Orthotics
Custom foot orthotics are specially designed shoe inserts that are fabricated from casts of your feet.
They are designed with specific consideration toward any biomechanical abnormalities in your feet and have been shown to alleviate foot, ankle, knee, hip and lower back pain in addition to improving athletic performance. Custom foot orthotics are often covered under group benefit plans.
Orthotics can treat and prevent many different physical conditions. According to the literature, orthotics have been shown to help those who over-pronate, a foot-type that has been related to different knee conditions (such as patellofemoral disorder). Orthotics have also been shown to help those with plantar fasciitis (heel pain) or those at risk for stress fractures in the tibia.
ORTHOTICS AT OUR CLINIC
At Burlington Sports Therapy, we believe that not everyone needs orthotics. Orthotics should not be expected to have much benefit if you have a relatively normal foot posture and normal foot biomechanics. For some people, simply changing to a more appropriate shoe is enough to assist with their condition. For others, an over-the counter support will offer enough stability and arch support to either prevent or treat their condition and serves as a more cost-effective option for them.
The prescription of custom foot orthotics is very individual and should take into consideration a great number of factors. A person’s foot posture, biomechanics and activity level all play a role. If you are in the Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton and surrounding areas and are in need of Orthotics, contact Burlington Sports Therapy today.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Custom foot orthotics can be costly for many people, so we do take the financial side of our recommendations into consideration, and we try to find solutions that work for each person. For some, this may be considering a more affordable option like an off-the-shelf insole instead of a custom orthotic. Logically we can’t always expect the result to be as effective as a custom orthotic.
A custom foot orthotic is a specially designed insole that is constructed from a model of a person’s foot. When a patient is being fitted for a custom orthotic, we analyze their gait and take measurements of their ranges of motion and their biomechanics. We then take an imprint of their feet and send it to a lab along with our recommendations for the orthotic construction. In a few weeks, we have a custom orthotic insole that provides that patient with the precise amount of support required for their gait and biomechanics. An off-the-shelf insole is an insole that is not custom made. In these cases, we can give patients recommendations on an insole that might improve their current footwear, but there is some guesswork. It’s obviously not as precise as a custom insole, but it might improve a person’s footwear in a more affordable way.
Custom orthotics are specially designed shoe inserts that help support, align, and improve the function of your feet. The process of making custom orthotics involves several steps to ensure they are tailored to your specific needs. You’ll first meet with one of our Chiropractors at Burlington Sports Therapy to discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, and any specific foot problems or pain you might be experiencing. The healthcare provider will examine your feet, ankles, posture, and gait (how you walk) to understand your unique biomechanics and any misalignments or pressure points.
A foot impression is taken, your feet are placed in a foam box that molds around them, creating an impression on your foot shape. This impression is critical because it helps capture the exact shape, size, and any specific structural issues of your feet. The chiropractor will do a biomechanical evaluation where they analyze the collected data to determine your foot’s specific needs, including arch support, alignment and cushioning. Based on the analysis, a custom orthotic is designed to correct any imbalances. The design can include features like added arch support, cushioning in certain areas, or adjustments for pressure redistribution.
The orthotics are made from a variety of materials, including foam, gel, plastic, and carbon fiber, depending on the required flexibility, durability, and support. Using the 3D mold, the orthotic is crafted using precise machinery or handcrafting methods. The shape of the orthotic is customized to the unique contours of your foot. Once the orthotics are made, they are fitted into your shoes. You’ll try on the orthotics to ensure they fit comfortably and correctly.
The chiropractor may make minor adjustments to the orthotic to ensure it aligns with your foot properly. Sometimes, you may need a follow-up appointment for additional adjustments, as your feet may need time to adapt to the new orthotics. After wearing the orthotics for a while, your chiropractor may follow up to ensure they are effectively addressing your concerns and make any further adjustments if necessary. Custom orthotics are tailored to address individual needs, so they can help with conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, high arches, bunions, or overall foot pain.
