If you’ve been dealing with foot pain, heel pain, or ongoing lower limb discomfort, there’s a good chance someone has mentioned orthotics. But what exactly are custom orthotics, do you actually need them, and what does the process involve?
At Your Podiatry People in Greenslopes and Cleveland, custom orthotics are one of the most common — and most effective — treatments we prescribe. In this guide, our podiatrists break down everything you need to know.
What Are Custom Orthotics?
Custom orthotics are specially designed insoles that sit inside your shoes to support, cushion, and correct the way your foot functions. Unlike generic insoles, they are made specifically for your foot — based on a detailed biomechanical assessment and a precise scan or cast taken by your podiatrist.
They work by redistributing pressure, improving foot alignment, and reducing strain on the muscles, tendons, and joints of the foot, ankle, knee, and even the lower back. Because they’re tailored to your individual foot mechanics and the specific condition being treated, they can achieve results that no generic product can replicate.
Who Needs Orthotics?
Orthotics aren’t just for athletes or the elderly — they can benefit a wide range of people and conditions. Our podiatrists at Greenslopes and Cleveland prescribe orthotics for patients experiencing:
- Plantar fasciitis and heel pain — one of the most common reasons people seek orthotic treatment
- Flat feet or overpronation — where the arch collapses inward during walking or running
- High arches — which can cause excessive pressure on the ball and heel of the foot
- Achilles tendinopathy — by offloading stress on the tendon
- Knee pain — poor foot mechanics often contribute to knee problems, particularly in runners
- Morton’s neuroma — offloading the forefoot can significantly reduce nerve irritation
- Shin splints — by addressing biomechanical contributors to tibial stress
- Bunions — orthotics can help slow progression and reduce discomfort
- Children’s foot and gait problems — growing children sometimes benefit from orthotic support while their musculoskeletal system develops
If you’re experiencing any of these conditions and haven’t had a biomechanical assessment, it’s worth booking an appointment to find out whether orthotics could help.
Are Custom Orthotics Right for You?
Custom orthotics aren’t needed by everyone — but for patients with a diagnosed biomechanical issue, they’re often the most effective long-term solution. Our podiatrists at Greenslopes and Cleveland typically recommend custom orthotics when:
- You have a diagnosed condition contributing to ongoing foot, ankle, knee, or lower back pain
- You’ve tried other conservative treatments without lasting relief
- You have flat feet, overpronation, high arches, or an unusual gait pattern that’s driving your symptoms
- You’re managing a chronic or recurring condition and need ongoing support
- You’re an athlete looking for sport-specific biomechanical correction
- Your condition is affecting your ability to work, exercise, or go about daily life comfortably
Custom orthotics prescribed by a podiatrist are also covered by most private health insurance extras policies, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket cost. Our team at Greenslopes and Cleveland can advise on your specific cover at the time of your appointment.
What to Expect From Your Orthotic Assessment
Getting custom orthotics at Your Podiatry People is a thorough, personalised process — not a quick measure-and-go appointment. Here’s what we do:
1. Full history and symptom review
We start by understanding your pain, your lifestyle, your footwear, and your activity levels. This context shapes everything that follows.
2. Gait analysis
We watch how you walk — and run if relevant — to assess how your feet move and where abnormal mechanics are occurring.
3. Biomechanical examination
We assess joint range of motion, muscle strength and flexibility, and foot posture to build a complete picture of your foot function.
4. Foot scan or cast
We capture the precise shape of your foot using a 3D scan or casting technique, which forms the basis of your custom orthotic.
5. Prescription and fabrication
Your orthotics are prescribed specifically for your needs and manufactured to the exact specifications our podiatrist determines.
6. Fitting and review
Once your orthotics arrive, we fit them, check they’re working correctly, and schedule a follow-up to ensure you’re getting the result we intended.
Why Annual Orthotic Recalls Matter
This is something many patients don’t realise: orthotics don’t last forever, and your feet change over time.
Custom orthotics are typically designed to last 2–3 years with proper care, but the materials they’re made from — particularly the top covers and cushioning layers — wear down with use, often before the structural shell does. This means your orthotics might look fine on the outside while no longer providing the support and correction they were originally prescribed for.
Here’s why we recommend an annual orthotic review at Your Podiatry People:
Your body changes. Weight fluctuations, pregnancy, ageing, injury, and changes in activity level all affect your foot mechanics. Orthotics prescribed two years ago may not reflect your current needs.
Wear and degradation. The materials that cushion and correct your gait break down gradually. An annual check lets us identify when they need replacing before you start experiencing pain again.
Your footwear changes. Orthotics are designed with specific shoe types in mind. If your footwear has changed significantly, your orthotic may no longer be performing optimally.
Health insurance rebates reset annually. Most extras policies reset on 1 January each year, meaning if you’re eligible for an orthotic rebate, you may have unclaimed benefits available. An annual recall helps you make the most of your cover.
Prevent problems before they return. Many patients come back to us after a long gap saying their original problem has flared up again. Often, the issue is simply worn-out orthotics. Regular recalls let us stay ahead of this.
Our annual orthotic recall at Greenslopes and Cleveland involves a reassessment of your foot mechanics, a check of your current orthotics, and a recommendation on whether they need replacement, modification, or are still performing well. In many cases, it’s a simple appointment that saves you from months of unnecessary discomfort.
How to Look After Your Orthotics
To get the most out of your investment, here are a few practical tips:
- Clean them regularly — wipe down with a damp cloth and mild soap; avoid soaking them in water
- Allow them to dry completely before putting them back in your shoes
- Rotate between shoes where possible to reduce daily wear on a single pair
- Use them consistently — orthotics only work when you’re wearing them
- Book your annual recall — don’t wait until pain returns to check in
Book Your Orthotic Assessment in Greenslopes or Cleveland
Whether you’re dealing with foot pain and wondering if orthotics could help, or you already have orthotics that are due for a review, our podiatrists at Your Podiatry People are here to help.
We offer same-week appointments at both our Greenslopes and Cleveland clinics, with convenient opening hours including late nights.
Book online now or call us on (07) 3706 0793
📍 Your Podiatry People Greenslopes
Unit 3, 633 Logan Rd, Greenslopes QLD 4120
Open Monday–Friday | Late nights Monday & Thursday
📍 Your Podiatry People Cleveland
Unit 4, 145–147 Queen St, Cleveland QLD 4163
Open Monday–Friday | Late nights Tuesday & Thursday
