In our clinic we’re now offering Phits Orthotics with Footscan technology! Phits is the world’s first high-tech 3D printed insole, specifically designed based on your dynamic gait analysis using Footscan®. Phits orthotics provide optimal efficiency, superior stability and extreme durability. Many celebrities and esteemed athletes choose not just any Orthotics but specifically Phits Orthotics to keep them at the peak of physical performance and allow them to avoid injury.
Current athletes choosing Phits Orthotics:
- Paula Radcliffe, Marathon World Record Breaker
- Charlotte Purdue, British Marathon Champion
- Lily Partridge, British Marathon Champion
- Jens Schuermans, Belgian National Champion
- And many others…
What are orthotics?
Before we can know who is a candidate for Orthotics, we must first know exactly what orthotics are and what they can do for us. Generally speaking, the word ‘orthotics’ seems rather medical in nature and because of that, most of us average joes won’t know exactly what they are for, and nor will we think we need them unless we have a medical condition of our own. The simple definition is a device such as a splint, support or brace used to help correct or improve the function of movable parts of the body.
What is the difference between orthotics and insoles?
Although you may not have heard of orthotics, the vast majority of us will have heard of ‘insoles’ and know their purpose! Orthotics are indeed insoles, but there are some key differences which make it easy to differentiate between insoles and orthotics. Orthotics functions are similar to insoles, in the fact that they help to relieve pressure and pain from your feet. However, the primary difference between the two is that orthotics are custom made for your feet whereas insoles tend to be off the shelf, pre-made. At ALO clinic, we don’t recommend buying insoles off the shelf as no two pairs of feet are the same, so why would your insoles be? In fact, there are also differences between each individuals left and right foot, so it’s vital to have custom made Orthotics if you’re considering insoles! Research suggests that wearing ‘off the rack’ insoles which specifications are not tailored to your own feet, can actually cause more damage to your feet and biomechanics in the long term, so to ensure you’re correcting any issue rather than worsening it – having yours custom made is important.
Who needs orthotics?
There are many reasons why a person might use orthotics, however we need to first distinguish between the types of people who ‘need’ orthotics and the types who ‘prefer’ orthotics. The main groups of people who need them may be suffering from poor biomechanics, pain, or even recent injury and the type who prefer them may be athletes looking to perform better or those who stand for long hours and appreciate the extra support. Here is a list of reasons why you may require orthotics:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles’ tendinopathy
- Collapsed or high arches
- Your shoes wear unevenly
- Balance problems
- Metatarsalgia
- Diabetic foot complications
- Leg length discrepancy
- Lower limb injury
- Bunions
- Foot pain/sharp heel pain or swelling
- Ankle pain
- Knee pain
- Hip pain
- Back pain
If you suffer with any of the above, it’s likely that you are a candidate for orthotics. Alternatively, if you are an athlete or a general sports person orthotics can help to absorb shock, meaning that you can run, and compete for longer hours without sustaining as much pressure to the feet. Even if your chosen sport is not directly running such as football, you may still need to be on your feet for long hours and the orthotics can reduce fatigue, and improve comfort, but most importantly, they can greatly reduce the risk of injury with any sport or activity, including simply walking. With all of these elements combined into a custom, biomedical appliance that fits comfortably in your shoe, orthotics can greatly improve an athlete’s overall performance many athletes attesting to this such as Paula Radcliffe.
How does it work?
To determine if orthotics are right for you, you will first have an assessment with our Phits certified Physiotherapists where we will provide a gait analysis using our highspeed footscan system that will highlight in detail any abnormalities or asymmetries that could be causing pain or poor biomechanics when walking leading to pain later on. This first analysis will enable us to know if you need orthotics or not.
Our specialised footscan® technology will allow your physiotherapist to see exactly where you’re applying the most pressure to your feet. The scan will then intuitively translate this dynamic data into the Phits Insole design to complement the expert knowledge of our physiotherapists. Once we have the scan design ready, your personalised orthotics are then 3D printed to fit your exact requirement and specification for each foot.
Do you believe you may be suffering from poor biomechanics causing pain in your feet and think you may need orthotics? Alternatively, if you’re an athlete looking to improve performance why not book a FREE 15-minute discovery visit with a physiotherapist?
In this complimentary visit you will have a chance to speak to your physio about your needs/and or condition/concerns and he will let you know if physio or orthotics is right for you.
To book an appointment or a discovery visit, call us on: 0207 636 8845