Custom Made Orthotics
Well-designed and constructed orthoses have the ability to make a tangible difference to your life, with the power to improve the way you move and feel.
An orthosis (or orthotic) is an external device designed and fitted to the body to modify or correct the structural and functional characteristics of the neuromuscular and skeletal system. This can include foot orthoses for various foot, leg or postural problems, orthoses to protect joints and reduce pain after surgery, or orthoses that provide positional or functional support and address physical deformities or abnormalities.
While our primary focus is on fit, comfort and remedial support, we understand that looks are important, too. Our highly skilled and experienced Orthotists design and manufacture all our orthoses in-house. This ensures your orthosis is as individual as you are and has been crafted to suit your unique requirements.
While ‘off the shelf’ orthoses are widely available for a range of purposes, a bespoke, custom-made orthotic which is especially designed and fitted for you will achieve the best outcomes.
Ability Prosthetics & Orthotics offers a complete range of custom-manufactured orthotics including:
- Upper Limb Orthoses (functional and static arm orthoses)
- Forearm-Wrist Orthoses
- Forearm-Wrist-Thumb Orthoses
- Forearm-wrist-hand orthoses
- Hand orthoses
- Ankle-Foot orthoses (AFOs)
- Offloading orthoses (Ulcer healing orthoses)
- Knee-Ankle-Foot orthoses (KAFOs)
Orthotics FAQs
What Are Orthotics?
Orthotics are a type of custom and prescribed medical device designed to correct biomechanical or physiological problems in the foot, ankle, knee, hip, and other joints. They are typically made of plastic or metal and are worn to help with issues such as flat feet, drop foot, fallen arches, over-pronation, and heel pain. They can also be used for injuries such as plantar fasciitis.
Orthotics mainly function to provide cushion and comfort as well as support the abnormal movement of the foot. It promotes proper foot alignment and movement.
What Materials Are APO-Qld's Orthotics Made of?
Custom orthotics are mostly designed with firm materials such as alloy metals, EVA’s and plastic. This makes it possible to immobilize or allow a certain degree of controlled movement in a limb.
APO-QLD’s orthotics are made of skin friendly materials that can be moulded into different shapes and sizes. This material does not contain any harmful chemicals or toxins that can harm the children to the user. They are designed to provide excellent comfort and protection for the patient.
What Are the Most Common Types of Orthotics?
There are two types of orthotics – static and dynamic. Static orthotics can be made from a variety of materials and keep the limb in a fixed/non-moveable position. Dynamic orthotics on the other hand allow a certain degree of movement to control range of movement. Orthotics with joints or those made from soft flexible materials are mostly dynamic orthotics.
What Is the Purpose of Foot Orthotics?
Foot orthotics are prescribed medical devices that can be worn inside the shoes to correct foot issues and to address problems on how you walk, stand or run. They are also used to manage foot pain caused by medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and bursitis. They can also reduce the risk of injuries and stress fractures due to knee pain, medial tibial stress syndrome, and plantar fasciitis.
What Are the Benefits of Foot Orthotics?
Orthotics distributes the pressure on your feet. They also aid in reducing risks caused by pressure ulcers and other foot abnormalities. Other benefits of orthotics include:
- Better balance
- Reduced pain in the legs and lower limb joints
- Reduced lower back pain
- Fewer calluses, corns, and bunions
- Improves posture
- Aids in standing longer periods of time
- Helps one walk farther without experiencing pain
How Much Do Orthotics Cost?
The cost of orthotics depends on the type and design that your Orthotist recommends. Custom made orthotics can start anywhere between $50.00 to $12,000.00. Off-shelf orthotics are cheaper ranging from $40 to $1,000.00. NDIS, other funding bodies and some health insurances may cover orthotics costs.
How Long Does It Take to Get Used to Orthotics?
Wearing an orthotic may cause pain and/or discomfort during initial use. The sensation can disappear within two to four weeks. This is practically the same with other types of medical devices attached to the body. In many cases follow up appointments are necessary to adjust pressure areas caused by the brace.
How Often Should Orthotics Be Replaced?
Orthotics are evaluated yearly by your orthotist to be able to check for wear and tear. For kids, evaluations are more frequent due to the growth spurt among young children. Thus, most orthotics are replaced every six months to a year for younger children and every 2/3-years for adults.
How Many Hours a Day Should I Wear Orthotics?
IIt would be is best to start wearing your orthotics for two to four hours at a time. wearing your orthotics. You can increase this to a full day if no serious discomfort is experienced. It may take between three days and two weeks or more before a patient begins to feel comfortable wearing orthotics without discomfort.