Orthotics
Orthotics can help reduce pain, improve support and change the way load is distributed through your feet and lower limbs.
At Renew Podiatry, we offer prefabricated and custom orthotics, including modern 3D-printed devices and traditionally made orthotics. We also prescribe custom Richie Braces for more complex foot and ankle conditions.
There is no single orthotic that suits everyone. The type, material and design of your orthotics are selected based on your symptoms, foot structure, activity and footwear.
Not everyone needs custom orthotics — we'll recommend the most appropriate option for your individual needs.
When might orthotics help?
Orthotics may be used as part of a treatment plan for a range of foot and lower limb problems, including:
✔️ Heel pain and plantar fasciopathy
✔️ Achilles tendon pain
✔️ Pain beneath the ball of the foot
✔️ Arthritis and painful joints
✔️ Tendon and muscle overload
✔️ Shin Splints
✔️ Bunions
✔️ Knee pain from foot mechanics, particularly patellofemoral pain linked to pronation
✔️ Sports and activity-related injuries
✔️ Children's foot and lower limb concerns
✔️ Pressure-related foot problems
✔️ Ongoing foot pain associated with altered walking mechanics
Whether orthotics are appropriate depends on the cause of your symptoms and the findings from your assessment.
Prefabricated Orthotics
Prefabricated orthotics are ready-made devices available in a range of shapes, sizes and levels of support.
For many people, a well-selected prefabricated orthotic may provide all the support they need. These devices can often be modified or adjusted to better suit your foot, footwear and symptoms.
They may be recommended when a fully customised device is not necessary or as part of a short-term treatment plan.
Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics are individually prescribed based on your feet and the problem being treated.
Your prescription may consider your foot structure, joint movement, walking or running pattern, symptoms, activity and footwear.
An orthotic may be designed to redistribute pressure, improve stability, increase cushioning or reduce load on painful or overloaded structures.
We use a range of orthotic designs and materials, including carbon fibre, polypropylene, EVA and TPU.
The goal is not simply to make an orthotic that matches the shape of your foot. It is to prescribe a device designed around the problem we are trying to treat
3D-Printed and Traditionally Made Orthotics
3D printing allows greater flexibility and precision in orthotic design. The shape, thickness and stiffness of different areas of the orthotic can be adjusted according to your individual prescription, allowing supportive devices to be made without unnecessary bulk.
However, 3D-printed orthotics are not the right choice for everyone. In some cases, a traditionally manufactured or individually hand-finished orthotic may be better suited to your foot, footwear or the problem being treated.
We use a range of materials and manufacturing methods and select the option that best suits your individual needs — rather than using the same type of orthotic for everyone.
Richie Braces
For some more complex foot and ankle conditions, a standard foot orthotic may not provide enough support.
A Richie Brace is a custom ankle-foot orthosis that combines a custom foot orthotic with additional support around the ankle and lower leg. The brace is designed to provide greater control and stability while fitting into appropriate footwear.
Richie Braces may be considered for conditions such as:
✓ Progressive collapsing foot deformity - formerly known as posterior tibial tendon dysfunction
✓ Significant or painful flatfoot
✓ Chronic ankle instability
✓ Foot drop
✓ Tendon problems around the foot and ankle
✓ Certain neurological conditions
✓ Complex foot and ankle problems requiring greater support
The type of brace prescribed depends on your condition, strength, mobility and functional needs.
Do I need Custom Orthotics?
Not necessarily.
Many foot and lower limb problems can be managed with footwear changes, exercise, activity modification or other treatments. Some people benefit from a prefabricated orthotic, while others require a more individually prescribed device.
Your assessment helps us determine whether orthotics are likely to be useful and, if so, which type is most appropriate for you.
Orthotics Selected for You
Your feet, footwear and activities are individual. Your orthotic treatment should reflect that.
At Renew Podiatry, we focus on selecting the right level of support for your needs — whether that's a simple prefabricated device, a custom orthotic or a more supportive Richie Brace.
Ready to take the next step?
Book a comprehensive assessment with Renew Podiatry. If orthotics are likely to help, we'll recommend the most appropriate option for your feet, footwear, activity and goals. If they're not, we'll discuss the treatments that are most likely to get you moving comfortably again.