Custom foot orthotics are prescribed based on a thorough biomechanical examination of the entire lower portion of the body from your lower back to your toes.

Stiffness in the joints and tightness of muscles in your back and lower limbs can affect the mechanics of the foot, leading to dysfunction and subsequent pain. Properly made orthotics can provide shock absorption, allow the foot to function properly, and provide a stable base of support for the body.

St. Vital Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre uses a non-weightbearing casting process to create custom orthotics. These orthotics are designed to bring the ground up to meet the foot in its neutral biomechanical position and alleviate pain in the feet, legs, knees, and back.

To create the cast, you stand in a neutral position on thin plaster strips that are used to create a mold of your feet. These molds are carefully removed, given a day or two to dry, and shipped to our orthotic company in Vancouver where your orthotics are created. The company then stores a digital image of your foot for several years (which makes subsequent orders substantially cheaper, granted your device is still medically appropriate for you).

For subsequent orders, we may re-assess your feet, review previous orthotics, conduct a biomechanical exam and gait analysis to ensure the prescription is still accurate. Initial orthotic orders are received in 2-3 weeks, and subsequent orders are received in approximately 10 days.

If you are new to orthotics, a ‘weaning-in’ process may be required that entails wearing your new orthotics for a few hours to start, then adding an extra hour or two each day until your body is accustomed to them. Our orthotic company also does free tweaks or modifications to your orthotics within the first six months; if they do not feel perfect after the weaning process, please let us know! A custom orthotic will last for years, but the top covers may deteriorate with age or damage. Recovering our orthotics is also an option, for a fraction of the original cost.

Prior to booking an appointment, we kindly request that you check your coverage for orthotics with your insurance provider to ensure all requirements are met. It is the patient’s responsibility to submit all insurance claim(s) for the casting fee and orthotic device.

To learn more about custom orthotics, please call 204-255-0597 or visit our team at 1555 St. Mary’s Road, just south of Meadowood Drive, where we serve communities in Royalwood, Riverpark South, Southdale, Southwood, Island Lakes and beyond!