Custom Foot Orthotics
What are custom foot orthotics?
Custom foot orthotics are prescription insoles which are custom-moulded to the shape of an individual’s feet with appropriate adjustments/features designed to address specific symptoms/conditions.
Many conditions can benefit from custom foot orthotic therapy including, but not limited to:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Bunions
- Clawed/hammered toes
- Arthritis
- Knee pain
- Back pain
- Leg length discrepancy
- Corns/calluses
- Neuroma
How are custom foot orthotics prescribed/dispensed?
Any individual being considered for a custom foot orthotic prescription will undergo a full assessment by a registered chiropodist. This assessment will include:
- Thorough history
- Biomechanical assessment (weightbearing and non-weightbearing)
- Gait analysis
- Footwear assessment
Treatment options will be discussed. If custom foot orthotics are an appropriate treatment option then both feet will be casted with plaster of paris in a non-weightbearing subtalar joint neutral position (this is the optimal position for a foot to function in). The custom foot orthotics typically take 2-3 weeks to manufacture.
A dispense appointment will be scheduled once the new custom foot orthotics arrive. Please bring shoes that are used most frequently for any physical activity to this appointment (feel free to bring any shoes that will be used with the new orthotics). This appointment will include:
- Verifying fit of the orthotics to the individual’s feet
- Fitting the orthotics to footwear
- Providing “break-in” instructions for getting adjusted to the new orthotics
Is there any warranty/guarantee for custom foot orthotics?
Even though custom foot orthotics are created using custom foot casts there is still sometimes a need to modify custom foot orthotics after they are manufactured. These modifications are free for the first three months after custom foot orthotics are dispensed. An extra fee may apply if a modification is required after the initial three month period has passed.
There will be a few check-ins and follow ups after new custom foot orthotics are dispensed.
- 1st check in: 1 month after dispensing of the orthotics
- 2nd check in: 1 year after dispensing of the orthotics
As with any medical intervention there is no guarantee that this treatment will be completely successful. Many of the conditions that custom foot orthotics are prescribed for tend to involve many factors that contribute to the symptom presentation. While custom foot orthotics will address abnormalities present at the feet they are still only one part of a treatment plan and all recommendations provided by your healthcare providers should be followed in order to achieve best results.
