Correctly prescribed orthotics control forces acting upon the feet and legs to promote normal, healthy, pain-free movement. They decrease damaging forces and redistribute load to reduce fatigue and overuse injuries.
WCH orthotists assess, design, manufacture, supply and fit external supports or orthoses. Orthotics are medically necessary when the following conditions are met: *Please note that some private health funds exclude coverage for orthotics. For professional orthotics medicare Adelaide, check this out.
Customised orthotic therapy
Orthotics (or orthoses) are mechanical devices that help to restore or maintain regular foot and leg alignment; support strained, injured, or deformed soft tissues, bones, joints, or muscles; relieve stress on painful tendons, nerves, or bursae; and improve the function of movable body parts. They may be custom-made, commercially available, or a combination of both.
A podiatrist can prescribe a customised pair of orthotics to alleviate pain in the feet and lower legs. They can be used with stretching, strengthening, and treatment modalities to reduce pain and increase mobility.
In Australia, the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) includes subsidised consultations with a podiatrist on referral from a general practitioner. However, orthotic/prosthetic services are not included in the MBS, limiting access to these essential healthcare services. AOPA has proposed to include orthotic/prosthetic services in the MBS. If successful, it would provide the necessary funding to deliver this service in the primary health setting.
Pain reduction
Many patients with foot, ankle or leg problems can benefit from orthotic therapy. These devices support or relieve stress from strained or injured soft tissues, arthritic bones and joints and inflamed or chronic bursae (swelling). They are usually designed for measurement, plaster models and foot patterns. They are available commercially or may be custom-made. For professional orthotics medicare Adelaide, check this out.
In a recent review of research, the authors found moderate evidence that orthotics reduced plantar fasciitis pain in the short term. However, they noted that these results were inconsistent and needed further studies. The authors also found cheap, off-the-shelf inserts were as effective as expensive custom orthotics.
Most private health insurance policies will cover consultations and prescriptions for custom orthotics. However, checking your policy before booking in for surgery is essential, as some plans exclude orthotics. Also, you should be aware that most podiatrists charge AMA rates higher than the Medicare rebate. It is why most patients pay a gap between what their health fund pays and what the surgeon charges.
Gait efficiency
Orthotics control forces acting on the foot and leg to help promote normal, healthy movement. Correctly prescribed orthotics can decrease damaging forces, improve gait efficiency and reduce fatigue in walking or running. These devices are customised to the patient’s feet, feet, feet ‘ feet ‘ feet ‘feet ‘feet feet, and measurements, plaster models, and patients’. They can be made of various materials and are available commercially or custom-made.
They must be purchased from a Medicare-participating supplier. Medicare also provides coverage for shoe orthotics under Part A, hospital insurance, or Part B, medical insurance. However, a deductible must be met before Medicare will cover the cost. These devices are often prescribed by your podiatrist, physiotherapist or other doctor.
Preventative care
Orthotics are rigid or semi-rigid devices used to support, align, prevent, or correct deformities, protect a dysfunctional joint, or improve the function of movable body parts. They are used in various ways, including by athletes, people with arthritis, and diabetics. They can also be used as a part of treatment for foot ulcers and other conditions that can affect a person’s quality of life.
As tertiary-qualified allied health professionals, orthotists/prosthetists have completed training alongside other allied health professionals, such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists. They work in various settings, including private clinics, hospitals, research institutes, and rural and remote communities. They work across Australia in multiple areas, including foot care and gait analysis.
Many people with foot pain or problems such as flat feet or high arches are told by their doctor to use orthotics. However, not all orthotics are the same. Premade orthotics found at drugstores or kiosks are designed to fit an average foot and may end up doing more harm than good, worsening some conditions instead of helping them. Orthotics that are custom-made for a person’s feet can improve their quality of life, relieve heel and foot pain, eliminate knee or back pain and help them perform better with athletics or daily activities.
