Richie Braces
Elite Foot Care on the Sunshine Coast are experts in custom Richie Braces for treating foot drop, ankle instability, and PTTD. Our expert podiatrists provide tailored, non-invasive orthotic support to restore mobility, improve stability, and reduce pain, helping you return to an active lifestyle with confidence.
What is a Richie Brace?
Richie Braces are specialised ankle-foot orthoses that support and stabilise the foot and ankle. Unlike bulky casts or generic braces, a Richie Brace is custom made for your unique foot and lower leg. It features a contoured footplate paired with lightweight, hinged uprights that secure your ankle in proper alignment while still allowing near normal movement. These braces offer a blend of stability and mobility, holding your foot in place without sacrificing the natural motion you need to walk comfortably.
How do Richie Braces Work?
Richie Braces support your foot and ankle in proper alignment, addressing biomechanical issues that cause pain or instability. The custom footplate supports your arch and heel, while the hinged uprights limit unwanted side-to-side or downward movement. For example, in cases of foot drop (where the foot drags due to muscle weakness) the brace holds the foot up during walking, preventing it from dropping and reducing the risk of tripping. Its unique design provides stability without locking your ankle, allowing you to maintain a natural, energy efficient gait.
Conditions Treated by Richie Braces
Richie Braces are prescribed for a range of foot and ankle conditions, especially when traditional supports aren’t enough. They are particularly effective for:
- Foot Drop: Prevents the front of the foot from dragging, ensuring safer walking.
- Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD): Supports a collapsing arch and alleviates pain associated with adult-acquired flatfoot.
- Chronic Ankle Instability: Offers external support for ankles that “give way” due to repeated sprains or ligament laxity.
- Severe Pronation or Flat Feet: Realigns the foot, easing muscle and joint strain.
- Tendon Injuries (e.g., Peroneal Tendinopathy): Offloads stress from injured tendons by stabilising the foot.
- Ankle Arthritis or Joint Degeneration: Reduces pain and provides stability for arthritic or degenerative joints.
Because there are different models of Richie Braces available, our Podiatrists will evaluate your condition and prescribe the best option to ensure you receive the most effective treatment.
Benefits of Richie Braces
Patients on the Sunshine Coast choose Richie Braces for several compelling reasons:
- Superior Support with Mobility: Unlike rigid braces or casts, Richie Braces stabilize while allowing natural ankle movement.
- Lightweight & Low Profile Design: Made from durable, lightweight materials, these braces fit comfortably in most lace-up shoes without the need for specialty footwear.
- Custom Comfort: Each brace is molded to your foot, eliminating one-size-fits-all issues and ensuring optimal comfort.
- Pain Relief and Healing: By maintaining proper alignment, Richie Braces reduce abnormal strain on muscles, tendons, and joints, offering pain relief.
- Non-Invasive: A proven conservative treatment that can delay or avoid the need for surgery while providing immediate functional support.
- Proven Success: With decades of successful use, Richie Braces have become the gold standard for many challenging foot and ankle problems.
Frequently Asked Questions About Richie Braces
What exactly is a Richie Brace?
A Richie Brace is a custom made ankle-foot orthosis that combines a supportive footplate with hinged uprights to maintain proper alignment while allowing natural movement. It’s prescribed by podiatrists for conditions such as foot drop, flatfoot (PTTD), and chronic ankle instability.
How is a Richie Brace different from other ankle braces or AFOs?
Unlike bulky, rigid braces, the Richie Brace is lightweight, low-profile, and custom molded for comfort. Its hinged design allows for natural ankle movement, making it more comfortable and effective than many off the shelf alternatives.
Will a Richie Brace fit into my normal shoes?
Yes, the low profile design is made to fit comfortably in most lace up shoes, athletic footwear, and work boots. You may need to adjust your laces slightly, but there’s no need for specialty shoes.
Is it uncomfortable to wear? How long does it take to get used to it?
Most patients find Richie Braces comfortable because they are custom fitted. Initially, you might notice some pressure in new areas, but most patients adjust within a week or two. We can also adjust padding or the fit if needed.
When you come to Elite Foot Care, we will custom fit an AFO for you so that it’s comfortable to wear inside a shoe and provides the right support. We also often recommend custom orthotic inserts to go along with the brace or for use in situations where a full AFO might not be needed. These orthotics can improve your overall foot alignment and cushioning. Every patient’s needs are different, some people with mild foot drop might get by with just a stiff shoe insert and exercise, but many will benefit from the added stability of an AFO. Our podiatrist will explain the options and make sure you’re getting the proper support device for your condition. Using the right brace or orthotic can make a huge difference in your day to day safety and comfort.
How long do I need to wear a Richie Brace?
The duration depends on your specific condition. For some injuries, you might wear it for several months during the healing process, while for chronic conditions, it might be used long term during weight bearing activities. Our Podiatrists will guide you based on your progress.
Q: Are Richie Braces covered by insurance or health funds?
Coverage varies. Many private health insurance plans in Australia offer rebates for custom orthotic devices. It’s best to check with your health fund regarding “custom orthotic” or “ankle-foot orthosis” coverage. Elite Foot Care can provide documentation to support your claim and have over the counter private health claiming so you only pay the gap.
Our Podiatrists
Our team of Sunshine Coast Podiatrists have decades of experience treating all hip, knee, leg, ankle, foot and heel pain as well as a range of skin and nail conditions including ingrown toenails, fungal nail infections, warts and more.
They share a passion for helping the community stay strong and active, helping them achieve their ultimate health outcomes.
Their experience combined with the best treatment technologies available, allow us to achieve the best outcomes for our community.
Benefits of a personalised treatment plan
Reduced Pain
Using the worlds best treatment technology and methods, we can accelerate your recovery to achieve your ultimate health outcome sooner.
Increased Strength
With a prescribed exercise rehab program, your surrounding muscles will strengthen and take the load off your affected tissue. The result is lasting pain relief.
Become More Active
Working with your Podiatrist to complete your personalised treatment plan, you'll be able to do more of the things you love with friends and family.
How it works
1. Schedule an Appointment
Book online or call one of our friendly reception staff on 07 5328 3588 to find a time that suits you.
2. We Handle the Details
Our experienced Podiatrists will diagnose, create a custom treatment plan and treat in the very first session.
3. Be More Active With Less Pain
Spend more time with your family and friends being active and doing the things you love.
What you'll get...
Experienced Podiatrists
Our Podiatrists have decades of experience treating an array of conditions.
Comprehensive Consultations
Our Podiatrists will leave no stone unturned in finding the root cause of your issue.
Personalised Treatment Plans
Our Podiatrists will create a truly custom treatment plan to achieve your ideal outcomes.
Communication
Our Podiatrists will clearly explain your condition, providing insight into its nature and treatment options.
Best Treatment Technology
We utilise state-of-the-art treatment technologies including: Shockwave Therapy, 3D Laser Scanners, Lunula Fungal Nail Laser to provide our patients with the best possible care.
On-site Manufacturing
Our on-site orthotics manufacturing lab allows us to do same or next day orthotic dispenses.