Custom Foot Orthotics in Edmonton, AB
Welcome to Turning Point Physical Therapy, your source for custom foot orthotics in Edmonton, AB. If you suffer from foot, ankle, knee, hip, or back pain, custom orthotics could be the solution you’ve been searching for. At Turning Point Physical Therapy, our team of experienced physical therapists and orthotists take a comprehensive approach to evaluating your condition and fitting you with custom orthotics that are precision-crafted to provide optimal support and pain relief.
What Are Custom Foot Orthotics?
Custom foot orthotics are shoe inserts that are specially designed to improve foot function and alignment. They help to properly position your feet to alleviate pain and pressure caused by biomechanical imbalances or abnormalities.
Orthotics can be used to treat a variety of foot conditions, including:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Shin splints
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Metatarsalgia (ball of foot pain)
- Morton’s neuroma
- Knee pain
- Lower back pain
Custom Foot Orthotics Edmonton provides more targeted support and relief than over-the-counter inserts. They are crafted from advanced materials using a mold of your unique foot shape, providing maximum comfort and correction.
Benefits of Custom Orthotics
Edmonton Foot Orthotics offers many benefits over generic drugstore inserts, including:
- Improved foot alignment and support
- Enhanced shock absorption
- Pressure and pain relief
- Correct abnormal walking patterns
- Treat underlying biomechanical causes of pain
- Prevent injuries and degenerative conditions
- Optimize athletic performance
By properly positioning your feet, custom orthotics can relieve pain and pressure throughout your legs, knees, hips, and back. They provide a foundation for improved posture, movement, and comfort.
Our Approach to Custom Orthotics
At Turning Point Physical Therapy, our orthotics service is overseen by licensed physical therapists who specialize in biomechanical dysfunctions of the feet and lower limbs.
We take a comprehensive approach to evaluating your condition, considering your symptoms, medical history, occupation, sports activities, and footwear needs.
Next, we perform a thorough foot and gait examination, which may include:
- Observational gait analysis
- Range of motion assessment
- Muscle testing
- Joint mobility assessment
- Computerized pressure mapping
- 3D foot scanning
Using the data gathered, our orthotists design custom inserts that are precision-milled or 3D printed to match the contours of your feet. The materials used provide exact structural support and cushioning.
Multiple fittings may be required to ensure the ideal fit and function. Your physical therapist will give you wearing instructions and monitor your use of orthotics during treatment sessions. Follow-up adjustments can be made if needed.
At Physiotherapy in Edmonton, we go the extra mile to provide the highest quality custom orthotics that deliver lasting pain relief and improvement in your condition.
Types of Custom Orthotics
There are a few main types of custom orthotics that we offer our patients:
Rigid Orthotics
Rigid orthotics are made from materials like plastic or carbon fiber. They provide firm control of foot motion and are commonly used for conditions like overpronation. They can be customized in hardness and flexibility.
Soft Orthotics
Soft orthotics are made from softer, compressible materials like foam or gel. They cushion and absorb shock with more flexibility. They can provide relief for disorders like metatarsalgia and neuromas.
Functional Orthotics
Functional orthotics allow some natural foot motion while gently guiding alignment. They may include elements like wedges or posts for light control. They can aid conditions like bunions and arthritis.
Accommodative Orthotics
These provide cushioning and relieve pressure on areas of the foot damaged by diabetic ulcers or deformities. They help redistribute weight away from painful spots.
During your evaluation, we determine the appropriate orthotic type, materials, and features to address your unique needs. Our goal is to provide optimal support and comfort.
Common Conditions Treated with Orthotics
Custom foot orthotics are an effective treatment for various foot conditions and biomechanical abnormalities. Here are some of the most frequent conditions we treat with orthotics:
Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia is the band of tissue along the bottom of your foot. When inflamed, it causes stabbing heel pain. Orthotics support the arch and heel to relieve tension in this tissue.
Achilles Tendonitis
Inflammation of the Achilles tendon causes pain and stiffness in the back of the ankle. Heel lifts in orthotics take pressure off the irritated tendon.
Overpronation
Excess inward rolling of the foot strains muscles and ligaments. Orthotics provide stability to correct this abnormal motion.
Metatarsalgia
This refers to pain in the ball of the foot. Orthotics redistribute weight away from sore spots. A metatarsal pad can directly lift pressure.
Arthritis
Orthotics reduce pressure on arthritic joints in the feet. Cushioning also diminishes painful shock transmission.
