Ottawa Custom Orthotics: Are They Right for Me?
Many people are turning to Ottawa custom orthotics as a way to help keep their feet in tiptop shape.
Do I Need Custom Orthotics in Ottawa?
Ottawa has such diverse weather conditions, many different types of physical activities can be enjoyed throughout the year. Whether it be activities like running, biking, hiking, skiing, walking or skating, our feet can undergo many different forces.
Since most activities start from the ground up, it is important we keep our feet happy by providing them with the proper support to prevent injury and pain.
A custom orthotic is similar to an insole but is made specifically to fit an individual’s foot.
It helps to align the foot and ankle so that it is biomechanically efficient. No two feet are the same, so each pair of custom orthotics is specific to that individual’s imbalance. The custom orthotic itself helps to redirect improper forces that may be going through the foot, ankle, knee and hip joints.
What Conditions Can They Help With?
If you have hip, back, knee, leg, ankle or foot pain, custom orthotics may be able to help you. Speak to your health care provider about getting a gait assessment to determine whether the custom orthotic may be able to help support you.
The assessment and fitting can be carried out by a number of practitioners such as Chiropractors, Pedorthists and Chiropodists.
Common reasons for foot pain are bunions, hammertoes, metatarsal (mid-foot) pain, arch pain, plantar fasciitis, knee, leg and low back pain.
In addition to a gait assessment, your health care provider will take a full health history, make a diagnosis then take an impression of your foot.
Most impressions are done with casting material, foam or a digital foot scanner. This mould will be specific to only you!
They are easy to wear. The Ottawa custom orthotics are designed to fit in most shoes and can be designed to fit a specific shoe.
In most cases, you simply take out the existing insole in your footwear and replace it with your custom orthotic. The orthotic can be made hard, medium or soft depending on what you need.
Will Custom Orthotics Make My Feet Weak?
The answer is no.
Ottawa Custom Orthotics will help you to use the correct foot musculature so that your foot does not tire. It will help to prevent unnecessary or incorrect muscle use during exercise and reduce foot strain.
Does My Insurance Cover Custom Orthotics?
Most insurance companies in Ottawa require a medical doctor’s note for Custom Orthotics, once you have that, the clinic will provide you with everything else you need for insurance submission.
Keep in mind that each insurance company has different coverage so it is important that you research your specific benefits package to determine what you specifically need for them to be covered.
How Long Will My Custom Orthotics Last?
There is no written rule to determine how often you should change your custom orthotics. It depends on things such as; the amount you wear them, your weight and the types of activities you are using them for.
They do lose support over time, so its a good idea to have them checked by a practitioner once a year to determine if they are losing stability.
Most people will get new orthotics every 2-3 years. If your orthotics were initially feeling great but have begun to feel uncomfortable over time, it is probably time for new ones.
Have I Missed Anything?
Are you considering getting custom orthotics?
Do you any other concerns or questions?
Either way, leave a comment below.