Assessment for Orthotic Needs
foot in orthotics

Date

Foot orthotics is a general term used to describe any device, arch-support or insole that changes the function and biomechanics of the foot. Orthotics can improve knee, ankle, hip and back pain in a number of ways: 

  • They can change the distribution of force through the foot and ankle, which can result in a change in the distribution of force through the knee, hip, pelvis and spine. 
  • They can act as a cushion to reduce the force through the foot and ankle, which can result in a reduction of force through the knee, hip, pelvis, and back. 
  • They can change the alignment of the foot and ankle, which can result in a change of alignment at the knee, hip, pelvis, and spine. For example, they can control overpronation (rolling in) of the foot, which can result in patellofemoral pain, iliotibial band syndrome, piriformis syndrome, low back pain, sacroiliac joint dysfunction or make the pain from some types of osteoarthritis worse. As the foot overpronates the lower leg and knee internally rotate. Orthotics can help control overpronation of the foot, which in turn, improves the alignment of the knee and thereby reducing lower extremity and back pain. 


Orthotics are made of many different materials. Soft orthotics are beneficial if cushioning is required. Semi-rigid orthotics provide more stability while still providing good shock absorption, while rigid orthotics provide maximal support and stability. 

Orthotics can be custom made or pre-made and are designed to fit easily into most casual or sports shoes. After an initial break-in period orthotics should feel comfortable. The foot and knees need time to adapt to new orthotics. If the orthotics are not comfortable in 2-3 weeks they may need to be adjusted. Properly designed, manufactured and fitted orthotics should not make feet or knees feel worse. 

When used in conjunction with specific rehabilitation, orthotics can serve an important role in the treatment of some types of knee, ankle, hip, back and pelvic pain. 

Our physical therapists work with the highest qualified orthotist to fit your needs. 

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Cole Smith, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Specialty: Orthopedic Conditions, Post-Operative Rehabilitation, Gait and Balance

  • University of North Georgia 2022 
  • GPT Start Year: 2022

Lydia Gailey, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Specialty: Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation, Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction, Low Back Pain

 

  • University of North Georgia 2015
  • 7 years experience
  • GPT Start Year: 2017

Nicole Burkett, PT

Physical Therapist

Specialty: Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction and Low Back Pain, Cervical Pain, Balance Training

  • University of North Georgia 1997
  • 25 Years Experience
  • GPT Start Year: 2014

Sarah Edwards, PTA

Physical Therapist Assistant

Specialty: Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction 

Bio: Sarah has been with Gainesville Physical Therapy since 2004. She grew up in Athens, GA and graduated from Athens Technical College in 2004. She currently lives in Jefferson, GA with her two children and dogs. Sarah actively participates with cub scouts and enjoys outdoor activities like camping, hiking and swimming. Specialties include treatment of sacroiliac joint dysfunction and the restorative disc program.

Ree Hyatt, PTA

Physical Therapist Assistant

Specialty: Manual Hand Therapy 

Bio: Ree has been involved in physical therapy for over 36 years. He worked as a physical therapy specialist in the U.S. Army from 1977 to 1980. He also worked as a technician in acute care at Lanier Park Hospital from 1980-1987. Ree has been at Gainesville Physical Therapy since 1987. In 2004, he got his Associates Degree as a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) at Athens Technical College. He specializes in hand treatment and the custom fabrication splints.

Darren Hilchie, PT

Physical Therapist

Specialty: Shoulder Rehabilitation, Therapy of the Knee, Manual Therapy

Bio: Darren has been with Gainesville Physical Therapy for 15 years. He graduated from North Georgia College and State University in 2007 as a physical therapist. Darren practiced Exercise Physiology for 5 years in the US and Canada before returning to school to become a physical therapist.

  • North Georgia College and State University 2007
  • 15 Years of Experience
  • GPT Start Year: 2007

Kristy Basinger, PT, CHT

Physical Therapist and Certified Hand Therapist

Specialty: Certified Hand Therapy, Manual Therapy, Post-Operative Spine Rehabilitation

Bio: Kristy Basinger, PT, CHT has practiced physical therapy in Gainesville since 1995. Her clinical specialties include hand therapy, orthopedic manual therapy, and her favorite modality is dry needling.

  • St. Louis University 1995
  • 27 Years Experience
  • GPT Start Year: 1995

Joanne Hamilton, PT

Co-Director & Physical Therapist

Specialty: Industrial Rehabilitation, Arthritis Education, Manual Therapy

Bio: Joanne Hamilton, PT is a Clinical Co-Director of Gainesville Physical Therapy, and has given national presentations on various topics, including Functional Capacity Evaluations, Validity Testing, Management of Injured Workers, and Work Site Assessments.

  • West Virginia University 1978
  • 44 years experience
  • GPT Start Year: 1986

Jeff Skorput, PT

Co-Director & Physical Therapist

Specialty: Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction & Low Back Pain, Total Joint Rehabilitation, Manual Therapy

Bio: Jeff Skorput, PT joined Gainesville Physical Therapy in 1987. He completed his certificate program in Orthopedic Physical Therapy in 1984. He teaches continuing education courses on the topic of Lumbar Spine and Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction Evaluation and Treatment. 

  • University of Vermont 1977
  • 45 Years of Experience
  • GPT Start Year: 1987

Vicki Sims, PT, CHT

Co-Director, Physical Therapist, & Certified Hand Therapist

Specialty: Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction & Low Back Pain, Hand Therapy, Manual Therapy

Bio: Vicki Sims, PT, CHT is a Clinical Co-Director of Gainesville Physical Therapy. Vicki has helped pioneer diagnosis and treatment for Sacroiliac Dysfunction since 1985. She is the co-author of four clinical papers on the sacroiliac joint, and author of “The Definitive Book on the Treatment of SI Joint Dysfunction.” 

  • Georgia State University 1976
  • 46 Years Experience 
  • GPT Start Year: 1986