CONTACT US
EMAIL US
WHERE ARE WE?
Custom Orthotics
Conditions
What are Custom Orthotics?
Custom orthotics are tailor-made shoe inserts or devices created to support and add comfort to your feet, while aiming to correct structural issues. Custom foot orthotics are made from a cast or scan of your feet. They precisely match the contours of your feet to support how you walk, run and stand, allowing for a perfect fit and pain relief.
A Chiropodist thoroughly evaluates your feet, ankles, legs and the way you walk. This gives a clear picture of how the orthotic inserts can help support or accommodate the unique structure of your feet. Moulds or scans of your feet ensure a custom fit with the orthotic device.
An LMC Chiropodist may recommend custom-made orthotics to treat foot conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers, plantar fasciitis, arthritis and foot, ankle, or heel pain.
There are two categories of custom orthotic
products for foot care:
- Functional orthotics control abnormal foot motion. They can treat foot pain caused by unusual movement. Functional orthotics also treat injuries such as shin splints or tendonitis. Made from a wide variety of materials to match your condition, footwear and daily activities, they help secure your foot in place.
- Accommodative orthotics are softer than functional orthotics for feet and help provide additional cushioning and support for your foot. They can aid with treatment of diabetic foot ulcers, pain on the ball of your foot, including calluses and other uncomfortable foot conditions.
- To note The term custom orthotic shoes can be confused with orthotic insert or orthopaedic footwear. Custom orthotic shoes are shoes that are built completely custom for someone, where orthopedic footwear are sold at specialty footwear providers and have specific features needed to relieve foot pain than shoes sold at many mainstream stores, and custom orthotic inserts are custom orthotics that can be placed into our day-to-day footwear.
Shoe Inserts Vs. Custom Orthotics
Shoe inserts are non-prescription foot supports worn inside your shoe that you can buy in local pharmacies or online. They can provide a cushioning for your feet, but they can’t correct biomechanical foot issues or help chronic or long-lasting foot issues. In many instances they feel soft at first but will contribute to a worsening of the underlying problem. It’s best to have your feet assessed by a Chiropodist prior to buying a shoe insert to prevent further exacerbating the problem.
Shoe inserts and other shoe support products are mass-produced, packaged and ready to sell.
Some common types of shoe inserts include the following:
- Shoe insoles slip into your shoe to provide extra cushioning and support. You most commonly find gel insoles or insoles made of foam or plastic.
- Arch support insoles support the foot's natural arch.
- Foot cushions come in multiple shapes and sizes to create a barrier between your foot and your shoe, stopping your shoes from rubbing against your heel or toes.
- Heel pads/shoe pads for heels or heel liners provide extra cushioning for your heel area.
Recommended by a Chiropodist, orthotics are custom-made for your feet and the mechanical concerns, pain you are experiencing. Custom insoles or foot supports sold online or in a store are considered shoe inserts. Unless the insert or device has been recommended by a Foot Specialist and designed specifically for your foot, it’s a shoe insert, not a custom orthotic. Even if you see it marketed as “custom,” it is not unless it meets the criteria.
Orthotics usually cost more than shoe inserts found in a store or online, but the additional cost is worth it. Unlike shoe inserts, orthotics mould to fit each foot so that they fit you properly and help correct or fix the issue(s) you’re experiencing. Custom-made orthotics are also made of material that has a longer life span if you properly take care of them. Many insurance companies cover all or part of the cost of custom orthotics.
LMC Footcare’s Process For Your Path to
Pain-Free Living
Prior to determining your treatment options, we conduct a thorough history to determine the cause of your symptoms, any health concerns, and your goals for treatment, whether your goals are pain relief or you’re hoping to participate in a marathon.
We physically examine your skin, nails, tendons, ligaments, muscles, joints, range of motion, and gait (how you walk). We also check your footwear for wear patterns. For example, if your shoes are worn on one side and not on another.
Our specialists explain our findings to you throughout the process so that you completely understand the root cause of your symptoms. After completing the examination and analysis, we will discuss treatment options, timelines and expectations for symptom relief.
LMC Footcare’s Comfort Assurance to You
LMC Chiropody and Footcare is dedicated to your treatment plan using custom made foot orthotics, so much so that we’re happy to provide you with Comfort Assurance. If you aren’t feeling increased comfort within 90 days of wearing your custom orthotics, we’ll give you your money back! Please ask us for more details.
Why Choose LMC
Trail Blazers
Members of the Approved Provider Network (APN)
Collaborative and Convenient Approach
While a referral is not required to see our Chiropodists, we keep your family physician informed every step of the way with assessment and treatment summaries.
You also never have to wait long for an appointment! We have eight easily accessible locations in Ontario. Brampton, Vaughan, Oakville, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Midtown Toronto, Barrie, Ottawa, with more coming soon.
Contact Us
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
proactively manage your foot health.