Diabetic 3D Orthotics · Pressure offloading

Custom diabetic orthotics on the Gold Coast.

Orthotics designed specifically for the diabetic foot — soft top covers, total-contact construction, pressure redistribution at the spots that ulcerate. Reduces the risk of foot ulcers and hospital admissions for people whose foot health is the difference between mobility and a wheelchair.

Book a scan & fit Call (07) 5572 6222

Why a diabetic foot needs a different orthotic.

Diabetes changes the foot in three ways that matter for orthotics: sensation drops (you can’t feel pressure points building up), circulation reduces (skin is slower to heal), and the foot shape changes over time (collapsed arches, Charcot deformities, callus build-up). An orthotic designed for general use doesn’t account for any of this.

A diabetic orthotic uses a softer, total-contact construction — meaning every part of the foot is supported equally, with no high-pressure points. The top cover is a multi-layer cushioning material that absorbs shock and redistributes peak pressures away from the highest-risk areas (the ball of the foot, the heel, any callus or scar tissue).

For Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics, especially those with neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, or a history of ulceration, these orthotics are a standard part of high-risk foot care. We work in conjunction with your endocrinologist, GP and (if relevant) vascular team.

Who diabetic orthotics suit

Six diabetic foot concerns these address.

If diabetes has changed your foot or your sensation, this is the orthotic shell built for it.

Neuropathy with reduced sensation

When you can’t feel pressure points building up. Total-contact orthotics redistribute load so high-pressure spots don’t form ulcers.

Previous foot ulcer

History of an ulcer is the single biggest predictor of another one. These orthotics offload the specific area that broke down last time.

Charcot foot deformity

Mid-foot collapse or rocker-bottom foot. Custom orthotics that work with the deformity rather than trying to correct it.

Pre-ulcer lesions and callus

Persistent thick callus, blisters, or pre-ulcerative lesions. Sign that pressure is wrong somewhere; the orthotic redistributes it.

Peripheral vascular disease

Reduced circulation slows healing. Soft top covers and shock absorption reduce skin trauma so the demand on healing capacity stays low.

Post-surgical or amputation

Partial foot amputations, toe amputations, post-debridement. Custom shells that fill the gap and prevent overload elsewhere.

How we make them

Three steps from your first scan to your first wear.

Biomechanical assessment.

60-minute appointment with a podiatrist. We assess your gait, your foot mechanics, your footwear and the symptoms driving you to consider orthotics. If orthotics aren’t the right answer, we’ll tell you that.

3D scan, custom design.

A handheld 3D scan plus a full pressure-mapping assessment shows us where the highest pressure points are today. We design the orthotic to offload those specific zones, build in your individual foot deformities, and select the right top cover for your sensitivity level.

Fit, wear-in, review.

Orthotics arrive in about two weeks. We fit them, confirm they sit right in your shoes, and book a six-week review to check how they’re wearing and how your feet are responding. Adjustments included in the original price.

Common questions

diabetic orthotics questions we get asked.

01 Do I need a GP referral?

No. For private extras you can book directly. For Medicare GPCCMP, DVA or NDIS funding the relevant referral or plan is needed — bring it to the assessment and we’ll bill the scheme directly.

02 Can I claim them on private health?

Yes, on extras policies that include orthotics — the rebate level varies between funds. We HICAPS the rebate at the time of fitting. Bring your card.

03 How long do they last?

Diabetic orthotics wear faster than standard ones because the soft cushioning compresses. Replace the top cover every 6-12 months; the shell every 2-3 years. We see you for regular foot reviews anyway, so we can check the orthotic at the same time.

04 Will they fit in my shoes?

Best fitted to deep-toe-box shoes, extra-depth shoes, and diabetic-specific footwear. Standard shoes can work for slimmer orthotics but we’ll talk through footwear at the appointment — sometimes new shoes are part of the prescription.

05 How long until they’re comfortable?

Two to four weeks. Diabetic patients are extra cautious with break-in — we start at one hour a day and build slowly, checking skin daily for any irritation. Any sign of redness or breakdown, come back immediately.

06 What if they hurt or don’t feel right?

Come back. Adjustments are included in the price. The orthotic should be doing work, but it shouldn’t be causing pain — if it is, we can heat-mould, grind down, or rebuild a section until it’s right.

HICAPS on the spot with every major fund · Medicare GPCCMP, DVA, NDIS & WorkCover funding accepted where applicable.