Customised Orthotics
Everything works best when it’s in the right place
That includes the bones and alignment of our feet. When our feet are working as they should, they provide the foundation for our entire body. But when something is out of place, whether through injury, poor alignment, or structural imbalance, problems can quickly develop.
At Waikato Podiatry, our experienced podiatrists are trained to diagnose and prescribe customised orthotics that are made specifically for your feet and your needs.
What is an Orthotic device?
Technically speaking, an orthotic device can be defined as:
“An appliance used to support, align, prevent, or correct deformities, or to improve the function of movable parts of the body.”
The word “ortho” means “straight, normal, or correct.”
When podiatrists talk about orthotics, they are usually referring to foot orthoses. There are literally hundreds of different kinds and types available. Just as a fingerprint is unique, so too is your footprint, and your orthotic should reflect that individuality.
That’s why not everyone needs orthotics, and why correct shoe selection is equally important. However, when orthotics are required, the difference they can make is remarkable.
Why would you need foot Orthotics?
There are many reasons someone might benefit from orthotics. Some of the most common include:
Foot pain or discomfort. Conditions like plantar fasciitis, heel pain, bunions, or flat feet can often be relieved with custom orthotics.
Improving alignment. Misalignment in the feet can affect the ankles, knees, hips, and even the lower back. Orthotics help correct posture and balance.
Sports performance and injury prevention. Athletes often use orthotics to optimise their movement patterns, reduce fatigue, and prevent overuse injuries.
Arthritis or age-related changes. As we get older, our joints, ligaments, and tendons lose some of their natural support. Orthotics can help reduce pressure and improve stability.
Diabetes-related foot care. Specialised orthotics can protect sensitive feet, reduce pressure points, and help prevent ulcers.
Occupational demands. People who stand or walk for long hours on hard surfaces may develop pain and fatigue that orthotics can help alleviate.
Customised vs over-the-counter orthotics
It’s important to understand that not all orthotics are created equal. Over-the-counter orthotics may seem like a quick fix, but they are not tailored to your foot shape or biomechanics. In fact, poorly fitted store-bought orthotics can sometimes make problems worse.
At Waikato Podiatry, we make most of our orthotics on site. This removes the “middleman” and ensures that the prescription matches your exact needs. Our process involves:
Taking a full history of your concerns
Performing a biomechanical assessment
Conducting a gait analysis to observe how you walk and move
This careful process allows us to create an orthotic that provides the right support and correction every time.
Why proper assessment matters
The forces going through your feet are surprisingly high, around 2–5 times your bodyweight with every step. That means small differences in orthotic design can have a big impact on comfort and function.
A thorough assessment, gait analysis, and biomechanical examination are critical before fitting orthotics. Without this, you may end up with an orthotic that does more harm than good.
Innovation in foot care
Recognising the potential to improve orthotic design and function, Andrew and the Waikato Podiatry team developed Foot Function Orthotics. This innovative brand integrates modern theories and technology into everyday foot care.
The orthotics are designed to:
Guide the foot into more efficient movement
Provide functional support during activity
Improve gait cycle performance to reduce strain and improve comfort
With this combination of experience, innovation, and on-site manufacturing, Waikato Podiatry delivers orthotics that are tailored to truly support your health and lifestyle.
Orthotics aren’t for everyone, but when needed, and when fitted correctly, they can transform mobility, reduce pain, and protect long-term foot health.
Suffering from foot or leg pain?
Are you feeling like you have tried everything but are still suffering from pain?
Do you feel like you have seen every health practitioner with no results?
We have a track record of diagnosing and successfully treating cases that have previously proven difficult to resolve and we’d love to help you get the problem sorted.
