What is an Orthotic and what does it do?

It is an insole that is heat moulded and tailored to individual needs and has proven track records in reducing heel, foot, knee, hip and low back pain, by controlling excess pronation. What is pronation? It is the rolling movement of the foot from the outside heel strike to the big toe for the take off to running etc.

Heel and Foot pain, this is caused by rolling over the foot (excess pronation) the arch collapses and forces muscles and supporting structures to stretch. Orthotics help by re-aligning the foot, reducing the stretch forces on the ligaments.

Shin pain-referred to as shin splints is a common term for pain occurring in the front and/or inside section of the shin bone (tibia). Anterior (front) shin splints are often experienced by new runners or walkers when pain occurs in the muscles at the front of the shin during exercise. Posterior (inside shin pain) is a more chronic condition occurring on the inside edge of the shin bone and generally occurs with more active sports. Both conditions are related to excess stretching (traction of muscles and tendons along the shin bones. Orthotic products reduce excess stretching of the front and back leg muscles by utilising the patented "angular restraining mechanism" in the heel section.

Children's complaints-

Growing pain- (paediatric leg pain) commonly found in children after playing sports or generally after periods of activity. Children's bone structures are generally more flexible and mobile than adults. Therefore, high activity on their feet commonly causes the muscles to overwork and may later cause muscle stiffness and pain. Orthotic products gently stabilise the bones and soft tissue structures in children's feet and lower leg structures. Orthotic products assist the alignment of young growing bones and greatly reduce muscle strain.

Heel pain- (Sever's condition) A common condition with children between the ages of 8-14 years. This pain occurs at the back of the heel bone often during or after sporting activity. Many children's bones (including the heel bone) are not fully developed at this age and high activity may disrupt growth plates. Orthotics controls excess pronation of the foot and thereby stabilises the heel bone and its growth plate.

Knee pain- (Osgood Schlatter's condition) A similar mechanism to Sever's condition, but occurring at the bony bump just below the kneecap. Orthotics control internal rotation of the shin bone utilising the patented "angular restraining mechanism" This reduces internal rotation and stretching forces placed on the knee joint and growth plate of the child.

Why you need Sorbothane- when running or walking, every time your foot hits the floor it must bear a sudden load of up to 17 times your normal body weight. Or, to put it another way, a force equivalent to a 30mph car crash.

How does Sorbothane work? -Think of Sorbothane as a shock absorber that "soaks up" impact energy before it gets to you and you won't be far wrong. Similar in its physical properties to human flesh, it will cushion up to 94.7% of all impact shock. So, it's rather like having an extra layer of flesh where you most need it.


PRODUCTS AVAILABLE

Sorbothane Insoles, Orthotics, Ski-knee braces, Back support braces, Tennis elbow braces, Wrist braces, Neoprene Arm & Leg supports, Strapping & tapes, Instant ice packs, Hot & Cold therapy packs, Club Medical kits, Specialised sports clothing & footwear,