Foot, heel, or arch pain — or been told you might need orthotics? Custom orthotics are prescribed by a Registered Chiropodist at our Don Mills clinic after an in-person biomechanical assessment. No referral needed — book online in under a minute.

Consider a Biomechanical Assessment if You Have:

• Heel or arch pain, or plantar fasciitis

• Flat (fallen) arches or high arches

• Foot pain from standing, walking, or sport

• Pressure points, calluses, or uneven shoe wear

• Related knee, hip, or lower-back discomfort

• Store-bought insoles that have not helped

What Happens at Your Assessment

Your Chiropodist performs a biomechanical evaluation — assessing your feet standing and walking — and, if custom orthotics are appropriate, takes a precise non-weight-bearing 3D cast. Your orthotics are then made to your prescription and fitted in person. Not everyone needs orthotics; the assessment determines whether they are right for you.

Could Custom Foot Orthotics Help You Move Better?

Let's dive into the world of custom foot orthotics. These specialized devices go far beyond simple drugstore arch supports; they are medically prescribed supports engineered precisely for your unique feet and how they interact with the ground.

What They Are:

Custom Foot Orthotics are individually crafted medical supports designed to fit your feet much more effectively and provide more targeted function/accomodation than generic, over-the-counter (OTC) inserts.

How They Help / Function:

The main purpose of custom orthotics is to address and improve your foot's biomechanics – the way your foot moves and functions during activities like walking or running. They are designed to:

• Provide support to feet that may not be functioning optimally from a mechanical standpoint.

• Help control abnormal or inefficient foot motion.

• Correct underlying biomechanical imbalances that can affect not just your feet, but potentially your ankles, knees, hips, and back.

• Re-establish a more even distribution of weight and pressure across the soles of your feet.

• May help improve your body's overall alignment and efficiency, starting from the ground up.

The Process in Creating True Custom Orthotics:

Obtaining genuine custom foot orthotics involves a thorough and specific clinical process, ensuring the device meets your individual requirements:

1. Comprehensive Evaluation: It starts with our Chiropodist performing a detailed clinical biomechanical evaluation. This involves assessing your feet both while standing still (static) and while walking (dynamic gait analysis).

2. Precise Casting: Our Chiropodist will take accurate 3D casts or impressions of your feet. Importantly, this is done while your feet are held in a specific "neutral" or corrected position, typically using a non-weight-bearing technique to capture the foot's optimal structure without distortion from body weight.

3. Laboratory Craftsmanship: The detailed casts, along with the Chiropodist's specific prescription derived from your evaluation, are sent to a professional orthotics laboratory.

4. Personal Fitting: Once your custom orthotics are ready, they are sent back to our clinic. You'll have a fitting appointment where the Chiropodist ensures they fit properly within your footwear and provides instructions for their use.

5. Break In Period: Getting used to the new support often involves a gradual break-in period. As your feet and body adapt, the goal is to assist with biomechanical alignment and function. Many patients find that once accustomed, the improved comfort and support may make daily activities feel more manageable.

Key Takeaways about Custom Foot Orthotics:

• What they are: Prescribed medical devices, custom-made to support and enhance the function of your specific feet.

• Purpose: Aimed at correcting biomechanical issues, controlling abnormal foot movement, redistributing pressure evenly, and improving overall body alignment and efficiency.

• The "Custom" Difference: Genuine custom orthotics necessitate a detailed biomechanical assessment by a qualified Chiropodist and precise, non-weight-bearing 3D casting – setting them apart from pre-fabricated OTC inserts.

• Process: Involves a clinical evaluation, specific casting methods, prescription-based lab fabrication, and a professional fitting.

• Goal: To optimize foot and lower limb biomechanics, and may help alleviate pain and improve comfort during daily activities and sports.

Custom Orthopedic Inserts in Don Mills, North York

Looking for custom orthopedic inserts in Toronto? Custom foot orthotics are prescription orthotic inserts made for your feet — and at Donwood Foot and Orthotic Clinic, every pair is prescribed by a Chiropodist after an in-person biomechanical assessment and non-weight-bearing 3D casting. Our clinic is located at 51 Underhill Dr. in the Don Mills area of North York, serving patients from Leaside, Bayview Village, York Mills, Lawrence Park, Willowdale, and across Toronto.

Custom orthopedic inserts may help with:

• Arch pain in the feet, including flat arches (fallen arches) and high arches

• Heel pain and plantar fasciitis

• Foot arch strain or arch injuries from standing, walking, or sport

• Pressure points, calluses, and uneven weight distribution across the sole

• Knee, hip, or lower back discomfort related to foot mechanics

Because fit and function depend on your individual foot structure, orthotics for feet are assessed, cast, fitted, and adjusted in person by our Chiropodists at the clinic.

Getting Custom Orthotics:

If you are suffering with foot, ankle, knee, hip, or even lower back discomfort, custom orthotics could be a beneficial part of your treatment plan. Here at Donwood Foot and Orthotic Clinic, conveniently located in Don Mills, North York, we are committed to the rigorous clinical process required to provide truly custom orthotics tailored to your individual needs. This always includes a comprehensive biomechanical assessment and precise, non-weight-bearing casting. We invite you to book an appointment to discuss your symptoms and determine if custom foot orthotics are an appropriate solution for you.

Extended Benefits Accepted — custom orthotics may be covered by your extended health benefits. Direct billing is not available for orthotics; we provide the documentation and prescription your insurer requires for your claim.

Custom Orthotics Cost and Insurance in Ontario

One of the most common questions we hear is how custom orthotics are priced and whether they are covered. The cost depends on your assessment and the prescription your Chiropodist recommends — and Donwood offers senior and student pricing — so we discuss cost with you directly at your assessment rather than quoting a figure online. Many extended health plans include an orthotics allowance. Direct billing is not available for orthotics; we provide the documentation and prescription your insurer requires for your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are custom orthotics covered by insurance in Ontario? Many extended health insurance plans include coverage for custom orthotics. We recommend checking your policy details, and we can provide the required documentation for your claim. Direct billing is not available for orthotics.

How much do custom orthotics cost? The cost depends on your assessment and the prescription your Chiropodist recommends, and Donwood offers senior and student pricing, so we discuss cost with you directly at your appointment rather than quoting online.

Do I need a referral for custom orthotics in Ontario? A referral is not required to see a Chiropodist for custom orthotics in Ontario. You can book directly through our clinic. Some insurance plans may require a physician's note for reimbursement — check your policy.

Related reading: Are Custom Orthotics Covered by Extended Health Benefits in Ontario? | Book a Foot Assessment