Are your feet aching again? Are you wondering if a simple shoe insert could help? It might. But depending on your problem, you might need orthotics instead. End foot and ankle pain and discomfort—Make an appointment to get personalized, custom-made orthotics designed by our expert foot care practitioners.
Are orthotics right for you?
Orthotics aren’t just standard, over-the-counter shoe inserts—they’re more. They’re personalized, meticulously crafted, custom-fit medical devices designed to relieve pain, discomfort or stresses caused by all kinds of foot and ankle medical conditions. Orthotics provide support, stability and balance to address foot conditions that could promote faulty foot mechanics and abnormal gait patterns. If off-the-shelf devices or at-home self-care practices haven’t provided efficient relief, an insert designed just for you and perfectly moulded to your feet may do the trick.
Usually, your foot care practitioner will prescribe orthotics as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan, according to the nature of your condition and your specific needs. Here are a few reasons your foot care practitioner may prescribe orthotics:
- To correct foot deformities
- To improve foot or ankle function
- To provide ankle, arch, and heel support
- To reduce pain and discomfort by reducing stress and pressure in problem areas
- To prevent the pain and discomfort from affecting how you walk or stand
Don’t hesitate!
Foot conditions often worsen over time, so the earlier you seek treatment, the easier it is to optimize your future wellness and quality of life.
What to expect during your visit
During your appointment, your foot care practitioner will perform a comprehensive evaluation, make a diagnosis, and offer treatment options that may or may not include orthotics. Here’s a quick overview of what you should expect during your visit:
Evaluation
Our evaluation process is straightforward and non-invasive, designed to quickly get to the root of the problem and develop optimal treatment options. During your visit, your evaluation may include:
- A review of your past medical history and the history of your present illness or condition
- Comprehensive foot and lower limb inspection and physical assessment
- Biomechanical assessment and gait analysis: how you walk, stand and run, where your feet apply pressure, and how the energy generated from walking transfers through your body
- Assessing your daily footwear and self-care habits
- X-rays, vascular, dermatological or neurological exams and functional tests of all types depending on need
Treatment
After your foot care practitioner completes their assessment, they’ll explain their findings and the treatment options available to you. Depending on the nature of your foot condition, they may prescribe custom foot orthotics. Some foot and ankle health conditions that may be improved by orthotics include:
- Back pain
- Bunions
- Bursitis
- Diabetes
- Flat feet
- Hammer toes
- Heel spurs
- High arches
- Foot Injuries
- Plantar fasciitis
If you and your foot care practitioner agree to orthotics in your treatment plan, they’ll make a cast of your feet. Casting involves using plaster or an imaging device to take a three-dimensional mould of your feet. The moulds form the blueprint from which your orthotic will be made.
Orthotics come in many different types, styles, and materials. Your product will depend on the condition the orthotic is designed to treat, the shape of your feet and shoes, your needs, and how you intend to use it. We’ll consider these factors when manufacturing your orthotics.
Your treatment, your way
We aim to design practical, realistic, fast-acting treatment plans that are at most a minor inconvenience and get you back to living healthy and pain-free as soon as possible. Through patient-doctor collaboration, we’ll work together to identify a proven, effective treatment plan that matches not only the needs of your condition but the needs of your specific situation and lifestyle.
For a more in-depth view of all the treatments we offer at our clinic, head to our Treatments and Devices page.
Plan your visit
Are over-the-counter arch support shoe inserts not doing the job? Custom-fitted orthotics might solve the problem. Our Ottawa-based clinic offers comprehensive routine foot care for people of all ages and the most modern, cutting-edge foot care techniques and treatments in the capital region, including custom orthotics. Let’s work together to find a treatment plan that’ll keep you and your feet looking and feeling healthy.
Whether you’re an Ottawa resident or just visiting, take a step in the right direction and book an appointment with Greenberg Podiatry.