Dispensing Orthotics
The science of walking comfort
1. Decide which Footlogics orthotic model your patient requires
Choose either a full-length or 3/4 length Footlogics orthotic, depending on the type of shoes. Most lace-up shoes, sports shoes and work boots can be fitted with a full-length orthotic. For all other footwear (with a low or flat heel) choose a 3/4 length device.
For narrow ladies’ fashion footwear with a medium to high heel, please use Footlogics High Heel Comfort. If you’re patient is elderly or suffers from arthritis or diabetes, you may want to opt for the softer Casual or Comfort orthotic.
For younger children (up to the age of 9) you may use Footlogics Kids orthotics. Older children from about 10 years of age can be fitted with adult sizes, starting with XS.
2. Choose the correct size
Use the sizing chart below to determine
the correct size for your patient. For greater accuracy in fitting a 3/4 length orthotic, place the device under the patient’s foot and make sure the distal edge of the orthotic finishes about 5-10mm behind the bisection of the 1st Metatarso-phalangeal joint (see photo to the right).
When fitting a full-length orthotic in athletic footwear and work boots you’ll often find that some type of flat insole or lining is present. Please remove this before fitting the orthotics. Full-length Footlogics orthotics can be trimmed to size to fit your patient’s shoes. Any pre-existing loose insole or lining can be used as a template to trim the orthotic, or simply follow the trim lines at the underside of the device.
3. Add orthotic wedges and/or heel lifts, if required
To fine-tune your orthotic prescription, you may add orthotic wedging to the plantar surface of the device. For example, some patients with severe excess pronation may need an additional Rearfoot Varus wedge under the orthotic device providing extra biomechanical control.
A heel lift may be used for patients with Achilles Tendonits or patients presenting with a leg length discrepancy. Learn more about using Footlogics orthotic wedges.
Patient compliance
Footlogics orthotics will alter the position of the foot and ankle bones, hence, patients will need to ‘break in’ the device. Footlogics Medical orthotics should only be worn for 1 hour on the first day, 2 hours on the second day and so on, until they feel comfortable. If your patient cannot get used to the device (e.g. the orthotic feels like it’s digging into the arches), you may try one of the softer Footlogics orthotics (Casual or Comfort).
Generally, around 80- 90% of patients will get used to the Footlogics Medical orthotics in a matter of days.
Please note Footlogics Australia also offer a wide range of ‘over-the-counter’ retail-type orthotics including sports orthotics, orthotic insoles for ladies’s fashion shoes, orthotics for Plantar Fasciitis or Metatarsalgia, football insoles etc.
The full range can be found on the Footlogics retail website.
Footlogics Wedges and Additions
Your Footlogics Orthotics prescription can be fine-tuned with orthotic wedges and additions. These devices are self-adhesive and quick and easy to apply, tailoring the orthotics to your patient’s specific needs.
Rearfoot Varus Wedge
For patients with severe excess pronation and/or flat feet a rearfoot varus wedge can be applied to increase subtalar joint control. The Footlogics Rearfoot post has a 4 degree inclination and is made from extra firm density EVA for maximum effectiveness and long-term wear. The rearfoot wedge is self-adhesive and is placed over the entire heel area with the thicker side on the the medial side of the device.
Forefoot posting
An inverted (varus) orientation of the forefoot can be treated by using placing a wedge on the medial side of the orthotic under the first MTP joint.
In case of a Forefoot Valgus abnormality (i.e. the plantar plane of the forefoot is everted relative to the plantar plane of the rearfoot) a post can be placed on the lateral side of the orthotic. This will also encourage increased propulsion through the Hallux.
NOTE: Footlogics Rearfoot Varus wedges can also be used for forefoot posting, as shown on the right. Please use the small rearfoot wedges (size XS-M) for the larger sizes orthotics (L and XL). You may trim the wedges to size with regular scissors.
Heel Lift
Footlogics heel lifts help reduce the stress on the Achilles Tendon and relieve pain associated with Achilles Tendonitis and Sever’s Disease. They can also be used when a patient presents with a functional or structural short leg by lifting up the shorter leg.
The heel lift should be placed under the under the orthotic, right to the back, as shown. Footlogics heel lifts are 8mm high and are made of extra firm E.V.A for long durability.