Frequently Asked Questions

Some frequently asked questions about Aerodyn Orthotics.

Q. How much do Aerodyn orthotics cost?
A. The total cost of a pair or Aerodyn orthotics is $264.00(AUD). This is made up of two payments: $49.00(AUD) when you order an impression kit from us and $215.00(AUD) when you return the kit with your orthotic order. Sports covers on your orthotics cost an extra $40.00(AUD)

Q. Is postage and insurance included in the cost of my orthotics?
A. Yes ! The above costs are all inclusive. We pay the postage to you, you just need to post the impression kit back to us.

Q. How long will it take to get my Aerodyn orthotics?
A. As soon as we receive your order we send the impression kit. It usually takes 5 – 10 days to reach you depending on what part of the world you live in. When we receive your completed impressions, they are delivered to our laboratory and the inserts are manufactured and sent back to you within 5 working days. Five to ten days later you will receive your orthotics !

Q. How do I pay?
A. You can pay for your impression kit using a credit card over the internet OR
you can print our order form and fax your credit card details OR you can submit our order form and send a bank cheque or Australian draft via normal mail.

• Lower back & hip pain
• Knee pain
• Shin Splints
• Heel Pain (Heel Spur Syndrome)
• Achilles Tendonitis
• Bunions

and for many more go to this page.

Q. What are flat feet? What are fallen arches?
Flatfeet and fallen arches are lay terms used to describe lowering of the long inner arch of the foot. For a long time flat-feet were thought to be the sign of a poorly developed or structured foot. However in recent years it has been found to be no more prone to injury or soreness than any other foot structure. In fact recent research involving army recruits has shown that those army recruits with flatter feet tended to suffer less problems than those with normal or high arched feet.

In recent years it has been felt that it is not necessarily how flat or high your arches are but it is in fact the way in which you walk with your feet and the way in which they move which are the most critical factors. If your feet move abnormally whilst you are walking or standing this can make you more prone to injuries and foot soreness.

Q. I have bunions. What can be done to relieve the pain?
Bunions are a foot deformity where the big toe joint of the foot is distorted, leading to the toe pointing inwards and the bone protruding. The joint is easily inflamed by pressure and can be very painful. Their formation is largely genetic and can be exacerbated by shoes that are too tight. Orthotics can offer relief and sometimes surgical correction may be required.

Q. I play netball once a week and jog occasionally. Quite often afterwards my shins get very sore and it almost feels like the pain is in the bone itself. I also sometimes get an ache in the base of my foot which can be quite painful when I walk on it. Is there any particular cause for these problems?
The condition you are referring to is colloquially referred to as shin-splints, a collective term used to describe any pain occurring during or after sport in the shin area.

The pain can come from a variety of structures in the shin area including tendon, muscle, bone and ligaments. The pain you refer to, which feels like it is in the bone, is quite common and occurs at an interface point where muscle attaches to bone at the front or inside of the shin.

The reasons for this sort of shin pain can be related to many things. Usually shin pain occurs as a consequence of poor biomechanics (the way in which the foot and leg move whilst running or playing sport), poor training techniques or in some cases over-training. Often the surface that you are running or playing your sport on can also have an effect on these injuries. Podiatrists will look at all of these elements when assessing your shin pain and indicate which they feel are most likely to be contributing to the problem and advise you as to the best remedy.

Always remember to warm-up, cool down and stretch after playing sport, and build your jogging up gradually as these are common reasons which contribute to the development of shin pain.

The ache you are experiencing in the base of your foot could be a result of inflammation of one of many different structures in your foot. Common examples are sesamoiditis (inflammation of small bones under the big-toe joint, and plantar fasciitis (inflammation of a ligamentous like structure which runs the length of the foot). The fact that you are experiencing these problems in addition to the shin pain tends to suggest that you may have a mechanical problem with your feet which is making you prone to these injuries. If this were the case you may require a prescription insole to improve the mechanical function of your feet as well as an assessment of the footwear you use in sport.

Q. What are the value of arch supports. Do some people need custom-made orthoses to alleviate foot pain?
Arch supports are devices used to support and help align the foot to improve the manner in which it functions. There are various types of arch supports available. They range from 'over-the-counter' styles of devices to custom prescribed devices which people receive from podiatrists. In simple terms over-the-counter orthoses are made typically with only one arch shape and fairly limited sizes. For some these may be adequate to reduce their foot pain and indeed podiatrists often recommend such insoles where they feel they are appropriate.

For other people however their problem cannot be remedied by simple over-the-counter orthoses and they require an orthotic that is made specifically for their foot. This would be made from a cast of their foot and sent, with a specific prescription, to a laboratory. Because these devices are essentially 'one of a kind' and can't be mass-produced they are more expensive, however they are made of materials that are long wearing.