Custom foot orthotic inserts, by their very nature, are custom-molded to fit the feet of individual patients. They are not there to “cushion” the feet with every step that you take; instead, they aim to restore normal foot functin, which in turn can affect your mobility and the rest of your body. This is because, due to a number of different reasons, your feet may become misaligned over time. You may be curved one way or another. You may be leaning toward one side more than the other. You may be overly flat-footed or your foot arch may be too extreme.
Along the way, you may encounter such conditions as metatarsalgia, which is pain in the ball of the foot. You may be affected by plantar fascilitis (pain in the heel), shin splints, or Achilles tendonitis. You may have overpronation. Through consultation with your medical health professional and the fitting of custom orthotic insoles, you can then prevent foot strain, minimize the risk for injury, and address some of these foot-related concerns. All the while, the inserts can also provide a much higher level of comfort, allowing you to walk longer and with significantly less soreness or aching of the feet, ankle, knees, and back.
Every foot is different. That’s why are Vancouver custom foot orthotics are more effective at addressing a range of balance and mobility concerns than generic, off-the-shelf inserts. The orthotic insoles can be placed inside a number of different types of shoes, helping to reverse the disruption of the body’s overall balance. Your feet serve as your foundation. If the feet are misaligned in any way, they can send shock waves up through the rest of the body. This is why addressing the biomechanics of the body must start with the feet, whether you are concerned only with casual walking, or you are interested in more competitive running and other sports.
What Are Orthotics?
While there are other related products, the term “orthotics” typically refers to specialized shoe inserts. These are customized to the individual and are designed to create an anatomically correct foundation to the body. Orthotic insoles are devices used to restore natural foot function, re-aligning the foot and ankle bones to a proper neutral position.
Why Do I Need Orthotic Insoles?
Generally speaking, orthotics are used as preventative medicine, but they are also widely used to address a number of health and comfort concerns. Everyone can benefit from a properly fitted orthotic shoe insert, but particularly those who experience foot pain.
Foot function can be impaired by imbalances in the feet, which in turn lead to abnormal foot motion. This has a cascading effect over the rest of the body, but orthotics can help to encourage better foot function.
What Conditions Can They Help?
Our quality made-in-Vancouver orthotics can address a wide range of conditions. Patients who have hammer toes, heel spurs, metatarsal concerns, ankle sprains, and other related problems can benefit greatly from orthotics. They can help to significantly reduce various forms of foot pain, helping to provide a more equal weight distribution and taking the pressure off of sore spots.
Since the feet form the foundation for the rest of the body, a proper set of orthotic shoe inserts can also address concerns related to knee pain, shin pain, joint and ligament strain, and even back pain.
How Much Do Orthotics Cost?
Made in Vancouver Orthotics:
All our orthotics are made locally right here in Vancouver, so we’re able to provide top quality at the same time keeping shipping and other ‘middleman’ costs down. Just as the pricing of other medical equipment and customized products can vary considerably, so can the cost of custom orthotic inserts. In general, the average pair of orthotics costs less than $500.00 tax included; payment arrangements can be made.
Click for Important Note about Insurance Coverage and Reimbursement
How Long Do Orthotics Last?
The life span of a pair of orthotic shoe inserts will depend on the type of insert and the level of use. Most customers find that orthotics last an average of up to two years, but many clients choose to own several pairs to provide for a more even wear and so that the inserts do not need to be moved between different pairs of shoes.
Can I Buy Custom Orthotics In Vancouver?
Unlike off the shelf orthotics, our made-in-Vancouver custom orthotics are designed to fit the specific contours of each customer’s feet. In this way, the beginning of the ordering process starts with a consultation with an orthotics expert.
During that consultation, the right kind of orthotic is selected and a casting of the feet in the “neutral position” is made. The materials for the orthotic inserts are selected based on personal preferences, activity level, and other factors. From there, the custom orthotics are made and the client is contacted when they are ready for pick up.
Will Orthotics Fix My Foot Or Posture Problem?
Orthotics can be thought of in the same way as prescription glasses. They will not fix the underlying problem, but they will allow you to function better and more comfortably on a day to day basis. Someone wearing eyeglasses can have equivalent vision as someone who does not need prescription glasses. Orthotics can restore more natural foot function and posture. They act as preventative medicine, minimizing future discomfort and problems.
Can I Use Orthotics With All Kinds Of Shoes?
There are all kinds of shoes that can be used with custom orthotic inserts, but orthotic inserts cannot be used with all kinds of shoes. This is because not all shoes can be used with custom insoles and they may not be compatible with replaceable inserts.
In this way, it is useful to shop at a store that sells both custom and prefabricated shoes that are designed for use with orthotic insoles.
What Should I Expect During The Adjustment Period?
It can take some time to get used to wearing custom orthotics, and this is normal. Your feet need this time to adjust to the new posture and this adjustment extends throughout the foot to the ankle, the leg, and the back. As such, it’s possible you may experience some discomfort during this adjustment time.
Introduce orthotics gradually, giving your body the time it needs to re-adjust back to a more neutral and natural position. After a gradual introduction period of approximately two weeks, you can usually start wearing your orthotics full-time.
Who Needs Foot Orthotics?
Contrary to popular belief, orthotics are helpful not only to people with severe alignment issues, the elderly, or the acutely injured. In fact, it is estimated that nearly three quarters of the general population is suffering from some degree of overpronation. This misalignment means that the feet are rolling too far in one direction, causing the weight of the body to be distributed unevenly across the foot. To accommodate for this, the knee may track inwards. Through this process, the individual may not be absorbing shock efficiently, as the arch of the foot can collapse with each step.
Vancouver Custom Orthotics
Our made in Vancouver Custom orthotic inserts aim to alleviate precisely this condition, restoring proper foot health and proper foot alignment. It is important to note that orthotics are not a cure for this condition, instead acting not unlike preventative medicine to maintain stability and reduce any further degradation. This is not unlike prescription contact lenses or hypertension medicine.
Much like anything else on the market, the pricing for orthotics can range considerably. In general, most patients will find that a custom pair of inserts will cost between $400 and $550, depending on the type of material used and other considerations. It’s often useful to purchase more than one pair of orthotics at a time, so that the inserts do not need to be swapped between shoes when you choose to wear a different pair. Each set of orthotics should last up to two years, but much like the lifespan of running or dress shoes, this will vary from individual to individual.
Orthotics can play a vital role in your overall health and comfort. Why not consult with a professional today to see if they are the right fit for your needs and your lifestyle.
Will Insurance Pay For Orthotics?
Important Note about Insurance Coverage and Reimbursement:
Although orthotics may be covered by your insurance company, some insurance providers require additional information such as biomechanical, gait analysis reports and/or a doctor’s referral note in order to reimburse your claim. To avoid delays or problems with your reimbursement, please be sure to call your specific insurance company to clarify their particular requirements prior to booking your appointment for orthotics with Dr Jackson Mann (Chiropractor).
*If you require a doctor’s referral be sure to obtain this prior to booking an appointment.