The process for getting fitted for custom orthotics typically involves several steps to ensure the orthotics are tailored to your specific needs. The first step (no pun intended) is to schedule an appointment with one of our chiropractors at Burlington Sports Therapy. They will ask about your medical history, any foot or joint pain, lifestyle and activity level. This helps determine of orthotics are needed.
The chiropractor will examine your feet for abnormalities, such as high arches, flat feet bunions or misalignments. This process will involve watching you walk or run to observe how your feet move. Your chiropractor may also check your range of motion in your joints and evaluate you posture to understand how your feet interact with the rest of your body. The next step involves creating an impression of your feet, this will be done through a foam casting. By stepping into a foam box an impression is taken to capture the shape of your feet.
Based on the impression a lab will craft custom orthotics to match your unique shape and needs of your feet. The orthotics are designed to correct alignment issues, provide support, and relieve pressure in problem areas. Your orthotics may be made from different materials such as foam, plastic or carbon fibre. Depending on your activity level, weight and specific needs.
Once the custom orthotics are ready you will return to your chiropractor for a fitting. The orthotics will be placed in your shoes to ensure they fit properly. The chiropractor may make minor adjustments to the orthotics to ensure optimal comfort and alignment. It’s common to wear orthotics for a short period of time and gradually increase usage. After wearing your orthotics for a few weeks, a follow up appointment may be scheduled to check for any discomfort or needed adjustment. The entire process is tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle to ensure the orthotics enhance your comfort, reduce pain and improve foot function.
Custom orthotics are typically made from a variety of materials, depending on the patient’s needs, activity level, and the type of orthotic required. Common materials include:
- EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate): A lightweight, flexible foam material that is often used for cushioning and shock absorption. It’s common for insoles and soft orthotics.
- Carbon Fiber: A strong, lightweight material often used for high-performance orthotics. It provides rigid support and is typically used in sports or for people who need a more rigid structure.
- Polypropylene: A durable, stiff plastic used for custom orthotics that require significant structural support. It is commonly used for more rigid orthotics for people with severe foot issues.
- Leather: Sometimes used for the top cover of orthotics due to its durability and comfort. It’s breathable and can provide a smooth surface against the foot.
- Memory Foam: Conforms to the shape of the foot and provides extra cushioning. It’s often used in insoles that require additional comfort.
- Gel: Used for cushioning, particularly in areas where shock absorption is needed, such as the heel.
- Thermoplastic Materials: These materials can be molded to the shape of the foot using heat, providing a custom fit. They’re commonly used in rigid and semi-rigid orthotics.
- Silicone: Offers cushioning and is flexible, making it ideal for cushioning certain areas like the heel or arch.
- Rubber: Sometimes used in the base of orthotics for traction and durability, particularly in active wear orthotics.
The choice of material depends on factors like the patient’s weight, activity level, and specific foot issues, as well as comfort and performance needs.
Wearing orthotics, when used appropriately, typically does not weaken foot muscles. In fact, they are often prescribed to help support and align the foot, particularly if there are issues like flat feet, high arches, or other alignment problems that can cause discomfort or lead to injury. However, there are a few things to consider. Initially, wearing orthotics may reduce the demand on your foot muscles, which might give them less opportunity to strengthen naturally. If you rely on orthotics too much without working on muscle strength, it could potentially lead to less muscle engagement over time.
If you’re wearing orthotics constantly and not balancing it with exercises to strengthen your foot muscles, you might experience some weakening. But this is usually more of a concern when orthotics are overused in the long run without engaging in strengthening exercises. If you’re transitioning to orthotics, it might be beneficial to pair them with foot exercises (like toe curls, arch lifts, or resistance band exercises) to maintain muscle strength.
In short, if orthotics are recommended by a healthcare professional and used correctly, they shouldn’t lead to significant weakening of your foot muscles. It’s always a good idea to check in with your doctor or physical therapist to ensure that you’re using them in a way that supports both comfort and muscle strength.
If you are feeling any discomfort in your feet, legs or back. If there is visible wear and tear, if you are noticing a loss of shape or decreased support. If your foot structure has changed for example due to weight gain or an injury. If you are experiencing frequent soreness or a change in the type of soreness it may be time to have your orthotics looked at by your practitioner. Orthotics typically last between 1 to five years so if you area noticing any changes within that time frame please consult your chiropractor at Burlington Sports Therapy.
