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Clincal Services
Do you have an Orthotic patient service?
Will I have to pay a Consultation Fee?
What clinical services does OPC Health offer?
Where can I see an Orthotist in Victoria?
Do I need a referral to see an orthotist?
Custom Made Orthoses
What are foot orthoses?
What can a foot orthosis help to treat?
How are custom made foot orthoses fitted to my feet?
What types of shoes can custom made foot orthoses be placed in?
How often should I wear my foot orthoses?
How do I fit my orthotics?
How do I stop my foot orthotics from sliding forwards?
Do I need to wear-in my foot orthotics?
My orthotics are hurting my feet, what do I do?
How long should I expect foot orthotics to last?
How do I clean foot orthotics?
Can I put foot orthotics in the washing machine or dryer?
What should I do with my cast?
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| Do you have an Orthotic patient service? |
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Yes we have facilities in Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane with fully qualified Orthotists who can help if you are a patient.
Contact us to make an appointment.
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| Will I have to pay a Consultation Fee? |
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OPC charges a one-off Patient Consultation Fee of $44.00 (incl GST) payable on the date of your appointment. This charge is applicable for an Initial Assessment, Fitting or Evaluation Appointment, irrespective of an Orthosis Prescription. This Patient Consultation Fee is not refundable through any Funded Program.
The Patient Consulation Fee amount is deducted from the Payable Balance for any Orthosis prescribed, or Service provided.
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| What clinical services does OPC Health offer? |
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OPC Health offers a range of Orthotic services throughout Melbourne and Regional Victoria. Click here to view to see more information or for a referral guide.
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| Where can I see an Orthotist in Victoria? |
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Click here to see a full list of our Clinical Services locations in Melbourne and Regional Victoria.
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| Do I need a referral to see an orthotist? |
No, although it can be helpful if you have a complicated medical history.
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| What are foot orthoses? |
A foot orthosis is an externally applied device that is used to support, realign, prevent, or correct deformities of the foot.
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| What can a foot orthosis help to treat? |
Foot orthoses can be used to treat many different conditions – flat feet, high arches, pain in feet, knees and lower back, heels spurs, plantarfasciitis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis.
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| How are custom made foot orthoses fitted to my feet? |
A plaster cast is taken of your feet and the foot orthoses are made over these casts. Once the foot orthoses are made they are fitted into your shoes.
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| What types of shoes can custom made foot orthoses be placed in? |
Foot orthoses will fit into most regular shoes. The shoe must have a heel counter and lace up or velcro closure shoes are preferred but not mandatory.
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| How often should I wear my foot orthoses? |
This will depend on the condition the foot orthoses are treating, but generally, to get the most benefit from your foot orthoses you should wear them every day. You can go for short periods without them though if necessary.
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| How do I fit my orthotics? |
Place the orthotics into your shoes, ensuring the heel section is pushed all the way back to prevent the orthotics from sliding forwards.
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| How do I stop my foot orthotics from sliding forwards? |
Ensure they are pushed all the way back. They should not slide once in place. If they slide, double sided tape can be used to secure the orthotic to the sole of your shoe.
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| Do I need to wear-in my foot orthotics? |
A gradual wearing in period is recommended for all foot orthotics. Try wearing them for about an hour on the day that you receive them. The following day wear the orthotics for approximately two hours, and increase by an hour or so every day so that by the end of the week you can wear them comfortably all day.
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| My orthotics are hurting my feet, what do I do? |
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If at any time your feet become painful whilst wearing the orthotics, remove them from your shoes for about half an hour to rest your feet. Often the pressures applied to your feet initially can cause minor discomfort. This is often alleviated with time.
If after two weeks your orthotics continue to cause pain or discomfort, we recommend you consult your orthotists to have them reviewed and possibly adjusted. With any device fitted to the body, fine tuning is often required.
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| How long should I expect foot orthotics to last? |
Most orthotics should last approximately two to three years. This is dependent on how much you use them, the type of shoes they are fitted to, your body size (weight) and the frequency and type of activity you undertake whilst you are wearing them.
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| How do I clean foot orthotics? |
If your orthotics need cleaning we recommend you wipe them with a damp cloth or softly scrub with a brush. Do not immerse them in water. Only use cold or luke warm water.
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| Can I put foot orthotics in the washing machine or dryer? |
Orthotics should not be immersed in water. Wipe down with a damp cloth or scrub softly with a brush. Putting your orthotics in a clothes dryer is not recommended. Heat can distort orthotics, in some cases destroying them.
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| What should I do with my cast? |
Casts can be used more than once to make foot orthoses and can be stored for future use once completely dry. To prepare the cast for storage, take out of the plastic bag and place on a newspaper in a dry place for three to four weeks, or until completely dry. Return cast to a plastic bag before storage. |