Custom Orthotics Services
Restore your natural foot function at Total Therapy North Vancouver – Marine Drive Physiotherapy and Massage Therapy Clinic
our feet carry you everywhere you go. They are subject to high load (up to three times your body weight when running), repetitive impact, and as anyone who has had sore feet before can attest, are an essential part of getting from point A to B.
Unfortunately, our feet aren’t always up to the tasks of daily life. Anatomical or functional imbalances in the feet can lead to a variety of complaints, including:
- Heel or arch pain
- Shin splints
- Hammer toes and bunions
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles pain
- Knee pain
- Low back pain
Custom orthotics work on your feet much like glasses work on your eyes - they reduce stress and strain on your body. Custom orthotics do this by aligning the foot and ankle into the most anatomically efficient position.
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 are custom-designed to fit your foot’s unique shape and needs.
At Total Therapy North Vancouver, the custom made orthotics are casted by a registered physiotherapist. The visit will include an assessment of your past history, symptoms, and activities. In addition, your physiotherapist will examine your lower limbs for range of motion, calluses and gait pattern. You should bring in your most frequently worn shoes so your physiotherapist can determine wear patterns. Finally, your physiotherapist will take a non-weight bearing cast of your foot and will send it off to the lab. Your physiotherapist may also give you an individualized home exercise program to complement your custom orthotics.
Some plans provide coverage for custom orthotics. Check with your extended health provider to see if physiotherapist-provided custom orthotic services are covered for you.