OHIP does not cover custom foot orthotics. Most insurance plans have coverage for custom foot orthotics as they appreciate the need and benefit these devices provide for some people.
If you are in the Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton and surrounding areas and are in need of Custom Foot Orthotics, contact Burlington Sports Therapy today. We are conveniently located just off of Walkers Line on Harvester Road.
This is a question we get asked a lot. Recommendations for wearing orthotics are very individual for each person. For some, the goal of the orthotic is to assist the foot while it heals from an injury. For others, the goal of the orthotic is to provide long-term support. In this case, the advice may be to move the orthotic from one shoe to another and wear it at all times. There is no one general strategy that applies to all cases.
It is very typical for soreness to occur during the “breaking in” period. This may last for a number of days depending on how much the orthotic is being worn. We usually recommend a person wears the orthotic for an hour the first day, two hours the second day and three hours the third day (as an example). This might be similar to the advice with new running shoes. It is wise to ease into the new footwear as opposed to wearing them for a full run right away.
The type of orthotic that we recommend for a person depends on what their needs are. For some, there may be a bone spur that we’re trying to take pressure off of. For others, we are trying to provide more stability for the arch but allow it to fit in a dress shoe. Our clinic sees lots of runners so often we are prescribing orthotics that are suitable for athletic activity.
Custom orthotics typically last between 1 to 5 years, depending on various factors. High-quality orthotics tend to last longer. If you wear them daily or for intense activities like running, they may wear out faster. Using orthotics in shoes with poor support or in shoes that don’t fit properly can reduce their lifespan. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider or podiatrist can help assess whether your orthotics need to be replaced.
You want to make sure you care for and clean your orthotics. To clean use a soft cloth with mild soap and warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals. Let dry naturally at room temperature, away from a heat source. Inspect your orthotics for wear and tear regularly, keep them dry and avoid extreme temperatures. Consult with your chiropractor at Burlington Sports Therapy if your orthotics show damage or discomfort.
Yes, orthotics can often be transferred between different shoes, but there are a few things to consider. The shoes must have enough room to accommodate the orthotics without causing discomfort or altering the fit of the shoe. Shoes with removable insoles tend to work best for this.
Custom-made orthotics are designed for your specific foot shape and the shoes they were initially made for. If you transfer them to another shoe, make sure the shoe’s structure supports the orthotics. Over-the-counter orthotics are generally more versatile but still need to fit the new shoe properly. When transferring orthotics, check if the support and cushioning in the new shoe remain effective.
Different shoes might provide different types of support or cushioning, which could impact the overall comfort when using orthotics. Constantly moving orthotics between different shoes can cause them to wear down faster, so inspect them for signs of damage if you switch them frequently. Transferring orthotics between shoes is usually possible, especially if the shoes are compatible, but it’s important to ensure comfort and support in the new shoe.
Yes, children can benefit from custom orthotics, especially if they have specific foot issues or biomechanical problems that affect their posture, walking, or overall mobility. Some common reasons why children might need custom orthotics include flat feet. Children with excessive flat feet may experience discomfort or alignment issues. Custom orthotics can provide arch support and improve walking posture. For children with high arches, orthotics can help distribute pressure more evenly and reduce strain on the feet and legs. If a child experiences foot pain from conditions like plantar fasciitis or heel pain, custom orthotics can provide cushioning and alleviate discomfort. Children who walk on their toes may benefit from orthotics that encourage a more normal gait and reduce strain on the legs and feet. If a child over pronates (feet roll inward) or supinates (feet roll outward), custom orthotics can help correct alignment and improve stability during walking or running. Orthotics can support a child’s growing feet, ensuring proper alignment and development during key growth stages. Orthotics for children are typically designed to be adjustable as they grow. Our chiropractors at Burlington Sports Therapy can assess a child’s foot health and determine if custom orthotics are necessary.
