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YOUR FOOT ORTHOSIS PRESCRIPTION

Presenting complaint

Clinical findings

Provisional diagnosis

Treatment plan

Orthosis

—Type

—Materials

—Cost

Other recommendations

(footwear, lifestyle)

Expected results

How your podiatristcan helpPodiatrists are highly skilled foot health professionals trained todeal with the prevention, diagnosis,treatment and rehabilitation ofmedical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs. Podiatristshave completed a Bachelor of Podiatryor higher degree, and are continuallyupgrading their skills and knowledgethrough further education andtraining.

Where can I find apodiatrist?

Refer to your Yellow Pages™ for podiatrists who are members of the Australian Podiatry Association orthe New Zealand Society of Podiatrists.

Many health funds in Australiaand New Zealand provide cover forpodiatry services on their ancillarytables and government funded servicesare available through the Departmentof Veterans Affairs, some publichospitals and community health centres.

NOTE: This information is not to be used as asubstitute for podiatric or medical assistance.

Your Podiatrist Talks About

Published in the inter-est of foot health by the Australasian PodiatryCouncilACN 008 488 748

My podiatrist is:

PrescriptionfootOrthosesOrthoses

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ACCURATE FIT, FUNCTION AND SUPPORT

ASSESSMENT

PRESCRIPTION

PREPARATION

MANUFACTURE FITTING REVIEW

High standards of treatmentand follow upPodiatrists are the primary health carepractitioners for disorders of the foot and lowerleg, dealing not only with diagnosis andtreatment, but also prevention and rehabilitation.When prescribing orthoses, your podiatristprovides a comprehensive service to ensure safeand effective foot care, including:◗ A full clinical assessment of your foot

problem prior to prescription.◗ Prescription of orthoses tailored to individual

needs.◗ Provision of any additional treatment

required.◗ Advice regarding exercises, footwear and

training methods where relevant.◗ Complete control over prescribing, making

and fitting your orthoses.◗ Comprehensive follow-up, including initial

and ongoing treatment plan.◗ Fine-tuning or correction of any problems

experienced in wearing the orthoses.

What are foot orthoses?Foot orthoses are shoe inserts designed to support, align, or improvethe function of the foot. They are also often commonly referred to as‘orthotics’. Orthoses fit comfortablyinside your shoes.

There are many different kinds oforthoses. The orthoses recommendedby your podiatrist are prescriptiondevices, custom-made to suit yourindividual needs and biomechanics(the way your body moves).

Who wears orthoses?People of all ages with a variety of foot or lower leg problems wearorthoses. Sportspeople are oftenprescribed orthoses by their podiatristto help maximise their performance, as well as to address mechanicalproblems.

Anyone suffering from a chronicfoot or lower limb condition which islimiting their mobility or independencemay benefit from wearing orthoses.

When are orthoses used?Your podiatrist may prescribe orthosesfor your particular foot problem aftera comprehensive assessment, takinginto account your own biomechanics,footwear, and occupational andlifestyle factors.

Orthoses provide valuable long-term solutions in the treatment

and prevention of corns, callous andulceration by redistributing the pressureof the body's weight on the feet.

Orthoses also help withrehabilitation of acute and chronicfoot conditions such as tendonitis,recurrent ankle sprain and stressfractures, by providing consistentpostural control

A personalised approachIf orthoses are recommended, yourpodiatrist will design a care plan. This plan will outline your diagnosis,the type of orthoses you have beenprescribed, proposed footwear to wearwith your orthoses, lifestyle changesyou may need to make, as well as anyadditional treatment which may berequired.

What type of orthoses? Cushioning orthoses providecushioning and padding underfootwith shock absorption during walking.Pressure relief orthoses offeradditional relief by redistributing thepressure on problem areas of the foot.Moulded cast or non-cast orthosesoffer similar features with superior fit,whilst prefabricated orthoses providerelief with the benefits of beingcustomised by your podiatrist.Functional foot (customised kinetic)orthoses offer all these features, plusthe benefit of postural realignment