Services
Custom-made Foot orthotics to help with debilitating conditions of the foot and lower limb
Education in footwear features and styles appropriate to your needs
Education in footwear features and styles appropriate to your needs
In-depth biomechanical assessment including weight bearing, non-weight bearing and range of motion testing
Gait analysis
Gait analysis
What is a Foot Orthotic?
Foot orthotics can range from simple off-the-shelf arch supports to custom-made devices. The materials used to make them vary from firm plastic to softer foams of varying densities. Depending on the combinations used, the orthotics may be semi-rigid or soft. In general, semi-rigid orthotics provide the best combination of support and comfort.
What is a Certified Pedorthist?
A certified pedorthist is a heath care professional who is trained and certified in the assessment, design, manufacture, fit and modification of foot appliances (i.e. orthotics) and the fitting and modification of footwear with the goal of alleviating painful or debilitating conditions of the foot and lower limb.
What are some common conditions treated by Pedorthists?
Metatarsalgia - pain in the ball of the foot
Plantar Fasciitis - pain in the heel or arch area of the foot
Numbness or Tingling in the toes
Achilles Tendinitis
Tibialis Posterior Tendinitis – shin splints
Arthritis – typically in the first toe joint, ankle or knee
Diabetes - loss of sensation/decreased blood flow
Bunions
Callouses
Knee Pain
Hip Pain
Low Back Pain
Leg Length Difference
These conditions are treated and can be alleviated by the re-alignment of anatomical structures and the redistribution of external and internal forces in the foot through the use of orthotics. Orthotics can also help to accommodate foot deformities and improve balance.
How are Custom-Made Foot Orthotics Made?
Plaster is then poured into the mold and the orthotic is constructed on the positive image of the foot.
How are Custom-Made Foot Orthotics Fitted?
When you schedule an appointment to pick up your orthotics you will be asked to bring your shoes so that the devices can be fit properly into them.
The pedorthist will look at the devices under your feet to make sure that they are supporting you in the correct way and will make adjustments accordingly while you wait.
What Type of Footwear can I wear my Custom-Made Orthotics in?
Depending on the extent of your problem and the footwear that you are normally in for every day activities, different styles of custom-made orthotics can be created.
These options are something that the pedorthist will go over with you during your assessment.
That being said, the best type of footwear for an orthotic is a lace-up shoe that provides enough room and support for the orthotic such as a walking or running shoe.
Can my orthotics fit into Ski Boots and Skates?
What type of professional training does a Certified Pedorthist have?
A Canadian Certified Pedorthist must first have a degree in a university health sciences field such as Kinesiology.
The pedorthics course is offered through the University of Western Ontario and involves intense training in lower limb biomechanics, gait analysis, manufacturing and fitting of foot appliances, and fitting and modification of footwear.
The pedorthics course is offered through the University of Western Ontario and involves intense training in lower limb biomechanics, gait analysis, manufacturing and fitting of foot appliances, and fitting and modification of footwear.
In order to be eligible to write the certification exams a three month internship in each of the following areas must be completed: clinical, laboratory and footwear.
All Certified Pedorthists in Canada are members of the Pedorthic Association of Canada and the College of Pedorthics of Canada.
All Certified Pedorthists in Canada are members of the Pedorthic Association of Canada and the College of Pedorthics of Canada.
