frequently asked questions
- NDIS Insurance Scheme – Perth
- CHSP or NDIS Funding Options
- Most common foot problems
- Foot Orthoses
Perth Surgical Shoemakers & Wembley Shoes (PSS & WS) have been a registered NDIS service under the NDIS insurance scheme for over 5 years.
PSS & WS are registered for the following Support Classes:
- Personal mobility equipment
- Therapeutic supports
Personal mobility equipment
PSS & WS can provide personal mobility equipment related to a person’s disability, such as specialised footwear, foot orthoses and ankle foot orthoses (AFO’s), if this equipment is required to live a fulfilling life and achieve the goals outlined in their NDIS plan.
Assistive technology specialist assessment, set up and training
PSS & WS can perform pedorthic assessments and recommend the right assistive technology needed to support your feet and ankles. We can also complete an NDIS Assistive Technology Applications needed for all complex (level 3 and 4) devices.
PSS & WS are also able to provide assistance during the initial period of using our equipment and provide our clients and their carers with the required training.
Therapeutic supports
PSS & WS can provide the following therapeutic supports:
- Comfortable Orthotic-Friendly Footwear – Ready-made, orthotic-friendly shoes that are both fashionable and comfortable.
- Ready-Made Orthopaedic Footwear – Extra Narrow/Wide and Extra Deep medical graded footwear.
- Custom-Made Orthopaedic Footwear – Able to fit any shape and size of feet made, our custom-made footwear can be made in any appropriate colour and style you prefer.
- Ready-Made Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFOs) – e.g. Otto Bock Poly Carbonate AFO’s, Carbon Fibre AFO’s, Dictus Bands and Sporlastic Neurodyn Ankle Braces.
- Custom-Made Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFOs) – e.g. Aluminium upright callipers with free ankle movement or dorsi-flex assistance and custom-made footwear with built in AFO’s.
Get in touch
If you’d like to know more about how we can support you as a registered NDIS Perth service or about any of our products, feel free to contact us on (08) 9387 5507 or send an email to info@perthshoemaker.com.au.
Frequently Asked Questions
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is the way in which the Australian government provides support for people with disability, their families and carers.
It is estimated that the NDIS scheme will provide support to about half a million Australians under the age of 65, with a permanent and significant disability, with the reasonable and necessary supports they need to live an ordinary life.
As an insurance scheme, the NDIS takes a lifetime approach by investing in people with disability early on to improve their outcomes later in life through personal care and support, access to the community, therapy services and essential equipment. This support is designed to help people improve their skills and independence over time and helps to support their community involvement, employment and wellbeing.
To learn more about the NDIS scheme, visit the NDIS government website.
No, PSS & WS is registered with the NDIS in Perth for specialised assessment of skills, abilities and needs. This means you can contact PSS & WS directly for a pedorthic assessment to access and supply your NDIS funded pedorthic Assistive Technology needs.
All products supplied by PSS & WS can be funded by the NDIS, including ready-made footwear, custom-made footwear, ready-made AFO’s and custom-made AFO’s.
Yes. The NDIS scheme covers orthotics and custom-made footwear if it is considered necessary for you to have it in order to achieve your goals.
In order to sign an NDIS service agreement, you need to provide your NDIS number and date of birth. PSS & WS would also appreciate if you brought along a copy of your NDIS Plan if we are required to lodge a formal NDIS Assistive Technology Application for level 3 or 4 AT equipment.
No. NDIS Clients can make use of other allied health practitioners to do the assessment and complete the required formal NDIS Assistive Technology Application. In such a case, you can make an appointment with PSS & WS for an assessment. We will do an assessment, discuss the proposed footwear and orthoses to be supplied and once decided on a solution, provide your allied health practitioner with a quotation to use as part of the formal NDIS Assistive Technology Application.
Yes, once you start your application process you will be assigned an NDIS Planner to assist you. Your planner may ask you what orthopaedic support you need and outline the cost with you. PSS & WS can provide you with an initial pedorthic assessment to determine, discuss and decide on what orthopaedic support(s) you need. Once this is done, we can provide you with a quotation for planning purposes which will include both the cost of clinical time needed and the price of the assistive technology proposed.
To see if you’re eligible for funding under the NDIS insurance scheme, check out this Eligibility Checklist
Yes and no.
