Foot Orthotic FAQs

How long do orthotics last?

On average 2 years is what we tell people. Our heavier clients who work 12 hour shifts may not get as long, and those who are lighter and wear them less may get more time.

Do insurance companies pay for orthotics?

MSI does not cover anything related to orthotics but a private health plan does. You are best to call your insurance company to ask about your specific coverage for pedorthic consultation and orthotics before booking with us. Often these are separate coverages. Some health plans cover 1-2 pairs per year. You may also require a doctor’s prescription that states a foot diagnosis.

Get some options to make you comfortable. Call 902-755-9675 now or email info@healthwalks.ca to schedule your personal assessment. It’s that easy!

Top 5 Shoe No-No's

1. Wearing steel toe footwear with the steel toe exposed. As soon as the leather or toe cap wears off and you can see the steel toe, it is no longer CSA approved and you can be fined.
2. Wearing sandals where your toes or heels are over the edge when you walk. If the sandals fits properly, make sure the straps are keeping you from moving over the front edge!
3. Wearing footwear that causes your nails to bruise and be damaged. When you walk, your feet move forward. That's why runners often buy sneakers a 1/2 or full size larger so they don't damage their toes.
4. Wearing footwear that is too long and you are coming out of the back of the shoes. This usually causes premature wear on the back of the shoe where you are rubbing. It can also cause soreness and bone growth where the Achilles Tendon attaches.
5. Buying footwear for style alone! You only get one pair of feet and they have to last you! At HealthWalks, we sell footwear for style, function and comfort. Look for all three!

Top 5 Foot No-No's

1. Removing calluses with a scalpel, scissors, medicated pads or when the skin is wet! Watch this video to see how it’s done properly!
2. Having bunions and not wearing orthotics. Even after bunion surgery, you need to wear orthotics or the bunion will come back again! Remember, orthotics address the 'why' of your problem and then your symptoms can look after themselves. Learn more here.
3. Wearing footwear that is too long in order to gain width. We see this a lot with people who have wide feet but shorter length. It is going to be far more comfortable to be fitted in a shoe that comes in wide width and get the correct length. Look for brands that come in wide width, such as Aetrex, Cambrian, Clarks and New Balance.
4. Not checking your feet thoroughly. The feet are the furthest away from the heart and therefore develop circulation related issues first. They are also enclosed in footwear and do not get much air flow. Check the bottoms of your feet and in between your toes at least weekly. Dry in between your toes when you shower to prevent Athlete’s foot - I see it often and the person has no idea they have it! Look for redness when you take off your shoes to see if they are fitting too tight in spots.
5. Thinking that foot pain or swelling is normal. No matter how many hours you work on concrete, foot pain can be fixed! The time to look after your feet is now!