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!

Myths about Feet - All Wrapped Up

Over the years we have heard many misconceptions and, well, myths about foot care. Here are the top 5...

Myths about Feet #1. Comfort is Expensive
At the end of the day it comes down to this: How much is your comfort and ability to be active worth to you? Anyone who gets comfortable with good footwear or orthotics never goes without again. Our customers and patients tell us comfort is essential from that point on!

Myths about Feet #2. Orthotics are Only for Old People
When you limp along, struggling to keep up, you're broadcasting your infirmities louder than any orthotic solution will!

Myths about Feet #3. Fashionable Shoes have to be Painful
We can make an orthotic to fit into any shoe you wear, even skates, boots, high heels, and some sandals. This is no longer an excuse to live with pain.

Myths about Feet #4. Kids should Suffer until Their Feet Stop Growing
Consider this: If your child is squinting in the classroom to the see the board, do you wait until their eyes stop changing before buying them glasses? Orthotics are effective for 2 shoe sizes. Your child's comfort is top priority in my mind.

Myths about Feet #5. Looking After Myself is Selfish
Orthotics are preventative, as well as relieving your immediate pain and discomfort. You are worth it! Consider that, when you look after yourself, you have more to give others.

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

Myths about Feet #5. Looking After Myself is Selfish

Pain is no fun but some people put up with it for years. Pain is exhausting. It affects your patience and ability to cope. Working in health care for over 20 years, I've heard it all: I'll look after myself once I retire or when the kids are moved out, I can't afford to look after myself, I don't think they are worth it. And the list goes on.

Does that mean you also won't mind having bunion surgery? Or knee replacements? Hammer toes won't bother you? Do you think you deserve such invasive treatment? Orthotics are preventative, as well as relieving your immediate pain and discomfort. You are worth it! Consider that, when you look after yourself, you have more to give others. A full cup overflows!

"Good health is much easier kept than regained." - Dr. Phil

Myths about Feet #4. Kids should Suffer until Their Feet Stop Growing

Lots of parents have consulted with me as an Occupational Therapist for their children. There are many myths about orthotics but, when it comes to our children, we should get our facts straight. Children should never have to complain about pain.

Kids should NOT wait until they're older and their feet stop growing to get orthotics.

Consider this: If your child is squinting in the classroom to the see the board, do you wait until their eyes stop changing before buying them glasses?

Orthotics are effective for 2 shoe sizes. Your child's comfort is top priority in my mind.

What is the Difference between a Pedorthist and Podiatrist?

A Pedorthist is an individual who is trained in the assessment, manufacture, fit and modification of foot orthotics and footwear for the purpose of alleviating painful or debilitating conditions.

If a podiatrist, chiropractor, physiotherapist, occupational therapist want to specialise in orthotics, they can further their education in that field by studying to become a pedorthist. In Canada, a Pedorthic designation is the “gold standard” for assessing and distributing orthotics with footwear.

Podiatry is a field of medicine devoted to the study and treatment of disorders of the foot and ankle. It is practised by podiatrists and chiropodists. Podiatrists address a range of medical issues depending on the scope of practise permitted in the relevant jurisdiction. Such issues include ingrown toenails, corns and warts. A podiatrist is not a medical physician but some insurance companies accept prescriptions for orthotics from a podiatrist. A podiatrist can continue their education to receive their pedorthic designation if they chose to specialise in orthotics.

Are Foot Orthotics Expensive?

A foot assessment with us costs $95 and is due on the day of your appointment. If orthotics are recommended, I will write a requisition with all of the necessary adjustments and modifications for the lab to make your custom orthotics.

Custom orthotics cost over $300 per pair. This includes any modifications or office visits within the year. Our custom products have a 1-year warranty against normal wear and tear.

Insurance Coverage

If you have private insurance coverage, call your insurance company. You should have a 1-800 number on your insurance card. They will not speak to us about your plan as it is confidential. They will tell you what their requirements are. Often they need a prescription from your family doctor that includes a diagnosis. You may have to get a new prescription each time you replace your orthotics.

What are Foot Orthotics?

Orthotics are a custom made foot bed designed specifically for your feet to correct biomechanical faults. They reposition your foot and add support. Orthotics replace the insoles that are now in your shoes and will fit in most footwear with removable foot beds.

Do you need orthotics?

You will need to have a biomechanical/foot assessment and gait analysis. Your feet will be examined first while sitting down, then while standing and walking. If orthotics are recommended, an impression of your feet will be taken. The therapist will then write a requisition with all the necessary adjustments and modifications for the lab to make your custom orthotics. It will take 3-4 weeks for your orthotics to be ready.

Call 902-755-9675 now to book your personal assessment. Get some options to make you comfortable. It’s that easy!

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