Custom Orthotics
What Are Custom Orthotics?
Custom orthotics are custom-built corrective shoe inserts that provide personalized support to the structures of our feet. Orthotics act to correct or accommodate biomechanical abnormalities, foot deformities (i.e.: bunions, hammertoes, flatfoot, high arches) and a variety of joint and muscle conditions (i.e.: arthritis) to improve your gait and manage pain. They do this by redistributing the force and pressure placed on our muscles and joints when we move. This in turn alleviates strain and pain in our feet and the rest of our body.
If you have chronic foot, ankle, knee, or hip pain, your doctor or Chiropodist may prescribe custom orthotics. On average, a pair of custom orthotics will last two to three years of daily wear.
The manufacture and design of custom orthotics take into consideration your activity, choice of footwear and foot type to create a specialized device.
You can get custom orthotics at our foot clinic by booking an Orthotic Assessment appointment with one of our licensed chiropodists (see “The Process” section below). Custom orthotics are covered by most private insurers if prescribed by a medical doctor, chiropodist or other licensed foot specialist.
How Do I Get Custom Orthotics?
To get custom orthotics, you first need to book an appointment for an Orthotic Assessment at our foot clinic with one of our chiropodists. The process will then be as follows:
1. The Orthotic Assessment
Your chiropodist will start by taking your history. If you have any pain or foot concerns, this is the time to let your chiropodist know. You should also tell your chiropodist any activities or sports that you engage in regularly, and the kinds of footwear you own and wear. This information will help the chiropodist determine your needs and how you will be using your orthotics.
Following the history, the chiropodist will go through a biomechanical assessment. The biomechanical assessment involves three components:
- Range of motion assessment;
- Weight bearing assessment; and
- A gait analysis
Orthotics assessments are usually about 30 to 40 minutes (depending on if you are casted in the same appointment).
2. Casting
Casting allows us to capture the foot in a position called Subtalar joint neutral. This is done by wrapping plaster of Paris bandages around your foot while you are in a prone position (lying face down with your feet up). The plaster is removed once it is dry enough and we’ll then clean your feet. Once the plaster molds are dried completely, they will be shipped to our partnering orthotics fabrication lab. Time permitting, you will be casted in the same appointment as your assessment; otherwise a separate appointment will be booked for your casting.
The cost of casting is included in the charge for the orthotics. This fee is separate from the cost of the orthotics assessment and payable when we ship the mold to the fabrication lab. You can either pay it in full at that time, or leave a deposit. Most private insurers cover this fee. (see insurance section below).
3. Fitting
Next, we will schedule an appointment with your chiropodist for an orthotics fitting. At this appointment, you will get to try out your new completed orthotics for fit and comfort. You will also be given instructions on how to break in your new orthotics and educated on signs that may suggest the orthotics are not working properly. There is no fee for this appointment: it is included in the cost of your orthotics. This appointment is usually 10 to 15 minutes and takes place three weeks after your casting.
4. Repairs
If you are having difficulties with your orthotics or are not satisfied, you can book an appointment to see the chiropodist about getting them repaired or adjusted. This can be done free of charge within 3 months of receiving your new orthotics. Orthotics that don’t fit properly won’t work effectively, so we recommend contacting us immediately should you have any difficulties. This allows us to ensure your foot condition is properly treated as quickly as possible, so you don’t endure pain any longer than you have to.
On average, a pair of custom orthotics will last two to three years of daily wear.
There may be normal wear and tear to the top covers, which can easily be replaced or refurbished.
Click here for further information on the process for getting custom orthotics at our foot clinic.
Orthotics may be beneficial for treating the effects of a wide variety of foot conditions, including:
- Arthritis
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Flat Feet
- High Arches
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Metatarsalgia
Read this article for further information about how orthotics treat these conditions.
Custom orthotics are NOT covered by OHIP, but most extended health insurance plans cover the cost of orthotics in part or in whole. If you are unsure whether you have foot care benefits, our staff is happy to help you check your coverage.
If you wish to use your private foot care benefits to get custom orthotics, most insurance providers require a prescription from a medical doctor, chiropodists or podiatrist.
Most providers will accept a prescription from a chiropodist.
Our clinic has multiple chiropodists who can assess your feet if you require orthotics. You can use the booking form below to schedule an assessment – no referral required!
For further information, please see our comprehensive guide to custom orthotics, their benefits and the different kinds you can get.
Book an appointment for custom orthotics
You do not need a referral to become a patient at our foot clinic. Schedule an appointment by using the Appointment Request form below or contact the clinic at 416-769-FEET(3338).