Yes. If the service or equipment we supply is classified as level 1 or 2, we can supply you with assistive technology equipment on the spot. In some cases, we can supply Level 3 equipment if this equipment was previously supplied to you without going through a formal NDIS Assistive Technology Application process again (e.g. Orthopaedic footwear has been previously provided).
No. If after your assessment it is established that you need level 3 or 4 assistive technology equipment, such as custom-made footwear or custom-made orthoses, then we are unable to supply you with assistive technology equipment on the spot.
Contact us
If you have any more questions on how we can support you as a registered NDIS service in Perth, get in touch by filling out a contact form below or give us a call on (08) 9387 5507.
Frequently Asked Questions
The government can provide funding through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) for people 65 years and older or funding can be obtained through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
The WA Community Aids and Equipment Program (CAEP) is now being phased our and replaced by the CHSP and NDIS.
Please visit the My Aged Care website or contact Perth Surgical Shoemakers and Wembley Shoes for more information.
In order to qualify for CHSP funding you need to require footwear/orthoses/AFO’s as an essential part of your supports for independent functioning and care at home.
The following is an abstract from “Your guide to Commonwealth Home Support Programme services” obtainable from the My Aged Care website.
What is the Commonwealth Home Support Programme?
Funded by the Australian Government, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme provides a range of entry-level aged care services for older people who need assistance to keep living independently at home and in their community.
If you are generally able to manage but just need some help with daily tasks to continue living at home, Commonwealth Home Support Programme services may be right for you.
These services might also be suitable if you have had a setback and need support for just a short period of time to help you get back on your feet.
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme funds a large variety of organisations (called service providers) across Australia to deliver the care and services to you.
The aim of the program is to help older people live as independently as possible — with a focus on working with you, rather than doing for you.
It is about building on your strengths and abilities to help you remain living independently and safely at home.
The program is for people aged 65 years and over (50 years and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people).
The program also includes support services for prematurely aged people on a low income who are 50 years or over (45 years or over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) and are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
In order to get NDIS funding for specialised footwear, orthoses or AFOs’ these items need to specified as part of your NDIS plan.
Note: Although you may have specialised footwear, orthoses or AFOs’ as part of your NDIS plan Perth Surgical Shoemakers or your therapist still need to prepare an elaborate Assistive Technology (AT) Application form for any funding to be approved.
In order for Perth Surgical Shoemakers to complete the NDIS AT Application form one of our pedorthists need to do a full pedorthic assessment. The assessment is needed to provide all the required clinical reasoning behind the AT supply. The AT Application also need to contain a quotation for the intended service(s). This process will require 2-3 hours of clinical time paid for as part of your NDIS plan.
In some cases your therapist may elect to complete the NDIS AT Application and only request a detail quotation from Perth Surgical Shoemakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
The foot is a unique and complex structure that serves us well but it could develop a large variety of problems. This section provide an overview of some of the most common problems seen by us.
Bunions are one of the most common forefoot deformities. A displacement of the bone under the 1st toe occurs. This causes the big toe to move towards the smaller toes. This shifting of the bones causes a bony prominence on the side of the patients foot (the bunion joint). Over a period of time the big toe may come to rest under (occasionally over) the 2nd toe. A bunion is more common in women than men due to women wearing tighter fitting shoes. This condition can cause a variety of different soft tissue and bony complaints which may result in severe pain. Symptoms include redness, swelling and pain which may be present along the inside margin of the foot. The patients feet may become too wide to fit into their normal size shoe and may experience moderate to severe discomfort may occur when the patient is wearing tight shoes. A “hammer toe” may occur at the 2nd toe. This is when the toe contracts and presses on the shoe. Subsequently, this may cause a corn on top of the 2nd toe. Corns and calluses may occur on the soles of the feet, in between toes and on the bunion joint. Stiffness can occur at the big toe due to secondary arthritis, this is known as Hallux Rigidus. Other foot conditions can occur such as in growing toe nails and in severe cases the bunion joint may have a fluid filled sack called a BURSITIS. This can be very painful and can become infected.
Wear wide fitting shoes, preferably with a leather upper which will allow a stretch Avoid high heeled shoes. Orthotics can help slow the progression of the bunion and also treat the associated symptoms.
