Frequently Asked Questions



What is An Orthotic?
An orthotic is a special type of insole to be worn inside a shoe. It is designed to relieve foot pain by limiting movement in unstable foot joints, or by providing support to excessively stressed areas of the foot.

Orthotics can range from simple off-the-shelf arch supports to custom-made high-tech devices. The materials used to make them vary from hard plastic to softer foams of varying densities. Depending on the combinations used, the orthotics may be rigid, semi-rigid or soft. In general, semi-rigid orthotics provide the best combination of support and comfort. If your symptoms are mild and of short duration, and if the degree of your foot abnormality is minimal, an inexpensive off-the-shelf insole may suffice.

What Are The Indications For Orthotics?

Conditions helped by orthotics include bunions, calluses, plantar fasciitis (heel pain), metatarsalgia (achy feet), and symptoms related to high-arched or flat feet. Orthotics may also help relieve pain in the knee, hip and low back.

Welcome


elisa-foot-assess-sepia
Elisa Harrison is a Certified Pedorthist practicing in Southern Ontario. On this site you will find links to locations, information regarding pedorthics and orthotics, and links to professional organizations regarding this profession.

Elisa Harrison is a Canadian Certified Pedorthist. Graduating from the University of Waterloo with an Honours Science degree in Kinesiology, Elisa went on to work with Peel Regional Police and DCIEM (Defense and Civil Institute of Environmental Medicine). She continued her schooling and graduated from the University of Western Ontario where she received her Professional Certificate of Pedorthics.

Elisa is able to assess everyone from young children to seniors with their foot, leg and low back pain. Her goal is to educate patients on their condition after completing a full biomechanical assessment and gait analysis. Elisa also makes sure to recommend proper footwear specific to her patient’s needs as this is a very important aspect to recovery.

What is a Pedorthist?


A pedorthist is an individual who is trained in the assessment, design, manufacture, fit and modification of foot appliances and footwear for the purposes of alleviating painful or debilitating conditions and providing assistance for abnormalities or limited actions of the lower limb.

Common foot conditions treated by pedorthists:


  • Metatarsalgia - pain in the ball of the foot
  • Plantar Fasciitis - pain in the heel or arch area
  • Tendinitis - in the lower limb
  • Diabetes - loss of sensation/decreased blood flow
  • Arthritis - pain and swelling in the first toe joint and ankle

A Pedorthist provides devices and footwear to assist in:


  • Accommodation of foot deformities;
  • Re-alignment of anatomical structures;
  • Redistribution of external and internal forces;
  • Improvement of balance;
  • Control of biomechanical function;
  • Accommodation of circulatory special requirements; and,
  • Enhancement of the actions of limbs compromised as a result of accident, congenital deformity, neural condition, or disease.