A custom brace worn on the lower leg and foot to support ankle stability and improve walking. AFOs are commonly prescribed for neurological conditions such as stroke, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and drop foot, as well as trauma-related instability. Learn more about ankle-foot orthotics. (LINK: https://coastalorthotics.com.au/orthotics-and-pedorthics-for-patients/#ankle)

The study of how the body moves. In foot care, biomechanics refers to how the foot and lower limb function during standing and walking. Biomechanical assessment guides orthotic and footwear prescription.

External support devices used to stabilise joints or improve movement. This may include ankle-foot orthoses or other lower limb supports.

Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing technology used to digitally scan, design and manufacture orthotics and footwear components with high precision. Coastal Orthotics & Pedorthics has used CAD/CAM technology for over 20 years.

A qualified health professional specialising in therapeutic footwear, footwear modifications and orthotic management. A certified pedorthist focuses on improving mobility and reducing pain through footwear-based solutions.

Shoes designed and manufactured specifically for an individual’s foot shape and medical needs. Custom footwear is recommended when off-the-shelf footwear cannot safely accommodate deformity, diabetes-related risk, or complex biomechanical issues. Learn more about our custom footwear.

Individually designed shoe inserts manufactured to improve foot function, redistribute pressure and reduce pain. They are precision-crafted using CAD/CAM technology for optimal fit and long-term comfort. Learn more about custom orthotics.

Foot problems associated with diabetes, including neuropathy, poor circulation and increased ulcer risk. Specialised footwear and orthotics are often required to offload pressure and prevent injury. Learn more about diabetic orthotics.

A condition where lifting the front of the foot is difficult due to weakness or nerve dysfunction. An ankle-foot orthosis is commonly prescribed to improve safety and gait.

A NSW Government program assisting eligible individuals with funding for equipment and assistive technology, including custom orthotics and footwear.

Alterations made to existing footwear to improve function, balance or comfort. Examples include rocker soles, heel raises, limb length adjustments and heel counter extensions. Read more about footwear modifications.

Irregular walking patterns caused by neurological, structural or musculoskeletal conditions. Orthotics or footwear modifications are often prescribed to improve stability and efficiency.

A footwear modification used to address leg length discrepancy or reduce strain on the Achilles tendon. See footwear modifications.

A digital assessment system that measures pressure distribution inside footwear while walking. It is used particularly for high-risk diabetic patients to verify effective pressure offloading.

A difference in length between the legs, which may affect posture and walking. Footwear modifications such as sole buildups or heel raises may be required.

A footwear modification that compensates for leg length discrepancy to improve balance and reduce joint strain.

Medical conditions affecting the nervous system, such as stroke, cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis. These conditions may require bracing, ankle-foot orthoses or custom footwear to improve mobility and safety.

The redistribution of pressure away from high-risk areas of the foot. This is particularly important for patients with diabetes to prevent ulcers and skin breakdown. Learn more about diabetic orthotics.

A device applied externally to support, align or improve function of a body part. Foot orthoses (orthotics) are worn inside footwear.

The assessment, design, manufacture and modification of footwear and orthotic devices to improve mobility, comfort and lower limb health.

A common cause of heel pain caused by irritation of the plantar fascia. Custom orthotics and supportive footwear may reduce strain and improve symptoms.

A condition affecting individuals who previously had polio, often resulting in muscle weakness that may require bracing or supportive footwear.

A curved sole modification added to footwear to reduce joint stress and assist forward motion during walking. Often prescribed for arthritis or forefoot pain. See footwear modifications. (LINK: https://coastalorthotics.com.au/orthotics-and-pedorthics-for-patients/#mods).

A condition involving tendon irritation or degeneration, such as Achilles tendinopathy or tibialis posterior dysfunction. Orthotics and footwear adjustments can reduce tendon load.

A condition affecting the tendon that supports the arch of the foot, often leading to flatfoot deformity and requiring orthotic support.