Symptoms can manifest in many different ways. The associated conditions depend on the individual lifestyle of each patient. Here is a list of some of the conditions associated with Excess Pronation: Arch Pain Knee Pain Flat Feet Hallux Abducto Valgus (bunions) Hallux Rigidus (stiff 1st toe) Heel Pain (plantar Facsitus) Metatarsalgia (ball of the foot pain) Ankle Sprains Shin Splints Achilles Tendonitis Corns & Calluses Hammer Toes
Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation caused by excessive stretching of the plantar fascia (aponeurosis). The plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue which runs along the bottom surface of the foot, attaching at the bottom of the heel bone (calcaneous) and extending to the forefoot (metatarsal heads). Plantar Fascia that is excessively stretched can cause plantar fasciitis, which can also lead to heel pain, arch pain, and heel spurs.
The key for the proper treatment of plantar fasciitis is determining what is causing the excessive stretching of the plantar fascia. When the cause is over-pronation, an custom moulded orthotic with rear foot Valgus posting and medial longitudinal arch support is an effective device to reduce the over-pronation and allow the condition to heel. The goal is to get the foot to be in more aligned or “neutral” position of approximately 90 degrees. Over-pronation that stresses the plantar fascia has the foot in more of a Valgus position (foot collapsing inward). Rocker Bottoms are beneficial in the propulsive phase of gait while walking. Rocker Bottoms help do some of the work for the foot and extrinsic muscles during supination so the body can get over the foot with less strain on the plantar fascia. Perth Surgical Shoemakers can add Rockers to any footwear. Medial flares and Medial flares are footwear modifications that Perth Surgical Shoemakers does on premises which modify your pre-existing footwear to offload and support the feet on the medial side (inside). Every time your foot strikes the ground, the plantar fascia is stretched. You can reduce the strain and stress on the plantar fascia by taking precautions. Avoid running on hard or uneven ground, lose any excess weight, and wear shoes and orthotics that support, accommodate, and bio-mechanically offload your arch to prevent over-stretching of the plantar fascia. Cushion the heel, absorb shock and wear proper footwear that will accommodate and comfort the foot. Footwear with higher heel heights will help to offload the stress on the heel – where the plantar fascia inserts. Recommendations for Plantar-Fasciitis: Custom moulded Orthotic insoles Supportive Footwear like: Drew, Kumfs, Finn, Rockport and New Balance Sneakers Shoe Modifications like: Rocker Bottom soles, Medial Wedges and Medial Flares
The most important causative factor is poor fitting footwear. This accounts for an higher incidence among women then men. Family history of bunions Abnormal foot function, excessive pronation. If a pedorthist or podiatrist uses this term he is referring to excessive rolling in of the foot at the ankle joint while you are walking. Rheumatoid or osteoarthritis. Genetic and neuromuscular diseases which can result in a muscular imbalance such as Down’s syndrome. If one leg is longer then the other, the longer leg is more inclined to develop a bunion. If the ligaments in the feet are very weak. In some cases, bunions can occur due to trauma or injury to the feet.
Pronation is the inwards roll of the foot. One of the most common causes of foot and leg discomfort is a condition known as excessive/ over pronation. Normal pronation, or “turning inward” of the foot is necessary as the foot adapts to the ground. With excessive pronation/ over pronation, the arch flattens, collapses, and soft tissues stretch. This causes the joint surfaces to function at unnatural angles to each other. When this happens, joints that should be stable now become very loose and flexible. At first, excess pronation may cause fatigue. As the problem gets worse, strain on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the foot and lower leg can cause permanent problems and deformities. APPEARANCE OF EXCESSIVE/ OVER PRONATION 1. When standing, your heels lean inward. 2. When standing, one or both of your knee caps turn inward. 3. Conditions such as a flat feet or bunions may occur. 4. You develop knee pain when you are active or involved in athletics. The knee pain slowly goes away when you rest. 5. You abnormally wear out the soles and heels of your shoes very quickly.
Over pronation can be controlled via Orthotics Insoles. Anti-Pronation Orthotic Insoles provide a unique foot support system that aligns the lower body. The major cause of foot and leg pain is over pronation (rolling over of the feet) which causes excessive pressure on the muscles, ligaments and bones of the lower body. These orthotic insole treat the underlying cause of over pronation and prevent future occurrences of the associated foot or leg condition. Patients have reported relief of symptoms within 30 days of using orthotic insoles.
Excessive stretching of the plantar fascia that leads to the inflammation and discomfort can be caused by the following:
- Over-pronation resulting in the arch collapsing upon weight bearing and pulling on the plantar fascia.
