Custom orthotics
Custom-made orthotics are shoe inserts designed to cater to your specific needs and health issues. Each pair is made from a plaster mould of your feet.
1Meet the foot
Your foot changes shape as you walk. It softens to absorb each step, then firms up to help you push off. Everyone's feet do this a little differently.
Along the way, the foot also rolls slightly inward to absorb the impact.
Support under the heel and arch can change how pressure is shared across your foot. Instead of resting mostly on the heel and the ball of the foot, more of the sole can help carry your weight.
How much this helps depends on your feet and your needs, which is what an assessment is for.
Heel, ankle and lower leg, from behind
Path of pressure through a step Pressure shared across the sole
2Where pressure goes
Choose an area to see what can cause discomfort there, and which services are related. This is general information, not a diagnosis.
Select an area above, or tap the foot.
Your heel is usually the first part of your foot to meet the ground, so it takes a lot of force with every step.
Discomfort here can have a variety of causes. A professional assessment can help determine what's contributing to your symptoms.
The arch is the curve along the inside of your foot. How much of it touches the ground varies a lot from person to person.
Discomfort here can have a variety of causes. A professional assessment can help determine what's contributing to your symptoms.
The ball of the foot carries much of your weight as you push off into the next step.
Discomfort here can have a variety of causes. A professional assessment can help determine what's contributing to your symptoms.
Your big toe helps you push off at the end of each step.
Discomfort here can have a variety of causes. A professional assessment can help determine what's contributing to your symptoms.
Weight normally travels along the outer edge of your foot as you walk. Some feet carry more of it there than others.
Discomfort here can have a variety of causes. A professional assessment can help determine what's contributing to your symptoms.
That's common. Foot discomfort can be hard to pin to one spot.
3Understand support
Custom orthotics can help provide support and manage pressure, based on your needs. Drag the slider to compare.
Without support: pressure is concentrated at the heel and the ball of the foot, with little contact under the arch.
With custom support: the orthotic fills the space under the arch, so pressure is shared across a larger area of the foot.
Simplified illustration. Pressure patterns vary from person to person, and orthotics aren't the right choice for everyone. An assessment helps determine what's appropriate for you.
Why custom
Arches come in all shapes. Choose one to see how differently feet can meet the ground.
Flatter arch: More of the sole touches the ground, and the arch may sit lower when you stand.
Typical arch: The heel, the outer edge and the ball of the foot share the load, with a curve through the arch.
Higher arch: Less of the foot touches the ground, so pressure can concentrate at the heel and the ball of the foot.
Arch profile, with the support an orthotic might follow
That's why custom orthotics aren't simply a standard insert.
An assessment and a plaster mould of your feet are used to decide what shape and support may suit you, and whether your orthotics should be thick or thin, hard or soft. Store-bought insoles are made to fit many feet. Custom orthotics are made for yours.
4See the orthotic
Custom orthotics sit inside the shoes you already wear. Depending on your needs, they can be placed into safety, running or dress shoes.
5Understand the assessment
Custom orthotics are made in three steps. Select a step to see what happens.
01 Assess
At your first appointment you'll fill in an intake form, then your feet are assessed and you can talk about any problems you're experiencing.
02 Design
They're made from a plaster mould of your feet. Depending on your needs, they can be designed to be thick, thin, hard or soft.
03 Support
Depending on your needs, they can be placed into safety, running or dress shoes.
Interactive guide
Three quick questions. There are no wrong answers, and nothing you choose is saved or sent anywhere.
A chiropodist can take a proper look at your feet and talk through your options with you. Orthotics are one possibility, but not the only one.
This interactive guide is for general education only and does not diagnose medical conditions or determine whether orthotics are appropriate for you.
Good to know
Through redistributing the pressure on the foot, orthotics are designed to help relieve pain, provide alignment and give you the support you need. They can also help reduce strain that may lead to future problems.
Custom orthotics may be appropriate for some people. An assessment helps determine whether they are suitable for your needs.
Custom-made orthotics are truly unique to fit the patient. They are made by taking a plaster mould of the foot. Depending on your needs, they can be designed to be thick, thin, hard or soft, and they can be placed into safety, running or dress shoes.
Please bring the shoes you plan on wearing them in and any previously worn orthotics.
No. A doctor's referral is not required to book an appointment. You can book a time and day that works best for you, and we'll do our best to accommodate you.
Chiropody is not covered by OHIP, but it may be covered by your extended health insurance plans.
No. Orthotics are one option among several. An assessment helps determine whether they may be appropriate for you.
6Book
Every foot is different. The best way to understand what support may be appropriate for you is through a professional assessment.
No doctor's referral needed. Please bring the shoes you plan on wearing your orthotics in, and any previously worn orthotics.
Unit 106A, 1300 Central Parkway West, Mississauga. Close to Square One.
