www.foothealth.co.za

ORTHOTICS

Leaders in Effective Treatment Using Orthotics

Orthotics and ankle-foot orthotics are our most useful , effective and versatile treatment. Our podiatrists' unique
credentials make them some of the nation's most skilled at custom-designing these devices to precisely control
function and resolve your problem. The Podiatrists evaluate the biomechanics of your gait themselves, then take
a mold of your foot - still the most exacting method - with their own hands. Our tech orthotics lab then creates
your devices to high tolerances. We guarantee the comfort of your orthotics, and we can make most needed
adjustments right in the office.

Vernon Lever & Warren Amler are committed to providing the best in foot orthotic therapy, and they know that's
a function of their own skill and experience.

What are Orthotics?
The term "orthotic" can refer to almost any device which is worn inside a shoe. Items called "orthotics" can be
found in infomercials, retail stores and even at trade shows. There are three very different types of "orthotics"
- custom, customized and off-the-shelf. The educated consumer should be aware of each type.

There is a confusing amount of information available on orthotics. For many consumers making an informed
decision is difficult. Recognizing a sales pitch and separating it from facts is the key to better health. The
information in this section should provide the information you need to make an informed decision.

Custom orthotics are a specialty of the Foot and Biomechanical centre here in Bedfordview.We have a
number of patients who travel to see us particularly for orthotic therapy. If you will be coming to see us from a
distance, please let our receptionist know so that we can schedule appropriate time.

Some Conditions Treated with Orthotic Therapy:

• Heel and arch pain
• Bunions
• Big toe joint pain
• Pain in the ball of the feet
• Achilles tendinitis
• Flat feet
• High-arched feet
• Biomechanical abnormalities
• Children's growing pains
• Athletic injuries
• Bone spurs
• Ankle injuries
• Unstable ankles
• Shin splints
• Arthritic conditions
• Dropfoot
• Back, hip and knee pain as associated with foot function

TOP 10 FOOT HEALTH TIPS

Diseases, disorders and disabilities of the foot or lower limbs affect the quality of life and mobility of millions South
Africans. However, the general public are unaware of the important relationship between foot health and overall
health and well-being. With this in mind, Lever & Amler Podiatrists would like to share a few tips to help keep your
feet and lower limbs healthy.

1. Don't ignore foot pain-it's not normal. If the pain persists, see a podiatric physician.

2. Inspect your feet regularly. Pay attention to changes in color and temperature of your feet. Look for thick or
     discolored nails (a sign of developing fungus), and check for cracks or cuts in the skin. Peeling or scaling on
     the soles of feet could indicate athlete's foot. Any growth on the foot is not considered normal.

3. Wash your feet regularly, especially between the toes, and be sure to dry them completely.

4. Trim toenails straight across, but not too short. Be careful not to cut nails in corners or on the sides; it can
     lead to ingrown toenails. Persons with diabetes, poor circulation or heart problems should not treat their own
     feet because they are more prone to infection.

5. Make sure that your shoes fit properly. Purchase new shoes later in the day when feet tend to be at their
     largest and replace worn out shoes as soon as possible.

6. Select and wear the right shoe for the activity that you are engaged in (i.e. running shoes for running,
     cycling shoes for cycling).

7. Alternate shoes-don't wear the same pair of shoes every day.

8. Avoid walking barefooted-your feet will be more prone to injury and infection, especially if you are diabetic.

9. Be cautious when using home remedies for foot ailments; self-treatment can often turn a minor problem into
     a major one.

10. If you are a person with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, it is vital that you see a Podiatrist at least once a
       year for a check-up.

A Podiatrist has been trained specifically in the diagnosis and treatment of all foot conditions. This training
includes all of the structures of the feet and lower limbs. These include the musculo-skeletal system, which
encompasses the tendons, muscles ligaments, bones and nerves.

WHAT IS A PODIATRIST?

A Podiatrist is the medical specialist for the foot, ankle and lower limbs. Podiatrists are licensed to diagnose and
treat conditions of and relating to the foot and ankle. Treatment can be medical, surgical, or biomechanical.
(Biomechanics is the study of how the foot and leg function when the foot contacts the ground.) The podiatrists'
extensive knowledge of biomechanics allows them to alleviate many conditions with conservative therapy rather
than surgery.

WHICH ORTHOTIC SHOULD I USE?

The best fitting and functioning type of arch support is a custom made prescription orthotic, which can be made
by your podiatrist. Finding a comfortable and effective pre-made arch support can be difficult. There are
hundreds of varieties on the market and that can make it confusing for customers. For elderly or arthritic people
and those that want extra cushioning and softness under the foot, while still getting extra support under the
arch, a custom moulded orthotic works the best. For women who use high heel or court type shoes like those
worn in the business environment, a slim-line flexible orthotic works best. If you don't have plantar fasciitis or
heel pain or if you have a flat foot and can't tolerate an orthotic with a higher arch, but still want great foot
support to relieve foot fatigue and strain, then a simple cushioned innersole should work nicely.

After you start using your orthotics, remember to break them in gradually, because is will take some time for the
orthotic and your feet to adjust to each other. Sports orthotics may need a little extra time to "settle into" as lateral
movement sports, as well as road running cause more pressure and ground reaction force to your feet.

We as Podiatrists are well trained in diagnosing and offering you, the patient the correct type of orthotic for your particular problem.