- A sudden increase in physical activity.
- Excessive weight on the foot, from activity and repetitive stress, obesity, or pregnancy
- Improperly fitting footwear, especially footwear too short or too flat.
Over-pronation is the leading cause of plantar fasciitis. Over-pronation occurs in the walking process, when a person’s arch collapses upon weight bearing, causing the plantar fascia to be stretched away from the heel bone. With Plantar Fasciitis, the bottom of your foot usually hurts near the inside of the foot where the heel and arch meet. The pain is often acute either first thing in the morning or after a long rest, because while resting the plantar fascia contracts back to its original shape. There is a lack of active blood flow and when the blood rushes in it is painful. As the day progresses and the plantar fascia continues to be stretched the pain often subsides. Pain may not always be at heel strike. Pain can be at heel-lift as the “Windlass Mechanism” in the gait cycle (during propulsion) shortens the plantar fascia as the heel lifts off the ground, and thus pulls at the heel bone, as well as at the metatarsal heads in supination. High Arch Feet, which can collapse because of gravity and the fact that we have paved the earth flat (as well as other stresses) are candidates for plantar fasciitis.
Calluses formation is an accumulation of dead skin cells that harden and thicken over an area of the foot. This callus formation is our bodies defence mechanism to protect the foot against excessive pressure and friction. Calluses are normally found on the ball-of-the-foot, the heel, and/or the inside of the big toe. Some calluses have a deep seated core known as a nucleation. This particular type of callus can be especially painful to pressure. This condition is often referred to as Intractable Plantar Keratosis.
Many people try to alleviate the pain caused by calluses by cutting or trimming them with a razor blade or knife. This is not the way to properly treat calluses. This is very dangerous and can worsen the condition resulting in unnecessary injuries. Diabetics especially should never try this type of treatment. In order to relieve the excessive pressure that leads to callus formation, weight should be redistributed equally with the use of an orthotic. An effective orthotic transfers pressure away from the hot spots or high pressure areas to allow the callus to heal. The orthotic should be made with materials that absorb shock and shear (friction) forces. Women should also steer away from wearing high-heeled shoes. If the problem persists, consult a Doctor that specializes in Feet. Recommendations for the prevention and curing of Calluses: Footwear with high, wide toe box (high and wide space in the toe area) Removable insoles for fitting flexibility and the option to insert orthotics if necessary. Rocker Soles designed to facilitate ambulating (walking) and to reduce callus build-up at the ball and other areas of the foot. Custom moulded Orthotic insoles designed to provide comfort, support and extra cushioning are also recommended. Orthotics made with the material Plastazote are often recommended because they mould to your feet to provide customized comfort. The proper footwear and orthotics will reduce pressure on a callus to provide a comfortable and healthy environment for the foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Orthoses is a brace or splint used to support, align, prevent, or correct the function of movable parts of the body. The shoe inserts are intended to correct an abnormal or irregular walking pattern, by altering slightly the angles at which the foot strikes a surface when walking or running. (Source: www.medicinenet.com )
Orthoses are worn with orthotic friendly footwear and provide the feet with plantar support of stimuli to address some musculoskeletal conditions. Orthoses, in conjunction with good footwear, provide your feet with support. Most orthoses provide arch support, but this can vary depending on the problem. Rightly prescribed, manufactured and worn, orthoses work on the plantar surface of your feet in several different ways to provide arch or other support and stimulate some of the muscles to help with your underlying medical condition.
Footwear that removes the generic supplied insoles and replaces it with orthoses. These shoes make provision for either ¾ lengths or full length orthoses.
Good quality orthoses are good for your feet and other lower limbs. It is a conservative treatment and is recommended for many foot ailments. Depending on the problem, orthoses will allow you to be more mobile on your feet with less pain, allowing you to live a more active lifestyle. Orthoses is needed if you experience pain or discomfort from one of the following conditions:
- Flat feet
- Pronation
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Heel Spurs
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Arthritis
- Ankle pain
- Knee pain (due to pronation)
- Lower back pain
- Bunion and Hallux Valgus (progression)
- Calluses and corns
- Charcot Foot
- Deformity or Plantar Prominences
- Diabetic Foot
- Metatarsalgia (painful metatarsal heads or soles)
- Leg length discrepancy (less than 8mm)
- Achilles Tendinitis
While readymade (over the counter) orthoses may benefit you, if you want the ideal treatment, then custom-made orthoses will work best. Supplied after a pedorthic assessment of your feet, we make orthoses specifically moulded to the shape of your feet. They are typically made from EVA covered with Spenco material.
