These two consultations are usually performed together to evaluate a persons way of walking posture and balance as well as the range and quality or motion of foot joints. The foot is made up of 26 bones with many more joints so there is a lot of variety in gait styles

Problem gaits and postures for prolonged periods or with heavy use can contribute to muscle over-use problems

Some orthosis can be heat moulded to the foot to provide approximate contouring for mild support and cushioning.

Some other orthoses require an accurate plaster cast of the foot for precise fitting and to resist stronger pressures that go through the foot from activity or poor foot posture.

Casted othoses are made from a sheet of heat moulded plastic

Plaster casting is still considered appropriate for othoses manufacture even through computer aided devices exist.