What are Custom Orthotics?

Selfie feet wearing white socks with red heart shape - showing oakville foot clinic, halton footcare

We are often asked about custom orthotics. Our Physiotherapists may be treating someone with heel pain, arch pain or pain in the ball of the foot and refer to our Oakville chiropodist to discuss orthotics further. Many people book in for assessments with the Chiropodist to discuss the use of custom orthotics for MANY reasons.

Custom orthotics are an investment in your health and your families health. We will cover some frequently asked questions in this blog post regarding orthotics. If you have more questions, or would like more information please contact us. We are happy to answer any of your specific questions.

What is a custom orthotic?

A custom orthotic is a device that is made specifically for you and your feet. They are custom to you! You don’t simply step on a platform and have 3 insoles to choose from. They are not off the rack and cannot be picked off a shelf, nor are they kept in-stock. A Chiropodist is an expert in foot care and biomechanics. They are specifically licensed to asses and treat your feet and ankle issues. This includes providing a biomechanics assessment with the custom orthotics being part of the treatment.

Orthotics are biomechanics devices or tools, that realign the foot and lower extremities. The a custom orthotic provides corrective support and relief where it is needed. This will help the feet and ankles work well, as well as the knees and hips. Bonus!

Who can benefit from custom orthotics?

Orthotics that are made specifically for you help optimize your foot, ankle, knee and hip mechanics. These joints are like a chain that stacks on itself. The orthotics help optimize mechanics to prevent overly flat feet (pronation), or support a high arch (supination) during daily activities and sports. The support, cushioning, or stiffness in an orthotic is strategically added for you to help alleviate pain or prevent deterioration in different conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bunions, heel spurs, Morton’s neuroma, sever’s disease, ankle sprains, and other sports injuries.

Custom orthotics are also vital in someone who has diminished sensation in the feet from diabetic or peripheral neuropathy to support and offload areas of pressure. this helps prevent pressure sores and diabetic foot ulcers.
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Family feet on the grass showing oakville Physio and foot clinic

Can Children benefit from custom orthotics?

Yes!

Your Chiropodist may assess a child and determine that they could use a custom orthotic to improve foot and leg function. This may carry over into better function in sports, play, gym, and life! The feet will also be given an opportunity to develop and grow optimally through use of the orthotics by control of foot function.

By controlling foot function, accommodating deformities and other anomalies, the foot will be given a chance to grow correctly.

Soccer player standing on soccer ball showing sports physio in Oakville

Adults and orthotics

Just like the growing child, custom orthotics are recommended for adults of all ages for many different reasons. Orthotics may be advised by the chiropodist due to heel pain from plantar fasciitis or fat pad atrophy of the heel. joint pain and stiffness of the toes, ankles, knees and hips can also be assisted with custom orthotics. The joints are assisted in their alignment, function and shock absorption. Orthotics may also be used with athletes for sports performance and longevity.

Our Oakville Chiropodist (foot care specialist) is always happy to provide a biomechanics assessment and discuss how orthotics may be of benefit for you and your body.

The Whole Picture

Our Oakville Chiropodist, in addition to providing truly custom made orthotics also looks at the complete picture. They will also provide you with education or exercises to help you reach your desired outcomes. They also work closely with our Physiotherapists and Registered Massage Therapists for your complete needs.

Calf massage for treatment of heel pain and sever's disease at oakville Physio, chiropody, and massage clinic

Yes! Orthotics Covered by Extended Third Party Health Insurance!

It can be confusing when trying to claim for custom orthotics. We are here to help you every step of the way. We provide you with all the supporting documentation you will need for your insurance claim. The complete package will be provided to you when appropriate for your insurance claim. Some insurance companies simply need proof of full payment in addition to the biomechanics assessment and prescription, while other insurance companies also require the dispensation documentation.

Please get in touch with our Oakville clinic to book in wth our chiropodist or if you have any additional questions. We are here to help!