Podiatrists are experts in prescribing/manufacturing foot orthoses which may be used to support and/or re-align the foot, or redistribute pressure away from prominent joints or painful areas. The biomechanical assessment provides the necessary information to be able to prescribe the appropriate orthoses for the condition. The orthoses are placed within the shoe and may be moved from shoe to shoe when required. Footwear styles required to accommodate the orthoses are generally closed and ideally quite deep and wide. Any sole within the shoe is removed and replaced with the orthoses.
By re-aligning joints and assisting in stability the supporting soft tissue eg muscles, ligaments and tendons may act more efficiently and be less subject to fatigue and strain. The joints may be less subject to wear and tear. By redistributing pressure, orthoses may reduce the build up of callus etc
FOOTWEAR
Podiatrists have knowledge in footwear design and research and the common features in a shoe which are important. Poor non-supportive footwear can lead to some of the conditions discussed above. Generally a shoe needs to have a firm heel counter, quite stiff through the middle and be flexible only up at the toe joints, the shape of the shoe including the depth and width needs to be able to accommodate the foot shape/size, the fit of the shoe is very important!
Podiatrists may direct their patients to the appropriate shoes for their foot type and presenting symptoms as well as giving them examples of styles, brands and models.

Peter Marks is CEO of Holdsworth House Medical Practice in NSW Australia. Holdsworth House Allied Health (HHH) employs highly qualified Podiatrists who specialise in a range of areas Heel Pain, Diabetes, Warts, Toenail, Problems, Corns, Callous, Footwear Advice, Children's Feet & more. HHH is located in Darlinghurst & Byron Bay. Sydney Podiatrist.
Visit http://www.holdsworthhouse.com.au for more information.

Source: www.a1articles.com