Custom made Orthotics & Shoes - Richmond Hill Medical & Rehab Centre

What Is A Custom Orthotic?

A custom orthotic is a device designed to align the foot and ankle into the most anatomically efficient position.

They look like insoles, but are biomechanical medical appliances that are custom made to correct your specific foot imbalance. Custom orthotics work on your feet much like glasses work on your eyes – they reduce stress and strain on your body by bringing your feet back into proper alignment.

The plastic body of the custom orthotic helps to re-align the foot by redirecting and reducing certain motion that takes place during the gait cycle. Custom orthotics fit into your shoes as comfortably as an insole – and they have the advantage of having been made from precise imprints of your feet.

Who Needs Custom Orthotics?

The symptoms of poor foot mechanics can include any one of the following:

Localized foot pain
Bunions, hammer toes
Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
Leg/knee pain
Hip or back pain

Q1. Should I Wear My Custom Orthotics All The Time?

The longer you wear your custom orthotics the more benefit you will get out of them. If your daily activities vary to the extent that you change your footwear, then you should have a second pair of custom orthotics designed for that specific activity. (I.e. going to the gym after work).

Q2. Why Do My New Custom Orthotics Feel Uncomfortable?

Since the custom orthotic works to realign the structure of your foot you may feel pressure in some areas as the custom orthotic attempts to do its job. For this reason custom orthotics should be worn in two hour intervals and slowly extend the wear time over a period of two weeks.

Q3. What Kind Of Shoe Do I Need For My Custom Orthotics?

For the most part any shoe that has a removable insole will work with your custom orthotic. Just remove the insole that came with the shoe and replace it with the custom orthotic. TOG also offers a carefully-selected line of footwear that can accomodate custom orthotics, as well as custom sandals and clogs that have your prescribed device built right in.

Q4. Do I need a special shoe for them?

Most orthotics are designed to fit into your existing sneakers or dress shoes by removing the original insole.

Q5. How long do they last?

With daily use, a high-quality pair typically lasts 1 to 2 years before the support materials begin to wear down.

Q6 Will they help my back pain?

Yes! Many back and hip problems start with poor foot alignment. Proper support can align your entire body.

Q7. How long is the break-in period?

It usually takes about 2 weeks to get used to them. We recommend starting with 2 hours a day and increasing gradually.

Q8. Are they covered by insurance?

Most private insurance plans cover custom orthotics. We provide all the necessary paperwork for your claim.