Orthotics

 

What Are Custom Orthotics?

Custom 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 Chiropodist 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 Chiropodist 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 Orthotics 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 Chiropodist or Podiatrist?

Chiropodists and Podiatrists are interchangeable terms in Canada.  Both refer to primary care providers regulated as Foot Professionals who are educated exclusively in the assessment and treatment of foot disorders. 

In addition to a Bachelors Degree in Science, Chiropodists and Podiatrists require a 3-4 year Chiropody/Podiatry Diploma at an accredited Chiropody School, and are regulated under the Chiropody Act by the College of Chiropodists of Ontario. 

 

What services does a Chiropodist provide?

 Chiropodists are authorized to perform the following controlled acts:

    • Cutting into the subcutaneous tissues of the foot
    • Administering a designated substance by injection into the feet
    • Prescribing designated drugs

 A Chiropodist is able to provide a multitude of foot related services, including:

    • Custom-made Orthotics
    • Nail and soft tissue surgeries
    • Diabetic and arthritic foot care
    • Routine nail care
    • Calluses and corns
    • Ingrown, discoloured and fungal nails
    • Flat feet
    • Foot, arch, knee, hip and back pain
    • Biomechanical and sport injuries
    • Plantar warts
    • Athlete’s foot and sweating feet
    • Eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions
    • Wound and ulcer treatment
    • Dry and cracked heels
    • Hammer toes, clawed toes and bunions
    • Orthopaedic footwear
    • Compression medical stockings

Are Orthotics covered by my insurance?

Many insurance companies now reimburse payment for Custom Orthotics only if they have been fabricated by an Orthotics expert such as a Chiropodist.  Check with your specific benefit plan handbook or representative to confirm the amount of coverage available to you.  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 for Custom Orthotics, or for any questions about fees, please call (613) 599-8132 and request an appointment for Orthotics.

[Back to top]