You should wear your orthoses most of the time for maximum benefit. Alternating between wearing them and not may lead to pain in some joints and muscles as your body tries to adapt. PSS can provide and adapt orthoses to fit a large variety of footwear including summer sandals.
Orthoses need to be used in shoes or sandals which are orthotic-friendly due to the space required and the shape of the orthotic. At Perth Surgical Shoes, we will be able to adapt your orthoses to fit a large variety of footwear. Orthoses provides conservative none-invasive treatment for many ailments and biomechanical problems. Although some problems can be resolved surgically or by other medical means (e.g. cortisone injections for Plantar Fasciitis or Heel pain) orthoses do provide a long-term solution at a low risk.
Most custom moulded orthoses will help flat feet. Our orthoses are specifically moulded to the shape of your feet and should be comfortable to wear. You can buy custom-made orthoses for flat feet from Perth Surgical Shoes. After an assessment and discussion, we’ll provide you with the best fit. Always choose custom-made orthoses as readymade orthoses may not suit your feet and hurt you under the arches. You require proper arch support for flat feet and we can provide that.
Depending on your biomechanical problem, orthoses may be of great benefit to your knees. However not all knee pain problems can be resolved with orthoses. At Perth Surgical Shoes, our Pedorthists will assess your problem and provide you with effective orthoses for your knee pain if we think it will help.
We would recommend softer orthoses made from EVA and covered with cushioned material. Normally, high arches result in pain on the heel and ball of your feet if over used. Orthoses with cushioning for the heels and metatarsal pads for the balls of the feet is normally recommended.
Yes. If used properly, can help with the heeling process for plantar fasciitis and prevent a re-occurrence of the problem.
Custom-made orthoses with appropriate heel cushioning are best for plantar fasciitis. Our orthoses are specifically moulded to the shape of your feet and covered with a material of your choice. We will supply your orthoses only after an assessment of your feet and a discussion of the best possible intervention.
Custom moulded orthoses can be prescribed and dispensed by pedorthists, orthotists and podiatrists after an assessment. Perth Surgical Shoes sell custom-made Spenco orthoses.
Custom moulded orthoses can be fitted by pedorthists, orthotists and podiatrists.
Our custom moulded orthoses cost from $450 per pair. This price includes the pedorthic assessment. We pride ourselves on the fact that our custom orthoses are competitively priced, and with proper private health cover for podiatry, is only slightly more expensive pricier than generic readymade orthoses.
No.
Yes. Orthoses can be covered by private health insurance if you have podiatry cover. This depends on your plan and level of cover.
We can supply “Coat Hanger” orthoses. These are normally made for clients who like to wear them with high heels.
Moulded EVA or Polycarbonate shells covered with various materials and combinations of materials like Spenco, Poron, leather, etc.
Yes. Orthoses should last you at least two years and can be refurbished if needed.
It takes 7-14 Business days from assessment to delivery.
Orthoses may hurt your feet somewhat during the initial stages, but after wearing them in for two hours or longer at a time they should be comfortable. Well-made orthoses should not hurt you and you should be able to comfortably wear them within a couple of weeks. If the footwear is too tight or loose, speak to you prescriber to alter the orthoses and buy proper fitting footwear.
Orthoses may squeak when there is movement between the orthotic and the footwear. A bit of talcum powder may eliminate this problem. If it persists you are welcome to visit PSS for one of our pedorthists or surgical shoemakers to address the problem.
Orthoses do not cause any problems when squatting, especially EVA type orthoses normally supplied by us. Special care should be taken when getting orthoses for running as the range of motion of your feet is much greater during running then walking. Consult with a sports podiatrist. We can provide you with soft EVA orthoses which may be comfortable for running, but this is not always the case.
Orthoses need to be checked for replacement roughly every two years, depending on the nature of your problem. Our pedorthists will conduct an assessment to determine if your orthoses need to be changed.
Normally orthoses can be cleaned with a damp cloth. We provide a refurbishing service, where we can replace the padding and covers on your existing orthoses, giving them a new lease on life.
Orthoses should be worn for the rest of your life. Problems resolved by orthoses may come back if you stop wearing them. In some cases, growing children may outgrow their problem with the help of the footwear.