Phits Custom-made Orthotics
We offer the latest in 3D printed Orthotics which are designed and based on your assessment and results of your walking analysis over a force and pressure plate.
The force plate gait analysis ('footscan')
Cutting Edge Technology
The system is used in biomechanical research, sports clinics, labs and for elite sports men and women, including Paula Radcliffe. The Footscan is a highly sensitive and intuitive piece of kit which uses over 4000 sensors to gather intricate data during gait analysis. This data allows us to analyse the patients gait pattern in much greater detail.
The scan allows us to design your orthotics based directly on the data that it collects. In other words, your orthotics are tailor made to your walking or running pattern! Of course, our biomechanics knowledge plays a large part in tweaking the orthotics to suit the individual’s requirements and goals.
A ‘Phit’ for all!
Whether you’re a casual runner, athlete, recreational walker or have a job where you are on your feet all day, Phits orthotics reduce your risk of injury, help improve optimal performance during sports and improve your level of comfort.
The orthotics can also be specially made to suit different styles of footwear e.g. safety boots, football boots, golf shoes and running shoes.
We are very proud to be the first Podiatry Clinic in Coventry and Warwickshire to offer this combination of service!
We offer a range of orthotics to suit varying price points.
Here are some potential benefits of our Phits 3D-printed orthotics:
Customised Fit: Phits 3D-printed orthotics are designed to provide a personalised fit. They are created using advanced 3D scanning and printing technology, allowing for a precise and accurate representation of your foot’s shape and structure. This customisation ensures that the orthotics are tailored specifically to your unique needs.
Enhanced Support: Foot or lower-limb issues often stem from biomechanical imbalances or structural abnormalities. Phits orthotics can be designed to address these issues by providing targeted support to specific areas of your feet. By optimising the alignment and distribution of pressure, they can help reduce pain, correct alignment issues, and enhance overall stability.
Improved Comfort: The 3D-printing technology used in Phits orthotics allows for the creation of lightweight and thin devices that fit comfortably inside your shoes. The orthotics are designed to provide cushioning and shock absorption, reducing discomfort and fatigue associated with foot or lower-limb issues. This can make everyday activities, such as walking or standing, more comfortable.
Biomechanical Analysis: Phits 3D-printed orthotics can be combined with advanced gait analysis technology to provide a comprehensive understanding of your foot and lower-limb mechanics. By analysing your walking or running patterns, we can identify potential issues and design orthotics that address those specific concerns. This data-driven approach helps optimise the effectiveness of the orthotic.
Durability and Longevity: Phits orthotics are made from high-quality materials that are designed to withstand the demands of daily activities. The 3D-printing process allows for precise fabrication, ensuring that the orthotics maintain their shape and functionality over time. This durability ensures that you can rely on the orthotics for an extended period, minimizing the need for frequent replacements.
It’s important to remember that every individual’s foot or lower-limb issues are unique, and the effectiveness of orthotics can vary from person to person. If you are experiencing any foot or lower-limb problems, it is recommended to consult with us first so that we can provide a comprehensive assessment and guide you through the most appropriate treatment options, which may include the use of 3D-printed orthotics like Phits.
Below is a highlight of the Phits Workflow Process and the steps we take in analysing, designing and producing your Phits Orthotics.
Hear what professioanl marathon runner Charlotte Purdue has to say about her Phits Orthotics:
Inside the Shoes of Charlotte Purdue: https://www.materialise.com/en/blog/phits-orthotics-charlotte-purdue
Phits Expert Workflow Video
Phits Expert Workflow
(included in your Biomechanical Assessment)
This will include a detailed history take and further musculoskeletal and/or biomechanical assessments as needed.
Each foot can be of a slightly different size. Therefore, each foot is separately measured against pre-set sizing templates. If one foot is for example half a size bigger the orthotic can be made half a size bigger whilst keeping the other foot size the same. Shoe size, suitability and fit are also checked.
First a static ‘pressure snap shot’ is taken with the patient stood still over the pressure plate. Then a live foot-balance and posture recording is taken again with the patient standing still. This shows us your weight distribution between each foot (left-right), between the front-rear of each foot and then the variance within all 4 quadrants (left/right front/back). It will also show how your centre of gravity (COG) is positioned.
Next, we observe the patient walking/running over the scan. This provides us with a number of detailed screens ready for the analysis phase. Screens include:
- 2-D: showing peak pressures
- Risk Analysis: indicating the risk of the patient developing a potential injury over a given area
- 3-D: A 3-D visualization of the 2-D peak pressures
- Load rate: Showing the rate at which force is applied to each anatomical zone on the foot.
Next you take a break, have a hot or cold drink whilst we analyse your scan results. Then we go through the findings with you in simple straight forward terms keeping medical jargon to a minimum. If it is decided that you would benefit from having orthotics and you would like to proceed then we move to step 5!
As your Podiatrist and Phits expert it is now our job to run through the prescription section of your orthotics. This is based on all of the clinical and scan data taken up to this point as well as keeping in mind the overall goal.
Once manufactured and quality checked, join us for the official unboxing of your brand-new 3D printed custom-made orthotics devices and have them fitted to your running trainers, golf shoes, football boots, or just your walking boots!
The production side
Reliable
Phits 3D printed custom orthotics are produced using sate of the art technology by a Belgian company called Materialise. Materialise offer their services to some large industries including medical, aerospace, automotive and art and design (https://www.phits.be/en/materialise-innovators-you-can-count).
The orthotics are printed using a technique known as Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) which allows the printing to be up to 0.1mm in accuracy. This means a second pair of orthotics could be made identical to the first pair.
High Quality Materials
Our orthotics are made from high grade ultralight Polyamide 12 (PA 12). 200N/cm2 is already exceptionally high for a human footstep, however, tests on PA 12 show that the material does not wear out even if it is stressed to 2000N/cm2.
Durable
The result means your orthotic is thin, flexible, light-weight but durable. In fact, the base comes with a 2-year guarantee.
Charlotte Purdue
Pro runner Charlotte Purdue – wearer of Phit’s orthotics aimed to become the 2021 British Marathon Champion at the London Marathon!
Charlotte discusses her successes, future plans and love of Phits; highlighting how the Footscan assessment process and dynamic orthotic design is a gamechanger.
Inside the Shoes of Charlotte Purdue: https://www.materialise.com/en/blog/phits-orthotics-charlotte-purdue