Certified Pedorthist/Custom-made Foot Orthotics

What is a Certified Pedorthist? A certified pedorthist is an individual who is trained in the assessment, design, manufacture, fit and modification of foot appliances (i.e. orthotics) and the fitting and modification of footwear to alleviate painful or debilitating conditions of the foot and lower limb.

What is an Orthotic? An orthotic is a special type of insole to be worn inside a shoe. It is designed to relieve foot pain by limiting movement in unstable foot joints or by providing support to excessively stressed areas of the foot. Orthotics can range from simple off-the-shelf arch supports to custom-made high-tech devices. The materials used to make them vary from hard plastic to softer foams of varying densities. Depending on the combinations used, the orthotics may be semi-rigid or soft. In general, semi-rigid orthotics provide the best combination of support and comfort. If your symptoms are mild and of short duration, and if the degree of your foot abnormality is minimal, an inexpensive off-the-shelf insole may suffice.

What are the Indications for Orthotics?

Metatarsalgia – pain in the ball of the foot Plantar Fasciitis – pain in the heel or arch area of the foot Achilles Tendinitis Tibialis Posterior Tendinitis – shin splints Diabetes – loss of sensation/decreased blood flow Arthritis – pain and swelling in the first toe joint and ankle Bunions Callouses Knee, hip and low back pain

These conditions are treated by the re-alignment of anatomical structures and the redistribution of external and internal forces in the foot through the use of orthotics. Orthotics can also help to accommodate foot deformities and improve balance.

Consumers Beware: Why Choose a Certified Pedorthist? There are currently no government standards for the making and selling of orthotic devices. As a result, many individuals with no foot care education, training or qualifications dispense supposed “custom foot orthoses” at health fairs, lifestyle, home, and sportsman shows and mall kiosks. Typically, the individuals selling these products are unqualified, unaccountable and in many cases misleading in their practices. As well, some health care professionals who are highly trained in their fields have absolutely no training in providing foot orthoses. Certified Pedorthists have extensive training and their primary focus is in the fitting and fabricating of orthotics and in footwear modification. They have the to capability to not only do your biomechanical assessment but to make, fit and fine-tune your devices prior to dispensing them. On-site adjustments and alterations are key to proper fit and comfort.

What is the Cost for Custom-Made Foot Orthotics?

Technical Assessment if no Orthotics are needed: $45.00 Custom-Made Foot Orthotics: $425.00 (includes the cost of the technical assessment)

Are Custom-Made Orthotics Covered by Extended Healthcare? Custom-Made Foot Orthotics are not covered by OHIP. However, most insurance plans cover at least a portion of the cost of the devices. Check with your insurance provider to determine your coverage. Please note that most insurance companies require a written referral on the physician’s prescription pad in order for the devices to be covered. Please make sure to have this documentation when coming to your appointment. The referral must include a “diagnosis” and a recommendation for “custom foot orthoses”.

I think I need Orthotics – What should I do? Check with your physician to see if he/she thinks it may help with your lower limb problem. If you are uncertain, you should make an appointment to see a Certified Pedorthist. They will be able to assess your situation and determine if custom-made orthotics are right for you. What should I bring to my Initial Assessment? 1) Physician’s referral/prescription 2) Samples of the footwear you regularly wear 3) The name of the company who will be insuring you (if applicable) How are Custom-Made Foot Orthotics Made? Measurements for custom-made foot orthotics are obtained by taking a semi-weight bearing cast of the foot in a foam block. Plaster is then poured into the mold and the orthotic is constructed on the positive image of the foot. How are Custom-Made Foot Orthotics Fitted? When you schedule an appointment to pick up your orthotics you will be asked to bring your shoes so that the devices can be fit properly into them. The pedorthist will look at the devices under your feet to make sure that they are supporting you in the correct way and will make adjustments accordingly while you wait. What Type of Footwear can I wear my Custom-Made Orthotics in? Depending on the extent of your problem and the footwear that you are normally in for every day activities, different styles of custom-made orthotics can be created. These options are something that the pedorthist will go over with you during your assessment. This being said, the best type of footwear for an orthotic is a lace-up shoe that provides enough room and support for the orthotic. What is a Ski boot Footbed? Ski shops provide a type of support called a foot-bed. Foot-beds can make the boot more comfortable and improve edge control by adding inward or outward tilt to the foot. Since foot-beds gain a lot of support from the rigidity of the ski boot, they don’t necessarily need to be as substantial (or as expensive) as daily wear orthotics. However, if you are experiencing specific problems that cannot be addressed with the accommodative foot-bed, you may need to visit a Certified Pedorthist to have a custom-made pair of orthotics made for you. For more information regarding pedorthics, please visit the following websites: Pedorthic Association of Canada www.pedorthic.ca College of Pedorthics of Canada www.cpedcs.ca Pedorthic Services: www.pedorthic.com