Custom Orthotics and Orthopedic Footwear
Your feet are the foundation of your body. A small abnormality in foot function can have a large impact on joints higher in the body, causing pain and discomfort. Orthotic devices are custom made inserts that support or correct the alignment of the foot maintaining the structural balance as you stand, walk or run. Custom orthotics provide the stability you need to reduce strain and stress on your entire body. At Westney Heights Chiropractic Centre the orthotics are prescribed, fitted and dispensed by the Chiropractors.
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What type of conditions are orthotics used to treat?
Orthotics are used in the treatment and prevention of many foot and gait related problems that can affect the feet, ankles, knees, hips and back. Orthotics can help achilles tendonitis, bunions, metatarsalgia, calluses, chondromalacia patella, patellofemoral syndrome, toeing in or out, hammer toes, iliotibial band syndrome, low back pain, hip pain, neuromas, piriformis syndrome, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, arthritis, and diabetes.
How do I know if I would benefit from orthotics?
Take this test and find out:
1. Do you stand or walk on hard surfaces more than 4 hours a day?
2. Are you 40 years or older?
3. Does one shoe wear more than the other?
4. Do you suffer joint pain while standing?
5. Do you have knocked knees or bow legs?
6. Do you have obvious foot problems like bunions, corns, flat feet, etc.?
7. Do you have pain in the ball of your foot or numbness in your toes?
8. Do you experience a constant ache in your lower back particularly when standing or walking?
9. Do you participate regularly in any physical activity including sports?
10. Do your feet feel sore or fatigued at the end of the day?
11. Do your parents have foot related problems?
If you answered yes to any of these questions you may be a candidate for orthotics.
How are custom made semi-rigid orthotics made?
Custom made foot orthotics are manufactured from a non-weight bearing foam impression cast or a 3D scanner with the foot held in neutral position and/or from digital scan data collected as the patient walks across an electronic force gait plate. Additional information is gained during a biomechanical assessment and utilized in the final design of the orthotic. The cast is sent to a professional podiatry lab where the orthotics are custom crafted using a mixture of blends of nylon, fiberglass and other plastics. Individual customized postings, accommodations and top covers are utilized in the final production of the semi-rigid orthotic device.
Will I need to buy my shoes a bigger size to fit my orthotics?
No. A complete line of orthotics is available to fit into most types of shoes. There is a large variety of orthotics ranging from being thin and lightweight for dress orthotics, to cushioned and accommodative used for diabetic and arthritic orthotics. A complete line of specialty sports orthotics is also available.
How long will orthotics last?
Orthotics will last from one to three years depending on wear and tear. Wear and tear is determined by the weight of the patient, the amount of time the orthotics are worn and the activities the orthotics are used for. Orthotics, feet and gait will be monitored to watch for change in prescription or the breakdown of the orthotic device.
Will orthotics fix my feet?
No. Gait and existing foot problems can be managed by corrective orthotic devices while wearing them but will not perform a structural reformation of the foot while not wearing the devices. Custom orthotics are a medical necessity and must be worn on a day to day basis, for an indefinite period of time.
Does OHIP cover orthotics?
No. However, many Extended Health Care Plans do have coverage for orthotics. Each Extended Health Care policy is unique and must be reviewed to determine orthotic benefits.
What questions should I ask when enquiring about my
Extended Health Care coverage for orthotics?
1. Is my coverage full or partial?
2. What is the maximum coverage per pair of orthotics?
3. What is the maximum number of orthotics covered per year?
4. Do I need a medical doctor or chiropodist to provide a diagnosis and prescribe the orthotics?
5. Does my plan have any restrictions on the type of health practitioner who can dispense the orthotics?
6. Does my plan require a particular casting technique?
7. Does my plan require a specific billing statement?
CUSTOM ORTHOTICS FEE SCHEDULE
Orthotics
$500.00
These fees include the biomechanical assessment, casting, manufacturing, dispensing, orthotic checks and modifications done within the orthotic warrantee time period.
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ORTHOPEDIC SHOES
Orthopedic shoes are intended for people with problem feet. They are beneficial for orthopedic foot conditions that make it difficult to fit into regular footwear such as bunions, hammer toes and arthritis. They are constructed to help prevent skin irritation and ulcers for people with lymphedema or diabetes. They are recommended for post-surgical conditions to accommodate swelling and open wounds. But, orthopedic shoes can be purchased and worn by anyone who wants a good comfortable shoe available in a vast range of styles and sizes.
What are orthopedic shoes?
Orthopedic shoes are shoes designed to provide a protective, uncompromised fit in a wide range of sizes and width. All shoes are designed to assist the Chiropractor in providing a superior medical shoe, yet if necessary, the shoes all have customizing capabilities.
Orthopedic shoes have the following features:
• Firm heel counters to control heel movement.
• Extra padded cuff for protection and protective lining with wicking features to keep the foot dry.
• Smooth, seam free linings to prevent skin irritation.
• Multiple fitting spacers (1/8” and 1/16”) to assist in adjustment and customization for a perfect fit.
• Extra depth to allow for inclusion of custom orthotics as required.
• Soft leathers and other materials, padded with extra foam for protection.
• High toe box to provide protection to the forefoot and to provide room for toe deformities.
• High quality EVA insole to absorb shock and promote comfort.
• Hidden depth rocker sole to reduce stress on the ball of the foot, keeping forefoot stress to a minimum.
• Ergonomic cushioning sole with a toe-spring design, softens the step and helps propel the foot forward.
• Outsole to provide maximum shock absorption.
• Women’s sizes range from 5-12 (B-4E width) and in men’s sizes range from 7-14 (D-6E width).
Are orthopedic shoes covered by extended health care plans?
Yes. Each Extended Health Care policy is unique and must be reviewed to determine orthopedic shoe benefits.
What questions should I ask when enquiring about my extended health care
coverage for orthopedic shoes?
1. Is my coverage full or partial?
2. What is the maximum coverage per pair of orthopedic shoes?
3. What is the maximum number of orthopedic shoes covered per year?
4. Do I need a medical doctor or chiropodist to provide a diagnosis and prescribe the orthopedic shoes?
5. Is there a list of specific medical conditions that orthopedic shoes are reimbursable for?
6. Does my plan have any restrictions on the type of health practitioner who can dispense the orthopedic shoes?
7. Does my plan require a specific billing statement?
What styles of orthopedic shoes are available?
To view our full line of orthopedic shoes, see the Ortho Feet catalogue.
www.orthofeet.com
ORTHOPEDIC SHOE FEE SCHEDULE
Orthopedic Shoes
$225.00
Orthopedic Shoes with Custom Orthotic Supports
$600.00