Fact Sheet - GaitScan & Custom Orthotics

Foot Facts:

25% of the bones of your body are in the foot. Each day we take around 10,000 steps and it is the complex interaction of your foot on the ground and the correct alignment of your knee, hip and pelvis over your foot that enables efficient painfree walking and running. Abnormal foot mechanics can result in the following common conditions: localised foot pain (metatarsalgia / bunions / neuroma) heel and ankle pain (plantar fasciitis / achilles tendonitis) and other lower limb problems such as shin splints and patello-femoral pain.

Custom orthotics correct abnormal foot mechanics to help you Move Well & Stay Well

What is GaitScan.

GaitScan is a state of the art force plate linked to a software program that allows your physiotherapist to accurately detect abnormal foot function as you stand and walk across the force plate. The data from your GaitScan aids planning your treatment and can be sent to The Orthotic Group (TOG) Lab to produce orthotics to correct your specific foot problems

How do I know if I need Custom Orthotics:

We use our clinical experience and GaitScan technology to decide if you need orthotics.

  • Interpretation of your history of injury and functional requirements including footwear
  • Examination by an experienced physiotherapist which considers biomechanics and factors contributing to your pain and the role for treatment & corrective exercise.
  • The GaitScan results which may indicate abnormal foot mechanics which contribute to your pain.

3 Reasons why Orthotics are Better:

  1. Comfort - TOG orthotics are low profile, flexible and comfortable. The orthotic is made to gently correct the abnormal mechanics of your foot when walking rather than ‘hold' the foot in a neutral position which is the basis of some orthotics which in our opinion are bulky, uncomfortable and less functional.
  2. Quality - TOG is a leading orthotic laboratory using quality materials which allow orthotic types and styles that suit your needs eg. RunFlex, SoccerFlex, DressFlex. The orthotic shell has a lifetime guarantee and the softcover has a 6 month guarantee after which it can be replaced for $35
  3. Price - TOG Orthotics from Physioplus cost $390 per pair or $520 for 2 pairs. TOG orthotics can be built into select shoes or sandals from leading brands (eg. Merrell / Brooks / Naot). With the shoe / orthotic combination from TOG priced around $350. These prices are very competitive and substantial rebates apply from health insurers.

Booking an Assessment:

The GaitScan is done as part of a consultation ($75 / $65 concession) which includes assessment and advice and takes about 30 minutes.

Orthotics can be ordered at the time of the consultation and take about 2 weeks to arrive from TOG. A 50% deposit is required at the time of ordering.

Ross Baines has a special interest in foot / overuse injuries in runners and dancers and rehabilitation of foot function after orthopaedic surgery. If requested an orthotic holding 'subtalar neutral' can be made using a foam impression box / GaitScan / clinical notes.

If you require a GaitScan or specialist consultation please advise our receptionist when making appointments.