Orthotics and prosthetics both support daily mobility but serve different functions.
An orthotic compensates for biomechanical deficiencies or postural problems, while a prosthetic replaces a missing limb.
In podiatry, plantar orthotics are commonly used to improve foot and leg function, whereas foot prosthetics require consultation with a prosthetist. PiedRéseau podiatrists help patients find ideal devices to relieve foot pain.
Plantar orthotics
Custom-made plantar orthotics fit your foot’s morphology and can be flexible, semi-flexible, or rigid.
These comfortable orthotics fit discreetly into shoes and correct several conditions:
- Flat or hollow feet
- Leg length discrepancies
- Diabetic foot
- Bunion (hallux valgus)
- Corns
- Plantar fasciitis
- Heel spurs
- Hammer toe
Many pains, deformities, or postural issues can benefit from these orthotics, with podiatrists diagnosing and tailoring treatments. Beneficiaries include athletes, children, diabetics, seniors, and professionals.
How the podiatrist is involved in the design of your orthotic
Podiatrists use advanced technology to assess your feet and design, prescribe, repair, and replace orthotics.
The process includes:
- Biomechanical foot evaluation
- Foot casting
- Posture assessment
- Pressure point identification
- Imaging to verify diagnosis
Foot prosthetics
Custom foot prosthetics replace partially or completely amputated feet, helping patients restore quality of life.
Foot amputation is a last resort performed by surgical podiatrists or orthopedic surgeons based on the extent. Causes include untreated diabetic foot and severe toe deformities.
Prosthetics address:
- Toe amputation
- Foot amputation
- Tibial amputation
- Transmetatarsal amputation
- Transfemoral amputation
- Foot bunion amputation
- Metatarsophalangeal amputation
- Knee deformities and disarticulations
Certified prosthetists ensure patients maintain autonomy and routine after amputation.
Types include forefoot, tibial, and femoral prosthetic devices.
The prosthetic foot: designed for all realities
Prosthetic feet are aesthetic, comfortable, and discreet, available in various forms and levels of rigidity to imitate natural foot movement. They accommodate active lifestyles, including athletes, children, and seniors.
PiedRéseau: the reference in foot orthotics
With about forty podiatric clinics across Quebec, PiedRéseau specializes in custom foot orthotics using state-of-the-art equipment.
They also recommend qualified prosthetists for foot prosthetics.
Visit a PiedRéseau clinic near you for expert treatment and follow-up.