Certain activities and sports may require special alterations to orthotics for added support or to allow the athlete to perform their sport with more comfort. Generally speaking, the difference in orthotics for different sports mostly pertains to whether the orthotic fits properly in the footwear. For example, an orthotic for a basketball shoe might be different from one that would fit in a soccer shoe. Hockey skates may also require a different fit from a tap dancing shoe, so every case is different and individualized for the requirements of that patient and their sport.
Custom foot orthotics can be costly for many people, so we do take the financial side of our recommendations into consideration, and we try to find solutions that work for each person. For some, this may be considering a more affordable option like an off-the-shelf insole instead of a custom orthotic. Logically we can’t always expect the result to be as effective as a custom orthotic.
A custom foot orthotic is a specially designed insole that is constructed from a model of a person’s foot. When a patient is being fitted for a custom orthotic, we analyze their gait and take measurements of their ranges of motion and their biomechanics. We then take an imprint of their feet and send it to a lab along with our recommendations for the orthotic construction. In a few weeks, we have a custom orthotic insole that provides that patient with the precise amount of support required for their gait and biomechanics. An off-the-shelf insole is an insole that is not custom made. In these cases, we can give patients recommendations on an insole that might improve their current footwear, but there is some guesswork. It’s obviously not as precise as a custom insole, but it might improve a person’s footwear in a more affordable way.
Custom orthotics are specially designed shoe inserts that help support, align, and improve the function of your feet. The process of making custom orthotics involves several steps to ensure they are tailored to your specific needs. You’ll first meet with one of our Chiropractors at Burlington Sports Therapy to discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, and any specific foot problems or pain you might be experiencing. The healthcare provider will examine your feet, ankles, posture, and gait (how you walk) to understand your unique biomechanics and any misalignments or pressure points.
A foot impression is taken, your feet are placed in a foam box that molds around them, creating an impression on your foot shape. This impression is critical because it helps capture the exact shape, size, and any specific structural issues of your feet. The chiropractor will do a biomechanical evaluation where they analyze the collected data to determine your foot’s specific needs, including arch support, alignment and cushioning. Based on the analysis, a custom orthotic is designed to correct any imbalances. The design can include features like added arch support, cushioning in certain areas, or adjustments for pressure redistribution.
The orthotics are made from a variety of materials, including foam, gel, plastic, and carbon fiber, depending on the required flexibility, durability, and support. Using the 3D mold, the orthotic is crafted using precise machinery or handcrafting methods. The shape of the orthotic is customized to the unique contours of your foot. Once the orthotics are made, they are fitted into your shoes. You’ll try on the orthotics to ensure they fit comfortably and correctly.
The chiropractor may make minor adjustments to the orthotic to ensure it aligns with your foot properly. Sometimes, you may need a follow-up appointment for additional adjustments, as your feet may need time to adapt to the new orthotics. After wearing the orthotics for a while, your chiropractor may follow up to ensure they are effectively addressing your concerns and make any further adjustments if necessary. Custom orthotics are tailored to address individual needs, so they can help with conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, high arches, bunions, or overall foot pain.
The process for getting fitted for custom orthotics typically involves several steps to ensure the orthotics are tailored to your specific needs. The first step (no pun intended) is to schedule an appointment with one of our chiropractors at Burlington Sports Therapy. They will ask about your medical history, any foot or joint pain, lifestyle and activity level. This helps determine of orthotics are needed.
The chiropractor will examine your feet for abnormalities, such as high arches, flat feet bunions or misalignments. This process will involve watching you walk or run to observe how your feet move. Your chiropractor may also check your range of motion in your joints and evaluate you posture to understand how your feet interact with the rest of your body. The next step involves creating an impression of your feet, this will be done through a foam casting. By stepping into a foam box an impression is taken to capture the shape of your feet.
Based on the impression a lab will craft custom orthotics to match your unique shape and needs of your feet. The orthotics are designed to correct alignment issues, provide support, and relieve pressure in problem areas. Your orthotics may be made from different materials such as foam, plastic or carbon fibre. Depending on your activity level, weight and specific needs.
