Custom made orthotics and Certified Pedorthists: Being thoroughly assessed for the potential benefits of custom-made-orthotics begins with your clinician. Canadian certified Pedorthists are specialists in the field of biomechanical and gait assessments, orthotic design and fabrication, as well as the function, fit and effectiveness of the footwear that it will be dispensed to.

Certified Pedorthists can identify and treat gait disturbances and compensatory movement patterns created by acute and chronic pain related to feet, ankles, knees, hips and low back which may even have an effect in the upper extremity. Your feet are your foundation – the ability to identify issues that can lead to over-use (cumulative stress to joints, muscles, ligaments and fascia) both preventatively and in response to pain, can be appropriately treated with an orthotic custom for your unique foundation.

Custom made orthotics should not be a “one-size fits all” treatment – different activities, professions, injuries and co-morbidities require custom solutions to pain and prevention. Certified Pedorthist are trained in the hands-on fabrication and adjustment of custom orthotics as well as custom footwear modifications including lifts for leg length discrepancies, bunion accommodations and rocker-soled shoes for ankle and forefoot issues. 

Here are some examples of custom-made orthotics designs you can discuss with your Pedorthist: – Semi-rigid – for correction of foot posture and enhanced stability & control of the foot and ankle (made from polymers, carbon fiber or high density EVA): Examples: mild to severe heel alignment issues, off-loading for plantar fasciitis, bunions, 1st MTP joint OA, Achilles tendonitis, various knee conditions (OA, patella femoral, meniscus pain etc), back pain, SI joint issues, leg length discrepancies, moderate to severe flat foot and over-pronation, ankle pain (impingement pain, nerve impingement, OA of the ankle. – Semi-flexible (accommodative/ off-loading): Softer materials with more flex are used for example: Rigid pes cavus (high arch), mild to severe supination, lateral ankle pain, chronic peroneal and IT band tightness, sciatic pain, OA of the ankle, shock attenuation for those working on concrete or hard surfaces, activities causing impact, accommodating boney irregularities (ie: accessory navicular, Charcot foot, Club foot) and pressure off-loading for plantar foot wounds/ ulcers and diabetic neuropathy. – Performance (low-profile materials dynamic flex and great energy return) are used for example: Skiing, snowboarding, skating, running, biking, hiking, golfing, cleated sports (soccer, baseball, football etc.), basketball, volleyball are a few examples requiring unique sport specific designs.

A note on referrals and extended benefit claims: A referral for an initial Pedorthic assessment for custom made orthotics is not necessary (you can self-refer). Certified Pedorthists are recognized licenced practitioners for orthotic assessment, billing and dispensing and will gladly welcome those with and without referrals and provide you with the documents you require for a claim for extended benefits. However, if you do not have a referral or prescription, you may require one prior to the orthotics being dispensed (approx. 3weeks from assessment) if that is the treatment recommended and your benefit provider requires it. Not every new patient requires custom orthotics – your Pedorthist may also recommend secondary options to orthotics, such as more temporary non-custom or customized off-the-shelf footbeds, changes in footwear, exercise prescriptions or refer you to another practitioner who can provide adjunct treatment for improved long-term results and prevention. If you would like to learn more about Canadian Certified Pedorthists please follow this link: https://pedorthic.ca/

Staff Specializing in this service: Deanna Zelinka