Orthotics / Gait Analysis
An Orthotic is a device which lives in your shoes which helps correct gait or walking abnormalities. Sometimes an orthotic is known as an insole, shoe insert, or arch support. Orthotics work by changing the way the foot and ground interact with each other. Orthotics are not truly or solely "arch supports," although some people use those words to describe them. Orthotics perform functions that make day to day activities such as standing, walking, and running more manageable in those patients with biomechanical problems. Every orthotic is unique and is written to a prescription. The orthotics prescription is determined by Mr. Ryals assessing a patients biomechanical status. Biomechanical assessment usually involves taking a clinical history, physically examining a patient and then collecting biomechanical data via gait and force plate analysis. Mr. Ryals is extremely well placed to help people with biomechanical problems he has an MSc degree in clinical Podiatric Biomechanics and is only one of approximately 150 people in the entire UK population with this qualification less than 1% of the entire Podiatry profession hold the MSc degree in Clinical Podiatric Biomechanics, he also owns a fully equipped orthotics workshop and gait analysis laboratory enabling him to make custom made orthotics. All patients have complete continuity of care from start to finish.
Mr. Ryals may prescribe orthotics as a conservative approach to many foot problems or as a method of control after certain types of foot surgery or injury; their use is a highly successful, practical treatment form. Orthotics take various forms and are constructed of various materials. All are concerned with improving foot function and minimizing stress forces that could ultimately cause foot deformity and pain. Foot orthotics fall into three broad categories: those that primarily attempt to change foot function, those that are primarily protective in nature, and those that combine functional control and protection. There are two main types of orthotics; casted devices and flatbed devices.
Casted Orthotics
Semi/rigid casted orthotic devices are designed to control abnormal biomechanical function and can be made from numerous materials such as Vitrathene to Carbon fibre. The devices are usually made around a customised cast of the patients foot although laser technology can now produce an exact 3D representation of a patients foot meaning orthotics can be designed with a computer utilised CADCAM software only then to be milled using a milling machine. The devices are usually 3/4 in length to a patients foot although they can be made into a full length device if needed. The devices can be used in virtually any shoe type for virtually any activity so long as the patient moves them from shoe to shoe. The devices are bespoke and customised to an individuals requirements they are long lasting and should not deform.
Flatbed Orthotics
Flatbed orthotics are used when a semi/rigid orthotic is deemed unnecessary. The devices are usually constructed of soft, compressible materials. The materials are not quite as good as a casted devices and flatbed devices don't offer the same levels of biomechanical control as casted devices. Flatbed orthotics work in the same way as semi/rigid casted orthotics in that they dynamically change the interactions between the foot and the ground. We do not need to take a cast of a patients foot when making a flatbed orthotic. The flatbed orthotic is worn against the sole of the foot and can be a 3/4 length or full length device. Flatbed orthotics are easily produced they can be quickly modified producing a flatbed device is quite labour intensive but not to the same levels as a casted device. Flatbed orthotics have a life expectancy of 1-3 years and will need replacing.
Casted and flatbed orthotics can be used to treat an extremely wide range of foot complaints. Biomechanical problems are not usually resolved with orthotics/insoles alone. Quite often a rehabilitation and exercise programme will be needed to improve the outcome of the orthotics and hopefully lessen the chances of the original biomechanical problem reoccurring. Orthotics can be used to recover from injury, or to rehabilitate after surgery. Wakefield Podiatrists offer bespoke treatment programmes based on your individual healthcare needs. It is usually best to contact us and organise a consultation to discuss your biomechanical problems and orthotic needs.
Casted Orthotics
Semi/rigid casted orthotic devices are designed to control abnormal biomechanical function and can be made from numerous materials such as Vitrathene to Carbon fibre. The devices are usually made around a customised cast of the patients foot although laser technology can now produce an exact 3D representation of a patients foot meaning orthotics can be designed with a computer utilised CADCAM software only then to be milled using a milling machine. The devices are usually 3/4 in length to a patients foot although they can be made into a full length device if needed. The devices can be used in virtually any shoe type for virtually any activity so long as the patient moves them from shoe to shoe. The devices are bespoke and customised to an individuals requirements they are long lasting and should not deform.
Flatbed Orthotics
Flatbed orthotics are used when a semi/rigid orthotic is deemed unnecessary. The devices are usually constructed of soft, compressible materials. The materials are not quite as good as a casted devices and flatbed devices don't offer the same levels of biomechanical control as casted devices. Flatbed orthotics work in the same way as semi/rigid casted orthotics in that they dynamically change the interactions between the foot and the ground. We do not need to take a cast of a patients foot when making a flatbed orthotic. The flatbed orthotic is worn against the sole of the foot and can be a 3/4 length or full length device. Flatbed orthotics are easily produced they can be quickly modified producing a flatbed device is quite labour intensive but not to the same levels as a casted device. Flatbed orthotics have a life expectancy of 1-3 years and will need replacing.
Casted and flatbed orthotics can be used to treat an extremely wide range of foot complaints. Biomechanical problems are not usually resolved with orthotics/insoles alone. Quite often a rehabilitation and exercise programme will be needed to improve the outcome of the orthotics and hopefully lessen the chances of the original biomechanical problem reoccurring. Orthotics can be used to recover from injury, or to rehabilitate after surgery. Wakefield Podiatrists offer bespoke treatment programmes based on your individual healthcare needs. It is usually best to contact us and organise a consultation to discuss your biomechanical problems and orthotic needs.