Our specialist orthotics department accept direct referrals from individual patients who feel that may benefit from an assessment or from doctors, physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals working outside our hospitals.
Within Circle Health, our orthopaedic surgeons, rheumatologists, neurologists and physiotherapists work very closely with our orthotist to provide the very best holistic care package for our patients.
Initial consultation with an expert orthotist
If referred by another healthcare professional, our orthotist will consider the reason for referral to guide the initial consultation.
All of our patients will be taken through an in-depth conversation regarding the history of their particular issue. This will include the specific timeline of injury or dysfunction, the mechanism behind any trauma and also which particular movements have been affected.
Our orthotist will also discuss the details of any previous healthcare treatment, including any previous orthotic treatment prescribed and the effects these had on the problem. This information will allow our expert to guide a more appropriate physical examination.
A thorough physical examination will be conducted of the spine and lower limbs. The aim of this physical examination is to build on possible causes and, where applicable, determine which solutions may help the particular movement dysfunction.
Physical examination tests which may be carried out may include:
- Assessing the foot shape i.e. flat or high arched foot type
- Assessing the alignment of the lower limb
- Joint range of motion tests, including the ankle/foot as well as the hips
- Muscle length tests
- Resistance tests to check the integrity of the muscles and tendons around the foot and ankle
- Observing your walking (gait pattern)
Gait pattern may also be analysed by pressure plates or cameras to enable visualisation of each stage of the gait cycle.
Treatment tailored just for you
Several forms of orthotics exist, including inner soles that more adequately support the shoe from larger external devices being used to support weakened muscle groups in the event of neurological impairment.
Depending on the possible orthotic solutions identified, it may be that adjustments are needed. Follow-up appointments will be offered as appropriate to optimise the orthotic and to ensure the movement is suitably corrected.
The right treatment for you, always
You will always be given space and time to talk about how your symptoms have affected you.
You will also have the opportunity of talking through your individual goals, both sporting and non-sporting, to help determine the best possible management plan for you.