Custom Orthotics in Randwick

Podiatrist-prescribed orthotics designed around your feet, movement and individual needs

Custom orthotics can help change how load is distributed through the foot and lower limb — but not everyone with foot pain needs orthotics.
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At Toetal Health, we first assess your symptoms, foot function, movement and the demands placed on your feet before deciding whether orthotics are likely to help.
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‍When orthotics are appropriate, we prescribe them specifically for you — not simply because your feet look “flat”

What are custom orthotics?

Custom foot orthotics are devices worn inside your shoes that are prescribed to change how forces are distributed through the foot and lower limb.
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Unlike an off-the-shelf insole, a custom orthotic is prescribed following an assessment of your foot structure, movement, symptoms, footwear and activity demands.
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The aim isn't necessarily to make your foot look a certain way or to “correct” every biomechanical variation. Instead, we use orthotics when changing load or movement may help reduce stress on painful or overloaded tissues and improve comfort during everyday activity, work or exercise.
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Depending on your needs, an orthotic prescription can vary considerably in its shape, stiffness, cushioning and the way it interacts with your footwear.

The right orthotic isn't simply one that fits your foot — it's one prescribed for the problem we're trying to solve.

Do I actually need orthotics?

Not everyone with foot or lower-limb pain needs orthotics.
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Orthotics may be useful when changing the way load is distributed through the foot can reduce stress on a painful or overloaded structure, improve comfort, or help you tolerate the activities that matter to you.
We may consider orthotics when symptoms are influenced by factors such as:
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‍Foot posture or movement that is contributing to tissue overload
‍Repeated stress from walking, standing, running or sport
‍Footwear limitations, particularly when your work or activity restricts your shoe choices
‍Persistent symptoms that haven't responded sufficiently to simpler measures
A need to offload a specific area of the foot

Having flat feet doesn't automatically mean you need orthotics — and having a “normal-looking” foot doesn't mean you won't benefit from them. Our assessment is designed to determine whether an orthotic is likely to add value to your treatment, and if so, what we actually need the device to achieve.

What can custom orthotics help with?

Custom orthotics can be used as part of the management of a range of foot and lower-limb problems. Whether they are appropriate depends on what is causing your symptoms and whether changing load through the foot is likely to help.
Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis

Orthotics may help redistribute pressure and reduce load on painful structures around the heel and plantar fascia, particularly when symptoms are aggravated by prolonged standing, walking or running.

Forefoot Pain

Orthotics can be designed to redistribute pressure away from sensitive areas beneath the forefoot and may be useful for problems such as metatarsalgia and other load-related forefoot pain.

Achilles Tendon Pain

In selected cases, orthotics can form part of managing Achilles tendinopathy by modifying loads acting through the foot, ankle and tendon.

Flat Feet & Foot Fatigue

Some people with flatter feet experience aching, fatigue or difficulty tolerating prolonged activity. Orthotics may improve comfort when foot function is contributing to symptoms.

Running & Sports-Related Pain

For some active patients, orthotics can help modify repetitive loads associated with running and sport while we also address training, strength and other contributing factors.

Pressure & Painful Areas of the Foot

Orthotics can incorporate specific cushioning and offloading to reduce pressure on painful or overloaded areas.

Orthotics are rarely the entire treatment plan. Depending on the problem, we may also address footwear, strength, mobility, training load and other factors contributing to your symptoms.

How We Prescribe Your Custom Orthotics

A custom orthotic prescription should be based on what we want the device to achieve, rather than simply the shape of your foot.
1. Podiatry Assessment

We assess your symptoms, relevant joint movement, strength, foot function and other factors that may be contributing to the problem.

2. Walking & Movement Assessment

Where relevant, we look at how your feet and lower limbs behave during walking or other movements related to your symptoms.

3. Footwear Assessment

Your orthotics need to work with the shoes you actually wear. We consider your work shoes, everyday footwear and sporting shoes when planning the prescription.

4. Orthotic Prescription

If orthotics are appropriate, we determine the shape, support, cushioning and other modifications required based on what we're trying to achieve.

5. Fitting & Review

Once your orthotics are ready, we check their fit and how they feel in your footwear. Your response is then reviewed and the devices can be adjusted if necessary.

Custom Orthotics vs Off-the-Shelf Insoles

Not everyone who needs additional support needs a custom orthotic. Off-the-shelf insoles can be a useful and affordable option when the main goal is additional cushioning, general support or a simple change in load.
Off-the-Shelf Insoles

Pre-made insoles come in standard shapes and sizes. They can work well when your needs are relatively simple and may sometimes be something we recommend before considering a custom device.

Custom Foot Orthotics

Custom orthotics allow us to prescribe the shape, contour, stiffness, cushioning and specific modifications of the device according to your assessment, symptoms, footwear and activity requirements. They become particularly useful when we need to target a specific area, achieve a particular change in loading, accommodate your foot or fit a device to particular footwear.

Custom Orthotics Pricing

ASSESSMENT AND CASTING

$180

Biomechanical assessment of your symptoms, foot and lower-limb function, movement and footwear, including casting for your orthotics.
CUSTOM ORTHOTICS

$750

Individually prescribed and manufactured, based on your assessment, clinical needs and footwear.
FITTING & FOLLOW-UP

Included

Your fitting appointment and first follow-up are included, with adjustments made where required.

Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Orthotics

How long do custom orthotics last?

The lifespan varies depending on the materials used, how often they're worn, your activity level and footwear. Orthotics can be reviewed over time and refurbished or replaced when necessary.

Will custom orthotics fit in my shoes?

We consider your footwear when prescribing your orthotics. Different device designs and thicknesses can be used depending on the shoes you need to wear.

Do I need to wear my orthotics all day?

Not necessarily. How and when you use your orthotics depends on why they've been prescribed, your activities and your treatment plan.

Can my orthotics be adjusted?

Yes. Your fitting and first follow-up are included, and the device can be adjusted where required based on comfort and how you're responding.

Are custom orthotics better than off-the-shelf insoles?

Not automatically. For some people, an off-the-shelf device is sufficient. Custom orthotics become useful when we need greater control over the shape, contour, stiffness, cushioning or specific modifications of the device.

Why People Choose Toetal Health

Not sure whether you need orthotics?

Book a biomechanical assessment and we'll assess what's contributing to your symptoms and whether orthotics are likely to be useful. Call us on: (02) 9059 8296 or book an appointment below.

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