As sports injury practitioners, the demanding nature of sports and footwear limitations, makes for a challenging combination when prescribing orthotics.

Shock attenuation, functional control and support has to be able to be provided whilst maintaining flexibility with durability.

We at the Sportsphysio, have spent many months appraising manufacturers of orthotic devices and have found a range that can provide all of this, along with a high level of service and exceptional quality.

Rightstride manufacture state of the art orthotic devices and offer us the complete range from “ready to wear” to bespoke, custom build devices.

Find out more about our Rightstride orthotics range

Visit the Rightstride website

Our new web pages have been re-branded and re-launched to include training courses and seminars for occupational health staff.

Many companies have their own occupational health departments and training the trainer, to allow them to keep up to date with latest research is an important factor in minimising risk and managing MSD’s.

Although less common than flat foot (Pes Planus), it is no less painful and in some cases can be more problematic.

There are Two types of high arch: Flexible and rigid.
The rigid or inflexible high arch will retain the high-arched appearance in both non weight bearing and weight bearing. This may also be referred to as a supinated foot.
The flexible high arch will appear more normal on weight bearing as the joints of the midfoot allow the foot to flex.

What causes a high arch?
There are a number of reasons why people may have high foot arches;

The condition may be inherited (congenital). Usually involving both feet (bilateral) and is evident from an early age.

In earlier years, there may be no symptoms due to the flexibility of the younger foot. However, as the body ages and joints become less flexible, these feet become painful and can also lead to pain and biomechanical problems in the lower limbs and back.

Trauma to the nerves of the foot or neuromuscular conditions such as Poliomyelitis and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease can be some of the reasons Pes Cavus appears in later years.

Symptoms

• Heel or ball of foot (Metatarsal) pain.
• Calluses and corns may appear on the ball of the foot where undue pressure is exerted.
• Pain in ankles, knees, hips, hamstrings and low back due to poor shock absorption.
• Haglund’s Deformity – Hard lumps at the back of the heel, often known as “pump bumps”.
• Toes may appear clawed, as though they are grasping the ground.
• Pain in the mid foot due to stress on the mid tarsal joints and Plantar Fasciitis.
• Unstable ankle, resulting in frequent sprains.
• Morton’s Neuroma – damage to the plantar nerves of the foot.

Treatment

• Pes Cavus is not able to be prevented, so treatment is aimed at increasing flexibility of the midfoot where required and the use of prescriptive orthotics to support the arch and improve shock absorption by redistribution of weight.
• Off the shelf orthotics are usually unsuitable, due to the complex nature of the problem.
• Treatment of any corns and callouses to relieve pressure on the metatarsals.
• Surgical correction may be required in the case of complications such as Morton’s Neuroma.

Your shoes should always have good arch support with plenty of room in the upper for the foot to flex. A well cushioned shoe will help to absorb impact.

The Foot Problem
As we walk, the foot strikes the ground slightly on the outer side of the heel.  Natural forces encourage the foot to roll inward slightly (pronate) before lifting off using the big toe as a lever. In effect, your foot acts like a spring.

In some feet, this leaning inward (pronation) of the midfoot and heel is excessive and causes strain to the joints and supporting ligaments of the foot.  Painful symptoms in the foot, lower leg and knee may develop with some of the worst cases causing pain in the lower back and loss of core stability. The “spring” effect of the foot is lost.

To prevent this from happening, the heel should remain vertical, the medial arch supported and pressure distributed evenly through the forefoot.

Of course, there are people who place too much pressure on the outside of the foot (Supination).  Although this is not as common, it can also cause foot pain and symptoms such as shin splints.

Many conditions such as heel pain, Metatarsalgia (pain under the toe joints) and Plantar Fasciitis are a sign that something may be wrong with the biomechanics of the foot.

The Solution
Sometimes the problem does not lie with the foot itself, so skillful analysis of your biomechanics, including foot, lower limb and back assessment is carried out.

Manipulation, adjustment and exercise programmes can help to rectify problems with the back or lower limb.

Core strength training can alter posture, leading to a more efficient gait (walking pattern).

Orthotics and specific exercises can be used to correct problems with the foot itself.

Prescriptive Orthotics
There are many types of orthotics (specially designed shoe inserts) on the market but where pain and dysfunction need to be rectified, the only solution is a custom build orthotic designed specifically for your foot.

We use high quality, state of the art materials which offer the opportunity to control foot posture and modify pressure distribution.

Orthotics can generally be custom built within a few days and you will be instructed as to their correct use to allow the body to adjust over a period of time.

Various type of orthotic are available depending on budget, from professionally tailored “ready to wear” right up to bespoke rightstride® D3D and RS devices, featuring the latest in EVA and  Co-polymer Carbon technology.

