Custom Made Foot Orthotics Services

Our Assessment:

Your PhysioActive Chiropodist is an expert in gait and foot function. They will work collaboratively as part of our team to get you feeling better sooner.

Our client care managers will suggest the most appropriate therapist(s) for your specific condition and goals. Their individual skills, in combination with our team, will have you back to your activities.

Our Treatment:

Our chiropodist has years of experience assessing the foot, evaluating your gait, and prescribing custom foot orthotics. If you suffer from any pain in your feet, knees, hips, legs, or lower back, orthotics may work for you. At PhysioActive, we use a 3D scanner in conjunction with a physical analysis and often make use of a force plate to determine how and why you are suffering. Our team may also suggest some range-of-motion, strength, and balance exercises that will assist in the overall functioning of your feet and legs.

Our Technology

At PhysioActive, your Chiropodist may use our GaitScan force plate to determine how your foot contacts the ground during walking or running. If appropriate, we use a 3D scanner to accurately measure your foot. Our Chiropodist might incorporate technologies such as Shockwave (Radial shockwave or ESWT), laser, electrotherapy, PEMF, and magnetic biostimulation to assist in your healing. The use of technology is just an add-on to the outstanding hands-on therapy and will help you recover and feel and function better.

What is a Custom Orthotic?

An orthotic is a device designed to restore your natural foot function. Many complaints, such as heel pain, knee pain, and lower back pain, are caused by poor foot function. It’s the orthotic’s job to realign the foot and ankle bones to their neutral position. When natural foot function is restored, this helps alleviate problems in other parts of the body. In addition, orthotics provide more even weight distribution, taking the pressure off sore spots (e.g., the ball of the foot, corns between toes, bunions, etc.), and they provide some shock absorption. They are either inserted into a shoe or integrated into the shoe’s design so that they become a part of the shoe’s sole. Orthotics differ from inserts that you can buy at any store because they are specially made to conform to the unique shape of your foot. Each orthotic is as different as the foot it’s made for.

PhysioActive has a Registered Chiropodist available for onsite consultations who will work with you and your physiotherapist. A Chiropodist will assess your gait (how you walk) and determine if orthotics are necessary and what will suit your specific needs.

Assessment and prescription by a licensed chiropodist. General chiropody services are not performed at PhysioActive.

If you would like more detailed information about this or any of our services, contact your therapist or our helpful administrative staff to book a chiropody appointment directly.

How do I know if I need Custom Orthotics?

Our experienced therapists use a combination of clinical experience and GaitScan™ technology to decide if you will benefit from orthotics, including:

Interpretation of your history of injury and functional requirements, including footwear.
Examination by an experienced physiotherapist or chiropodist, which considers biomechanics and factors contributing to your pain and the role of treatment and corrective exercises.
The GaitScan™ results, which may indicate abnormal foot mechanics that contribute to your pain.

If we identify abnormal foot function that correlates with your symptoms, we can use the GaitScan™ data to help prescribe custom foot orthotics to correct the problem.

Does the effectiveness of my orthotics rely on the type of shoes I wear?

Orthotics are most effective in shoes that are well-constructed, fit properly, and are in good condition. It is best to bring in your shoes and your orthotics when we’re fitting you for new orthotics. Knowing the type of footwear you wear the most will help your practitioner prescribe the right style of orthotics for your lifestyle. There are orthotics for all shoes, including dress shoes (even high heels), skates, or other types of footwear. Although we don’t recommend you wear high heels, we do realize that wearing your orthotics in the shoes you actually wear is more effective than having great orthotics sitting unused in your closet.

How long does it take to improve conditions with orthotics?

Your feet and soft tissues will start adapting immediately; however, in some severe, irritable, or long-term conditions, it can take up to six weeks for the inflammation and pain to start settling.

What do you recommend if the orthotics feel uncomfortable?

During the first few weeks of wearing your orthotics, you may experience aches and pains in your feet and legs. This is normal and indicates that your orthotics are working. Your body has been conditioned to accommodate feet that do not function properly; as a result, it may need time to adjust. If your discomfort persists beyond a few weeks, please contact us, as your orthotics may simply need a minor adjustment.

FAQ

Why Are Orthotic Prescriptions at PhysioActive Different?

At PhysioActive, we take a comprehensive and collaborative approach to orthotic prescriptions. Our chiropodist works closely with our team of physiotherapists, osteopaths, and movement specialists to ensure that your orthotics are not just custom-fitted, but fully integrated with your body’s movement patterns. We assess your entire kinetic chain, including the hips and other related areas, to make sure that your orthotics work effectively and support your overall well-being. This holistic approach helps to optimize your alignment, reduce discomfort, and enhance your movement, ensuring that your orthotics contribute to long-term health and mobility.
How do I know if I need orthotics?

Orthotics may be beneficial if you experience chronic foot pain, discomfort while walking, or issues such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis, or misalignment. A free meet and greet with our Chiropodis or a movement screen by our physiotherapists by a qualified professional can determine if orthotics are right for you.
What are the benefits of wearing orthotics?

Orthotics provide support, correct misalignments, and alleviate pain by redistributing pressure on your feet. They can improve your posture, reduce the risk of injury, and enhance your overall comfort during daily activities.
Will orthotics help with my back or knee pain?

Usually, by improving the alignment and function of your feet, orthotics can have a positive impact on other parts of your body, including your knees, hips, and lower back. Proper foot support can reduce strain on these areas, potentially easing pain.
How are custom orthotics different from over-the-counter insoles?

Custom orthotics are specifically designed to fit the unique contours of your feet and address your specific needs. Unlike generic insoles, custom orthotics provide targeted support, ensuring better alignment, comfort, and effectiveness.
How long do orthotics last?

The lifespan of orthotics depends on factors like the materials used, how often they are worn, and your activity level. Typically, custom orthotics can last 1-3 years, but it’s important to have them checked regularly to ensure they’re still providing the necessary support.
Why should a movement and gait scan be part of my orthotics assessment?

A movement and gait scan provides valuable insights into how your body moves, revealing imbalances or issues that may be contributing to your pain or discomfort. This comprehensive analysis ensures that your orthotics are precisely tailored to address the root cause of your problems.
How can a gait scan improve the effectiveness of my orthotics?

A gait scan allows for a detailed understanding of your walking and running patterns. By identifying areas of improper alignment or pressure, your orthotics can be customized to correct these issues, leading to better results and long-term relief.
Why should I combine orthotics with a physiotherapy program?

While orthotics provide crucial support and alignment, physiotherapy addresses the underlying causes of your pain or discomfort. Combining these approaches enhances your overall recovery by improving muscle strength, flexibility, and movement patterns, leading to more sustainable results.
How does physiotherapy complement the use of orthotics?

Physiotherapy helps retrain your muscles and correct movement patterns that contribute to pain or injury. When used together with orthotics, it ensures that your body adapts to the support, enhancing the effectiveness of the orthotics and promoting overall healing and function.