Custom-made Orthotics
It can be confusing when it comes to foot products and services. Foot orthotics can be either over-the-counter insoles or custom-made orthotics. Over-the-counter insoles are available at many retail outlets, and are not made specific to your feet. Custom-made orthotics require the expertise of a Certified Pedorthist or Registered Chiropodist and are made specific to the needs of your feet. Not everyone needs a custom foot orthotic. The foot orthotic product that we fit in your shoe must be fit for your condition, footwear type, lifestyle and budget.
What are custom-made orthotics?
Custom-made foot orthotics are specifically designed to relieve discomfort and address your specific foot-related issues. At BioPed, we accomplish this by taking a 3-D cast of your feet and crafting (creating) an orthotic that meets your clinical and lifestyle needs. The materials chosen to manufacture your custom orthotic will be specific to your individual needs. Orthotics are fitted into your shoes and have been proven to alleviate pain, prevent injury and enhance performance.
Why do I need custom-made orthotics?
Custom-made orthotics help to alleviate pain and discomfort in the feet, ankles, and lower legs, which can improve your overall quality of life. Pain is not normal and can affect us all. You may be suffering from heel pain, bunions, plantar fasciitis, high arches or flat feet. Or maybe you want to improve your performance and prevent injury. Orthotics can help address your goals when made custom to your needs.
What’s next?
The foot is a complex structure of 28 different bones, 214 ligaments and 38 muscles, requiring the expertise of a footcare clinician. Our Certified Pedorthists, Registered Chiropodists, and Advanced Footcare Nurses are dedicated to improving your foot health. You do not need a doctor referral to see our clinical team. During your visit they will complete an examination of your feet and lower limbs. This will include reviewing your medical history, lifestyle and goals. If you require custom-made orthotics, a 3-D cast will be taken following your assessment. A 3-D cast captures your foot shape and is the gold standard of care. From this cast, our team will align your clinical needs with their expertise to build your custom orthotic. Adjustments and modifications can be part of wearing a custom orthotic. We complete these on-the-spot in our on-site lab. You can be confident that our team will ensure your orthotics meet your needs.
Over-the-counter Insoles (OTC)
It can be confusing when it comes to foot products and supports. At BioPed we believe that your feet are unique and need a healthcare solution that meets your clinical and lifestyle needs. That’s why we complete an assessment with every client to understand what support you need. Not every client needs a custom foot orthotic. Our clinicians will educate you on your specific needs and provide options that are best. An OTC insole is fit to you and your footwear needs. The foot orthotic product that we fit in your shoe must be fit for your condition, footwear type, lifestyle and budget. Leave this to the experts and your local BioPed team!
What are OTC insoles?
Over-the-counter (OTC) Insoles are shoe inserts that offers a generic, prefabricated arch support and often, cushioning. They can be purchased online or at pharmacies, footwear stores or other retail outlets without having a clinical assessment. As with many products, not all insoles are created equal and some offer better support or cushioning than others. At BioPed, we have chosen to only stock specific brands of OTC insoles, which have been pre-approved by our team of footcare clinicians. At BioPed, you will be assessed to determine what level of support or cushioning you need and an insole or orthotic may be recommended to you.
Why would I need OTC Insoles?
You may need OTC insoles if you are experiencing foot, ankle, knee or hip pain. If you play a sport and want to improve your game, or prevent injury, insoles are a great option. Pain in your feet or lower limb joints is not normal and should be addressed. OTC insoles are budget-friendly and although they have limitations because they are a generic solution, they can be modified in our on-site lab to ensure proper fit and improved function. It is important to note that OTC insoles are not right for everyone. Those with certain conditions, such as diabetes, or numbness, should forgo OTC insoles and opt for a custom-made product to target their foot needs.
What’s next?
The foot is a complex structure of 28 different bones, 214 ligaments and 38 muscles, requiring the expertise of a footcare clinician. Our Certified Pedorthists, Registered Chiropodists, and Advanced Footcare Nurses are dedicated to improving your foot health. You do not need a doctor referral to see our clinical team. You are welcome to walk into any BioPed clinic to view our assortment of OTC insoles. However, we recommend booking an appointment for a biomechanical assessment if your feet are bothering you. During this visit a footcare clinician can examine the way you walk and how your bones and joints in your feet and legs move. They will be able to recommend solutions that fit your health needs and budget, which may include an OTC insole. If an insole needs to be adjusted, they will be able to provide that service using our onsite lab. It’s time you put your feet in the right hands.