Shin Splints
Orthotics align the foot and ankle to prevent the imbalances that lead to shin splints. Arch support is key that we provide at Edmonton Physiotherapy.
Bunions/Hammertoes
Orthoses control abnormal motions causing deformation while protecting sore spots from friction. Toe spacers can directly separate toes.
If you suffer from any of these painful problems, custom orthotics could provide lasting relief when other methods have failed. Our Custom Foot Orthotics Edmonton, AB, physical therapists will recommend the most appropriate solution tailored to your needs.
The Orthotics Process at Turning Point Physical Therapy
If you decide to pursue custom orthotics with us, here is an overview of the process:
- Comprehensive Evaluation - We thoroughly assess your condition, movement patterns, footwear, and needs.
- Casting and Measurement - We take precise impressions of your feet to design the orthotics around them. 3D scanning is also utilized.
- Fitting - We check the fit of your new orthotics and make any adjustments needed for optimal comfort.
- Break-In Period - We instruct you on gradually breaking in your orthotics to get your feet accustomed to them.
- Follow-Up & Adjustments - We schedule follow-ups to track your progress and make tweaks to the orthotics as needed.
- Ongoing Relief - Our goal is for you to experience lasting relief and improved function with your custom orthotics.
Our orthopedist and physical therapists guide you through each step of the process. We stand behind our orthotics with adjustments and expert care until you are 100% satisfied.
Insurance Coverage for Orthotics
Many extended health insurance plans cover a portion or all of the cost of custom orthotics. At Turning Point Physical Therapy, we handle the insurance paperwork for you to get the maximum reimbursement possible under your plan.
Coverage varies by insurer and policy. Some things that influence coverage are:
- Type of orthotic (custom tends to have better coverage)
- Your diagnosis
- Annual limits
We verify your insurance benefits upfront and obtain any necessary referrals or pre-approvals. Our administrative team works on your behalf throughout the claims process.
Trust Turning Point Physical Therapy for Custom Orthotics
If you’re suffering from foot pain or mobility issues, explore how custom orthotics could improve your condition. At Turning Point Physical Therapy, our licensed physical therapists have advanced training in orthotics fitting and biomechanical dysfunctions.
We take the time to evaluate your needs, fit you with precision-crafted orthotics, and continue working with you until you achieve optimal, lasting results. You’ll enjoy access to the latest technology paired with compassionate, dedicated care.
Customized orthotics can assist patients plagued by persistent back pain as well. Call our Edmonton physiotherapy expert today.
FAQs
What is Custom Foot Orthotics?
Custom foot orthotics are shoe inserts that are specially designed and crafted to improve foot alignment and function. They are created from impressions or scans of an individual's feet to match the precise contours and then made from advanced materials that provide targeted support where needed.
Orthotics help properly position the foot to alleviate pain and pressure caused by biomechanical abnormalities or imbalances.
How much do custom orthotics cost in Alberta?
The cost of custom orthotics in Alberta typically ranges from $500 to $1,000, depending on the materials used and the complexity of the orthotic required. More advanced materials like carbon fiber and extensive casting tend to increase the cost.
Some extended health insurance plans will cover a portion or all of the cost of custom orthotics if prescribed by a specialist like a physiotherapist or podiatrist.
Do custom orthotics really work?
Yes, research has demonstrated that custom orthotics are an effective treatment for reducing pain and improving gait in various foot and ankle conditions when worn regularly as directed. Custom orthotics address the underlying biomechanical causes of these issues rather than just treating the symptoms.
The personalized fit and support they provide improve alignment, shock absorption, and weight distribution, providing lasting relief. Ongoing adjustments and follow-ups help ensure optimal results.
Are custom foot orthotics worth it?
Custom orthotics are usually worth the investment if you are suffering from chronic foot pain, mobility issues, or foot/ankle conditions that have not improved with other methods.
The personalized design and precise fit they offer can reduce pain, prevent further damage, improve stability, and avoid the need for surgery in some cases. While expensive initially, lasting relief of symptoms and improved function of the feet/ankles enhance mobility and quality of life.
What is the role of a physiotherapist in orthotics?
A physiotherapist plays a key role throughout the entire process of being fitted for custom orthotics. They perform a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's condition, analyze their gait, assess joint mobility, determine the appropriate orthotic prescription, and make any needed adjustments or modifications to the orthotics over time.