Once the custom orthotics are ready you will return to your chiropractor for a fitting. The orthotics will be placed in your shoes to ensure they fit properly. The chiropractor may make minor adjustments to the orthotics to ensure optimal comfort and alignment. It’s common to wear orthotics for a short period of time and gradually increase usage. After wearing your orthotics for a few weeks, a follow up appointment may be scheduled to check for any discomfort or needed adjustment. The entire process is tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle to ensure the orthotics enhance your comfort, reduce pain and improve foot function.
Custom orthotics are typically made from a variety of materials, depending on the patient’s needs, activity level, and the type of orthotic required. Common materials include:
- EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate): A lightweight, flexible foam material that is often used for cushioning and shock absorption. It’s common for insoles and soft orthotics.
- Carbon Fiber: A strong, lightweight material often used for high-performance orthotics. It provides rigid support and is typically used in sports or for people who need a more rigid structure.
- Polypropylene: A durable, stiff plastic used for custom orthotics that require significant structural support. It is commonly used for more rigid orthotics for people with severe foot issues.
- Leather: Sometimes used for the top cover of orthotics due to its durability and comfort. It’s breathable and can provide a smooth surface against the foot.
- Memory Foam: Conforms to the shape of the foot and provides extra cushioning. It’s often used in insoles that require additional comfort.
- Gel: Used for cushioning, particularly in areas where shock absorption is needed, such as the heel.
- Thermoplastic Materials: These materials can be molded to the shape of the foot using heat, providing a custom fit. They’re commonly used in rigid and semi-rigid orthotics.
- Silicone: Offers cushioning and is flexible, making it ideal for cushioning certain areas like the heel or arch.
- Rubber: Sometimes used in the base of orthotics for traction and durability, particularly in active wear orthotics.
The choice of material depends on factors like the patient’s weight, activity level, and specific foot issues, as well as comfort and performance needs.
Wearing orthotics, when used appropriately, typically does not weaken foot muscles. In fact, they are often prescribed to help support and align the foot, particularly if there are issues like flat feet, high arches, or other alignment problems that can cause discomfort or lead to injury. However, there are a few things to consider. Initially, wearing orthotics may reduce the demand on your foot muscles, which might give them less opportunity to strengthen naturally. If you rely on orthotics too much without working on muscle strength, it could potentially lead to less muscle engagement over time.
If you’re wearing orthotics constantly and not balancing it with exercises to strengthen your foot muscles, you might experience some weakening. But this is usually more of a concern when orthotics are overused in the long run without engaging in strengthening exercises. If you’re transitioning to orthotics, it might be beneficial to pair them with foot exercises (like toe curls, arch lifts, or resistance band exercises) to maintain muscle strength.
In short, if orthotics are recommended by a healthcare professional and used correctly, they shouldn’t lead to significant weakening of your foot muscles. It’s always a good idea to check in with your doctor or physical therapist to ensure that you’re using them in a way that supports both comfort and muscle strength.
If you are feeling any discomfort in your feet, legs or back. If there is visible wear and tear, if you are noticing a loss of shape or decreased support. If your foot structure has changed for example due to weight gain or an injury. If you are experiencing frequent soreness or a change in the type of soreness it may be time to have your orthotics looked at by your practitioner. Orthotics typically last between 1 to five years so if you area noticing any changes within that time frame please consult your chiropractor at Burlington Sports Therapy.
OHIP does not cover custom foot orthotics. Most insurance plans have coverage for custom foot orthotics as they appreciate the need and benefit these devices provide for some people.
This is a question we get asked a lot. Recommendations for wearing orthotics are very individual for each person. For some, the goal of the orthotic is to assist the foot while it heals from an injury. For others, the goal of the orthotic is to provide long-term support. In this case, the advice may be to move the orthotic from one shoe to another and wear it at all times. There is no one general strategy that applies to all cases.
It is very typical for soreness to occur during the “breaking in” period. This may last for a number of days depending on how much the orthotic is being worn. We usually recommend a person wears the orthotic for an hour the first day, two hours the second day and three hours the third day (as an example). This might be similar to the advice with new running shoes. It is wise to ease into the new footwear as opposed to wearing them for a full run right away.
