Your feet do a lot of work every day, supporting your weight, keeping you balanced, and absorbing shock with every step. But when something is off, whether it’s foot pain or knee discomfort, even simple activities like walking or standing can become uncomfortable.
That’s where custom orthotics come in. Unlike store-bought insoles, custom orthotics are precision-designed to match the unique structure and movement of your feet, providing the precise support and alignment you need.
At LMC Footcare, our Footcare Specialists (Chiropodists) take a detailed, science-based approach to designing orthotics, ensuring they fit perfectly and address your specific concerns. Whether you’re struggling with chronic foot pain, recovering from an injury, or trying to prevent future problems, custom orthotics can be a game-changer.
Why Foot Problems Affect More Than Just Your Feet
Many people don’t realize that foot problems can lead to pain in other areas of the body. If your feet aren’t aligned correctly, it can cause stress on your joints, leading to muscle fatigue, joint strain, and poor posture.
Common Causes of Foot-Related Pain
● Flat Feet or High Arches: If your arches don’t provide proper support, it can lead to uneven weight distribution and overuse of muscles in the feet, ankles, and legs.
● Overpronation (Inward Rolling of the Foot): This places extra stress on the knees and can contribute to shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and even hip pain.
● Supination (Outward Rolling of the Foot): When the foot doesn’t absorb shock properly, it can lead to ankle instability and increased pressure on the outer edges of the foot.
● Uneven Leg Length or Posture Issues: Even a slight difference in leg length can lead to an imbalanced gait, causing discomfort in the knees, hips, and lower back.
When these issues are left unaddressed, these issues can turn into chronic pain and mobility limitations. This is why custom orthotics go beyond just cushioning—they correct imbalances at the root cause.
How Footcare Specialists (Chiropodists) Design Custom Orthotics: A Step-by-Step Process
At LMC Footcare, we take a comprehensive, patient-centred approach to designing orthotics. Here’s what the process looks like:
Step 1: Initial Consultation & Foot Health Assessment
Your first visit starts with a one-on-one discussion about your foot concerns. A footcare specialist (Chiropodist) will ask about:
● Any pain or discomfort you’re experiencing
● Your daily activities and footwear choices
● Whether you stand for long periods or play sports
● Your medical history, including past injuries or surgeries
This conversation helps us understand your lifestyle and whether custom orthotics are the right fit for you.
Step 2: Gait Analysis (How You Walk & Move)
A gait analysis is a key part of the assessment process. Walking might seem simple, but small variations in how your feet hit the ground can make a big difference in how force travels through your body.
During this step, footcare specialists (chiropodists) will:
● Observe your walking pattern for signs of overpronation or supination
● Check for uneven weight distribution
● Assess how your feet absorb shock
● Look at your ankle, knee, and hip alignment while walking
By analyzing how you move, we can design orthotics that work with your natural mechanics, rather than against them.
Step 3: Foot Scanning and 3D Molding
After assessing your gait, we take a detailed impression of your feet. This can be done using:
● 3D Digital Scanning – A high-tech scan that captures every contour of your foot.
● Foam Impressions – A mold that records pressure points and foot structure.
● Plaster Casting – Used for more complex foot issues that require precise correction.
This step ensures your custom orthotics are built for your exact foot shape—not a generic template.
Step 4: Designing the Custom Orthotic
Using the scan or mold, the footcare specialist (Chiropodist) customizes your orthotics to:
● Provide precise arch support
● Adjust foot posture to improve weight distribution
● Reduce stress on joints and ligaments
● Add shock absorption to prevent strain-related injuries
Different materials may be used based on your foot condition, activity level, and shoe type.
Step 5: Fitting and Adjustments
Once your orthotics are ready, you’ll return for a fitting appointment. Here, we:
● Ensure they fit comfortably inside your shoes
● Make any necessary adjustments
● Provide guidance on how to break them in gradually
Your feet might need a short adjustment period, so follow-ups are scheduled to ensure they’re providing the right level of support.
Who Can Benefit from Custom Orthotics?
Custom orthotics are helpful for a wide range of conditions, including:
● Plantar Fasciitis – Helps relieve heel pain by supporting the arch.
● Bunions & Hammer Toes – Reduces pressure on sensitive areas of the foot.
● Flat Feet or High Arches – Provides stability for imbalanced arches.
● Knee & Hip Pain – Corrects foot alignment to reduce joint stress.
● Sports Injuries – Helps prevent repetitive strain injuries in athletes.
● Diabetic Foot Problems – Offers extra cushioning and support for nerve-damaged feet.
If you experience chronic foot pain, discomfort when standing, or frequent injuries, custom orthotics may be a long-term solution.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Custom Orthotics
1. Wear Them Consistently
Your feet need time to adapt to new support. Wear them a few hours at a time, then gradually increase use.
2. Choose the Right Shoes
Well-fitted shoes enhance orthotic benefits. Avoid shoes that are too tight, too loose, or lack support.
3. Schedule Regular Check-Ups
Your feet change over time. Follow-ups help ensure your orthotics are still working effectively.
4. Replace Them When Needed
Most orthotics last 1-2 years, depending on wear and tear. If you notice pain returning or the material wearing down, it might be time for a new pair.
Final Thoughts: The Right Support for Your Feet Starts Here
If you’re dealing with foot pain, imbalances, or chronic discomfort, custom orthotics could be the solution you need. Rather than just masking symptoms, properly designed orthotics correct underlying issues, helping you move better, feel better, and prevent future problems.
At LMC Footcare, our footcare specialists (chiropodists) are dedicated to creating orthotics that truly fit you. If you’re ready to take the next step toward pain-free movement, visit our website or schedule a consultation today.
Why choose LMC Footcare?
LMC Footcare is part of one of Ontario’s largest teams of Medical Specialists. The Chiropodists at LMC are highly skilled practitioners who treat various foot conditions.
From the simplest to the most complex conditions, you can rest assured that you are in good hands. We also provide you with the education you need to make well-informed decisions regarding your care.
Our dedication is to provide exceptional, trailblazing footcare treatments. LMC Chiropodists participate in advanced research, and new treatment approaches at one of the largest research divisions in North America.This means we are committed to providing the best possible care and outcomes for your foot concern.
You will never have to wait long for an appointment with many easily accessible locations across Ontario.
To find the location nearest to you, visit us online at lmcfootcare.ca/locations, call 1-844-562-3668 or email us at [email protected].
FAQs About Custom Orthotics
1. How long does it take to adjust to custom orthotics?
It usually takes 1-2 weeks to fully adjust. Start by wearing them a few hours a day, then gradually increase wear time.
2. Do custom orthotics work for all types of shoes?
Most orthotics fit into athletic shoes, casual footwear, and work boots. For dress shoes or heels, special slim-fit orthotics may be required.
3. How long do custom orthotics last?
They typically last 1-2 years, depending on wear and tear. If you notice worn-down padding or discomfort returning, it’s time for a replacement.
4. Can I buy orthotics online instead of getting custom ones?
Over-the-counter insoles provide temporary relief but don’t correct structural issues. Custom orthotics are designed specifically for your feet, providing long-term benefits.
5. Will insurance cover custom orthotics?
Many extended health plans cover custom orthotics, but coverage varies. Check with your provider to see what’s included.
