Kanata Orthopaedic Physiotherapy Clinic and Custom Orthotics

• What Are Custom Orthotics?
• Do Shoes Matter?
• Who needs Orthotics?
• What is a Certified Orthotist?
• Are Orthotics covered by my insurance?

What Are Custom Orthotics?

Orthotics are prescription medical foot supports made from taking moulds of your feet and performing a full biomechanical assessment of your feet, body and gait. They are designed to be inserted into your shoes to treat or prevent a variety of injuries. They also act to make your feet more efficient at walking, standing, running and sports.

At Kanata Orthopaedic Physiotherapy Clinic, our Certified Orthotist will:

• Evaluate your gait biomechanics
• Perform a physical examination of your feet and legs
• Examine your footwear for contributing factors to your pathology
• Make recommendations for treatment.

Do Shoes Matter?

Our Certified Orthotist may suggest an alternate selection of shoes if this is likely to produce a profound improvement in your symptoms prior to committing to treatment with foot orthotics. We also consider and recommend the style and construction for your othotics to achieve the best solution for your needs.

Who needs Orthotics?

The combination of appropriate footwear and custom orthotics will produce a new and improved pattern of movement and support for a variety of conditions, including:

• Flat feet or High arches
• Low back pain
• Knee or Hip pain
• Plantar Fasciitis, Heel pain, or Arch pain
• Heel Spurs
• Calluses
• Big toe joint pain
• Pain in the ball of the feet
• Sports injuries
• Running problems
• Children's growing pains
• Bone spurs
• Ankle problems
• Shin splints
• Arthritis and Arthritic conditions of the foot
• Diabetic foot problems
• Achilles tendon problems
• Dropfoot

What Is A Certified Orthotist?

Certified Orthotists, unlike many other foot orthotic providers, have been specially trained to manufacture and modify footwear and foot orthotics. They are also qualified to provide treatment with custom made braces, supports or splints for any of the bones and joints of your body. Whether it is a knee brace, wrist splint, or a pair of custom orthotics, a certified orthotist can produce a device to suit your individual needs.

When referred for treatment requiring an orthotic device, you want to know that you are seeing the most competent provider possible. Certified members of the Canadian Association for Prosthetics and Orthotics (CAPO) http://www.pando.ca/ are highly trained experts, having met the highest standards set by the Canadian Board for Certification of Prosthetics and Orthotics (CBCPO). A CAPO member will ensure the orthotic component of treatment is integral to your program as a whole and will participate as a member of the medical team should long-term management become necessary.

ARE ORTHOTICS COVERED BY MY INSURANCE?

Many insurance companies now re-imburse payment for custom orthotics only if they have been fabricated by an orthotics expert such as a Certified Orthotist. Check with your specific benefit plan handbook or representative to confirm the amount of coverage. Some insurance plans also require a Physician's referral for orthotics, so you may need to see your doctor prior to submitting your claim to obtain an appropriate referral.

Kanata Orthopaedic Physiotherapy Clinic has been serving Kanata, Stittsville, West Ottawa, Nepean and surrounding areas for over 15 years. To book an appointment with a Certified Orthotist, or for any questions about fees, please call (613) 599-8132. Make sure to request an appointment for Orthotics.

[Back to the top]