D3D Orthotics

D3D Sports/Active

The rightstride® D3D bespoke orthotics are produced in EVA. This enables us to mix base and top material density creating support and comfort in one superb device. These versatile devices have been PROVEN to remain effective in the harshest of environments as demonstrated by service men and women all over the world. Neuropathic diabetic patients who require offloading of pressure also benefit from this unique orthotic with its amazing mix of material density.

RS Orthotics

Rs Marathon runner

The rightstride® RS bespoke orthotics are made in co-polymer carbon. Ultra durable, with a blend of functional control and dynamic flexibility resulting in the shell flexing under loading while remaining semi rigid under normal load.
A solution to the most demanding fashion shoe is here in the fashion fit orthotic and rightstride® provide us with huge range of different devices from the classic to the summer and winter Sports activities.

RSscan Lab’s advanced foot scanning systems and foot plates give accurate gait analysis, foot pressure measurement that will help in foot pain treatment.

Striding Edge

Our unique location at the edge of the Cumbrian Lake District and only an hour away from the Scottish Highlands, means that we do a great deal of work with climbers and activity organisations in the region.

Currently providing event services for Highpoint and the Olympic Delivery Authority.

Understanding a particular sport and mechanism of injury, is vital to the wellbeing of the athlete and we spend a great deal of time with professionals in many diciplines, learning the skills required and understanding the stresses and strains placed on the body.

Special experience with ballistics and archery professionals has allowed us to assist Olympic athletes to fine tune their technique to get the best from their physique and skills.

Preventative techniques are always at the forefront of our sports work and this is most evident with our involvement in motorsport, working with the driver to counteract the forces of driving at speed or in awkward conditions.

We were present at symposiums for the inception of the HANS restraint system, now employed to limit head and neck injuries in F1 drivers.

We will always work closely with an injured athlete and their coach, ensuring that they can maintain their level of fitness and achieve rehabilitation within the sports specific environment.

If you would like us to provide support for your event, just use our “contact us” button to discuss your requirements.

Find out more about the Cumbrian Lakes and Scottish Highlands

Find out more about The Cumbrian Lake District, with the Lake District National Park

Visit the Scottish Highlands

Highpoint Mountain Guides – offer a range of activities and training for groups www.lakeschallenge.co.uk and specialist services to the media, film and TV industries www.highpointpro.co.uk

We have over ten years experience with many sporting diciplines; Motorsport, rugby, martial arts and climbers to name but a few.  From Olympic level athletes to the weekend amateur.

Regardless of the reason for your visit, you are assured of our high level of professionalism and expertise.

We are easy to find, just off the A69

Warwick Mill Business Village enjoys a superb rural location, away from the congested city and expensive parking,  yet is within easy reach of clients and services throughout Cumbria,  The North East and South West Scotland.

The surgery is housed in one of the original 18th Century “Mill Workers” cottages, providing a comfortable and friendly atmosphere with private treatment rooms.

Gateway to the Cumbrian Lakes

The historic city of Carlisle has a unique location, just one step away from the stunning Cumbrian Lake District. A haven for walkers and climbers alike, as well as those who enjoy watersports and high octane pursuits.

We work closely with many businesses and organisations in the area, often providing dedicated support for specific events.

Just off the M6

We are only 5 minutes from junction 43 of the M6, making us easy to access from Cumbria, Lancashire and Southern Scotland.
The A69 runs right through the village, leading directly to the East.  Newcastle is just over an hour away.

Clinic Directions

From Carlisle and M6 ( Jnct 43)

Head along the A69 towards Newcastle for just about 2.5 miles.

• You will go past the Stony Holme Golf Club on your right.
• You will go over the stone bridge between Warwick upon Eden and Warwick Bridge
• You will go past open playing fields on your right
• You will bare right (stay on A69) at a tight curve in the road at a junction to Little Corby

Around 500m on your right, as the road opens out, is a green sign to Warwick Mill. TURN RIGHT here. ( If you get to the BP garage you have gone too far)

Continue up the lane past the Warwick Bridge Post Office and Co-op and past the first car park sign to your right.

Follow the road to your right between two rows of mill cottages.

TheSportsphysio.com clinic is on your right, 5 doors along. The Car park is just a little further along past the clinic to your left. ie behind the left row of cottages.

From Newcastle direction towards Carlisle.

On arrival in Warwick Bridge travel past the BP garage.  Slow down after about 200m as you approach a set of bollards in the central road reservation.

Turn LEFT just after them. A piece of rubble covered ground, the remains of the George Pub, will be to your left.

Continue up the lane past the Warwick Bridge Post Office and Co-op and past the first car park sign to your right.

Follow the road to your right between two rows of mill cottages.

TheSportsphysio.com clinic is on your right, 5 doors along. The Car park is just a little further along past the clinic to your left. ie behind the left row of cottages.

Address and postcode

TheSportsphysio.com
5 High Buildings
Warwick Bridge
Carlisle
Cumbria
CA4 8RP

Google Map from above the clinic available here >>

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