The type of orthotic that we recommend for a person depends on what their needs are. For some, there may be a bone spur that we’re trying to take pressure off of. For others, we are trying to provide more stability for the arch but allow it to fit in a dress shoe. Our clinic sees lots of runners so often we are prescribing orthotics that are suitable for athletic activity.
Custom orthotics typically last between 1 to 5 years, depending on various factors. High-quality orthotics tend to last longer. If you wear them daily or for intense activities like running, they may wear out faster. Using orthotics in shoes with poor support or in shoes that don’t fit properly can reduce their lifespan. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider or podiatrist can help assess whether your orthotics need to be replaced.
You want to make sure you care for and clean your orthotics. To clean use a soft cloth with mild soap and warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals. Let dry naturally at room temperature, away from a heat source. Inspect your orthotics for wear and tear regularly, keep them dry and avoid extreme temperatures. Consult with your chiropractor at Burlington Sports Therapy if your orthotics show damage or discomfort.
Yes, orthotics can often be transferred between different shoes, but there are a few things to consider. The shoes must have enough room to accommodate the orthotics without causing discomfort or altering the fit of the shoe. Shoes with removable insoles tend to work best for this.
Custom-made orthotics are designed for your specific foot shape and the shoes they were initially made for. If you transfer them to another shoe, make sure the shoe’s structure supports the orthotics. Over-the-counter orthotics are generally more versatile but still need to fit the new shoe properly. When transferring orthotics, check if the support and cushioning in the new shoe remain effective.
Different shoes might provide different types of support or cushioning, which could impact the overall comfort when using orthotics. Constantly moving orthotics between different shoes can cause them to wear down faster, so inspect them for signs of damage if you switch them frequently. Transferring orthotics between shoes is usually possible, especially if the shoes are compatible, but it’s important to ensure comfort and support in the new shoe.
Yes, children can benefit from custom orthotics, especially if they have specific foot issues or biomechanical problems that affect their posture, walking, or overall mobility. Some common reasons why children might need custom orthotics include flat feet. Children with excessive flat feet may experience discomfort or alignment issues. Custom orthotics can provide arch support and improve walking posture. For children with high arches, orthotics can help distribute pressure more evenly and reduce strain on the feet and legs. If a child experiences foot pain from conditions like plantar fasciitis or heel pain, custom orthotics can provide cushioning and alleviate discomfort. Children who walk on their toes may benefit from orthotics that encourage a more normal gait and reduce strain on the legs and feet. If a child over pronates (feet roll inward) or supinates (feet roll outward), custom orthotics can help correct alignment and improve stability during walking or running. Orthotics can support a child’s growing feet, ensuring proper alignment and development during key growth stages. Orthotics for children are typically designed to be adjustable as they grow. Our chiropractors at Burlington Sports Therapy can assess a child’s foot health and determine if custom orthotics are necessary.
Certain activities and sports may require special alterations to orthotics for added support or to allow the athlete to perform their sport with more comfort. Generally speaking, the difference in orthotics for different sports mostly pertains to whether the orthotic fits properly in the footwear. For example, an orthotic for a basketball shoe might be different from one that would fit in a soccer shoe. Hockey skates may also require a different fit from a tap dancing shoe, so every case is different and individualized for the requirements of that patient and their sport.
If you are in the Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton and surrounding areas and are in need of Custom Foot Orthotics, contact Burlington Sports Therapy today. We are conveniently located just off of Walkers Line on Harvester Road.
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I have been a patient of Dr. Kevin McIntyre’s for 2 years now. Prior to that, I visited a few other local chiropractors with little to no success. Growing up, my father was an incredible chiropractor so when he couldn’t practice anymore, I had to find someone like him; someone who respected the traditional manual manipulation style of chiropractic. Thankfully, my wife and I found Kevin! His style is very much like my dad’s but he also incorporates elements of the “new school” with Active Release Technique. I would recommend Kevin to any of my family and friends (and already have a few times over!).
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