

This custom orthotics prescription has – A 3.5mm thick shell with a 2.5mm thick bar. The bar runs under the arch of the orthotic to help increase stability through this area without having to make the whole of the orthotic too thick. The arch height is exactly 20mm high. The rearfoot has a 6-degree angle tilting outwards, and a 6mm skive in the rearfoot (the flat spot at the heel which tilts the foot outwards even more).

The covers

To provide cushioning on the orthotics we have put a layer of poron under the arch. Poron is a highly durable, soft material that provides extra cushioning in this area. With the foot being so flat and so much force in the arch area, extra cushioning is required for the person to reduce the risk of blisters and callous build-up.

We then have a full-length E-tpu top cover. E-tpu is an extremely durable and bouncy material that’s commonly used as the soles of Adidas shoes. It doesn’t absorb moisture and is generally used for a more sports-based orthotic. This orthotic will be used in combination with a Brooks Beast shoe to provide maximum stability and get the most out of the orthotics.

Always remember that your orthotics are only as good as the shoes you put them into. Your podiatrist will recommend appropriate shoes to make sure you get the maximum benefits from your custom orthotics.

Book today if you need orthotics for your flat feet. 

ACE Custom made Insoles. 3d orthotics

Welcome to your new custom orthotics
Welcome to your new custom orthotics 1000 667 Ace Health Centre

Welcome to your new custom orthotics

Thank you for purchasing your new custom orthotics from Ace Health Centre. Here’s all of the information you will need about them. It details how your custom orthotics are prescribed, designed, manufactured, and what to expect.

Did you know it takes your podiatrist over an hour of extra work after your consult to finish your orthotics?

How your orthotics are prescribed

 

Your orthotics are prescribed from a mix of –

  • your injury
  • your flexibility
  • your posture
  • your alignment in your feet, knees hips and back
  • your weight
  • your shoes
  • your sport or activity
  • your medical history such as being diabetic
  • your blood flow to your feet
  • your nerves and feeling in your feet
  • your balance
  • history of other injuries
  • muscle strength
  • corns or callous
  • and more…

Orthotics prescription and design

When prescribing orthotics there are many different things that a podiatrist can do design-wise. The prescription itself will be determined from the assessment.

Your podiatrist will then have done a 3D scan of your feet. The 3D scan provides a base model of your feet giving them your base arch heights, foot length and widths.

The custom orthotics are then designed via computer software by your podiatrist after the consult. It takes a lot of time and practice to be able to use compete software to design up an orthotic to know how it will end up after being 3D printed. The software helps aid with consistency of the product being produced and is far more accurate than other methods of orthotic manufacture.

Every podiatrist will prescribe slightly different meaning you could go to 10 different podiatrists and get 10 different orthotics designs and prescriptions. The goal though will always be the same. The main difference is that many podiatrists get other companies to do computer design for them. At Ace, we do all of the computer design ourselves. Did you know Mike, our podiatrist does design work for other podiatry clinics around Australia as well in his spare time?

3D printing

Once your orthotics have been designed by computer the file is then sent to a 3D printer. The 3D printer is an industrial-size printer that prints around 30-50 sets of orthotics in one go. It cannot just print singles. It prints by laying down layers of very fine powder in microns and then heats the powder to fuse it in specific places. The printing process takes around 24-36 hours in total. The orthotics are then removed from the printer, sandblasted to remove any excess powder, and then washed. The orthotics are printed using an HP MJF 4200 using PA11 nylon material. This material is also eco-friendly and 3D printing minimises waste material.

Covering

Once the 3D-printed shell has arrived back at the clinic it’s time to cover the orthotics. This is all done via your podiatrist by hand. The covers that your orthotics will is decided by your podiatrist from your consultation. This is determined by factors such as – your activity, the shoes you will wear them in, your weight, your medical history, your injury and more. There are many different materials available. Covers on orthotics can be replaced if you ever want to give your orthotics a little TLC.

Fitting

Once the orthotics have been completed, our reception team will give you a call to arrange a fitting appointment. Your orthotics are always made slightly big for your shoes and require trimming up to ensure a good fit.

It’s important to remember that your orthotics are only as good as the shoes they are being put into. This means that although putting them into flat soft or flexible shoes will be much better than nothing at all, fitting them into a good supportive stable shoe will give much better results. Your podiatrist should have discussed footwear with you in the consult and possibly given you recommendations for shoes that your custom orthotics will work best in.

If you do require new shoes we recommended purchasing them before your fitting appointment. This way your podiatrist can check the fitting of the shoes, make sure the shoe is correct, and fit the orthotics into the shoes.

When fitting an enclosed lace-up shoe we usually recommended fitting them by – putting both shoes on, lacing the shoes up properly, standing up, and having a fingers width between the end of your longest toe and the end of the shoe. We also suggest being able to pick a small amount of fabric across the widest part of your forefoot. This ensures that the orthotics will fit the shoes, and will provide a more comfortable experience. It is always best to go shoe shopping at the end of the day when your feet are maximally swollen and expanded. This will give you a much better idea of fit and comfort.

For people that do spend a lot of time on their feet, it is sometimes beneficial to purchase 2 pairs of shoes and alternate them daily. The foam in the soles of shoes can take 24 – 48 hours to fully recover and expand back out. This means that having that rest day helps them last longer, maintaining more support and cushioning.

Shoes do have a lifespan. If you are in your shoes for 8 hours per day we recommended getting new shoes every 6-8 months. Just because the top looks ok doesn’t mean the foam is. We also recommended replacing shoes after having them for 1.5 years as the foam and glues in the shoes start to degrade. This means the shoes will not provide the same support and cushion as they once did when new.

Your orthotics may not fit every shoe but may be able to fit between shoes that are the same size. Just take out the original insole that is in your shoe and replace it with your custom orthotics

What to expect

Everybody is very different in the way their body reacts to orthotics. The orthotics as often designed to hold/guide your feet in a certain position. This means that different muscles will be used while wearing them. These muscles can take time to adjust. For that reason, we ask you to pay attention to your body. Aches or pains for up to the first 4 weeks are normal. If you experience this we suggest taking the orthotics out, putting the original insoles from the shoes back in, and then starting to use the orthotics again the next day.

Reviews

After the fitting appointment, we book you for a 3-4 week orthotics review. This review session is to see how you are getting on with them. Making sure you are happy, they are comfortable, and they are doing their job. If there are any issues at this stage the orthotics can be modified when needed. Things such as arch heights, cushioning, support, flexibility and more can be changed. Just like anything custom it can be changed and modified as needed. For the first 3 months reviews are done without any out-of-pocket cost.

If you are experiencing issues where you are not able to wear your custom orthotics due to pain we recommended calling up for a review appointment and coming in sooner.

We recommended having your orthotics reviewed every 12 months. This is due to changes within your body that may affect your orthotics prescription. This can be anything from strength, flexibility sensation, blood flow and more. You may also have a new injury or issues that the orthotic needs to be aimed at that may require a change in prescription again. Your orthotic shell may also become more flexible over time meaning it will provide less support. These changes may mean an update in your orthotics prescription.

If you need anything or have any questions please contact us here, or book here. 

 

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