Custom Foot Orthotics
Custom orthotics are specially designed devices to align your foot and ankle into an anatomically efficient position. While they resemble insoles, custom orthotics are biomechanical medical appliances crafted to correct specific foot imbalances. Similar to how glasses correct vision, custom orthotics reduce strain on your body by aligning your feet properly. Made from precise imprints of your feet, these devices comfortably fit into your shoes, redirecting and reducing certain motions that occur during your gait cycle. Our Pedorthist conducts a full analysis and creates customized casts, choosing from a variety of materials to best support your specific needs.
Proper custom orthotics can help alleviate issues such as leg and back pain, joint pain, tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis, enhancing mobility and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Difference Between Custom-Made Orthotics and Generic Orthotics?
Custom orthotics are tailored to the individual through assessments and precise casting, allowing pedorthists to accurately replicate your foot profile and address any biomechanical issues. Generic orthotics, or Off-the-Shelf (OTS) orthotics, offer basic arch support but lack the corrective capacity of custom devices. While arch support may be sufficient for some, a biomechanical assessment is recommended to ensure proper care.
How is the Need for Orthotics Determined?
Our Pedorthist starts with a detailed history of your current and past issues, including discomfort or pain in your feet, ankles, knees, hips, or back. A comprehensive gait analysis, often through video analysis, follows. This analysis helps assess your range of motion and measure subtalar joint angles, revealing potential pronation or alignment issues that impact the kinetic chain (feet, ankles, knees, hips, and back).
What’s the Difference Between a Pedorthist and a Podiatrist?
Canadian Certified Pedorthists specialize in the lower limb biomechanics and anatomy, with expertise in orthotic design, fit, and modifications. They focus on alleviating pain, abnormalities, and other conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs. Podiatrists, as foot doctors, offer broader specializations but typically do not conduct casting or orthotic adjustments. Pedorthists collaborate with podiatrists and orthopedic specialists to ensure comprehensive patient care.
Does My Health Insurance Cover Orthotics?
Most extended health insurance plans partially or fully cover custom-made orthotics. To qualify for coverage, a physician’s prescription is typically required. We offer detailed assessments for your family doctor, and our Pedorthist works closely with physicians to ensure you receive the best possible care.