Frequently Asked Questions

Orthotics Process

What Is Custom Orthotics?

Who Needs Orthotics?

What Can I Do?

When To Wear?

Will I Feel Discomfort?

What Shoes Do I Need?

Will It Affect My Muscles?

More

What Is The Custom Orthotics Process?

If you are looking to get custom orthotics you will need to book an Orthotics Assessment. This Involves:

+ Health History

+ Biomechancial and Gait Analysis

+ Casting of Your Feet

Your cast will then be shipped to The Orthotics Group where they will manufacture your orthotics. The manufacturing process can take anywhere from 1-4 weeks.

Once the orthotics arrive at the clinic, we will discuss how to properly wear and care for your orthotics.

What is Custom Orthotics?

A custom orthotic is a device designed to align the foot and ankle into the most anatomically efficient position. They look like insoles, but are biomechanical medical appliances that are custom made to correct your specific foot imbalance. Custom orthotics work on your feet much like glasses work on your eyes - they reduce stress and strain on your body by bringing your feet back into proper alignment. The plastic body of the custom orthotic helps to re-align the foot by redirecting and reducing certain motion that takes place during the gait cycle. Custom orthotics fit into your shoes as comfortably as an insole - and they have the advantage of having been made from precise imprints of your feet

Who Needs Custom Orthotics?

The symptoms of poor foot mechanics can include any one of the following:

Localized foot pain

Bunions, hammer toes

Arch/heel pain

Leg/knee pain

Hip or back pain - even neck pain

What Can I Do?

Your health care practitioner can prescribe custom orthotics to help correct your specific foot and body imbalance. You can help your health care practitioner by discussing any nagging foot, leg, or back problems, and even by simply asking if your feet could be part of the problem.

Should I Wear My Custom Orthotics All The Time?

he longer you wear your custom orthotics the more benefit you will get out of them. If your daily activities vary to the extent that you change your footwear, then you should have a second pair of custom orthotics designed for that specific activity. (I.e. going to the gym after work)

Why Do My Custom Orthotics Feel Uncomfortable?

Since the custom orthotic works to realign the structure of your foot you may feel pressure in some areas as the custom orthotic attempts to do its job. For this reason custom orthotics should be worn in two hour intervals and slowly extend the wear time over a period of two weeks.

What Kind Of Shoes Do I Need For My Custom Orthotics?

For the most part any shoe that has a removable insole will work with your custom orthotic. Just remove the insole that came with the shoe and replace it with the custom orthotic. TOG also offers a carefully-selected line of footwear that can accomodate custom orthotics, as well as custom sandals and clogs that have your prescribed device built right in.

Will My Muscle Get Weaker When Wearing Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics will not reduce muscles tone. They will help position your foot so you will be using the right muscles at the right time, minimizing fatigue and allowing your muscles to be used more efficiently.

How Does It Work?

Compression Hosiery and Socks

How Do

They Help?

Orthotics help your body restore a natural balance and normal movement pattners, thereby reducing strain, pain and discomfort. Over time, orthotics will bring you relief from excessive pressure points, fatigue and pain, allowing you to enjoy daily activities once agian!

An average adult takes over 10,000 steps per day, setting the stage for aching, swollen or painful feet. Compression socks are designed to promote healthy circulation, whether you are a standing worker, athlete or have a chronic condition such as arthritis or diabetes. Compression socks can also be used preventatively for long distance travel or pregnancy.

The circulatory system consists of your heart, which pumps oxygen and nutrients rich blood out to your entire body through arteries, as well as veins and lymphatic vessels, which return the blood back to your heart.

Your feet and lower legs are not only the furthest from the heart, they have to work against gravity to return blood back to your heart. When blood and lymphatic fluid accumulate in the feet and lower legs it results in swelling, varicose veins and blocks the delivery of fresh oxygen and nutrients. Subsequently, swollen, aching or painful feet may not heal properly from infections or cuts.

Medical gradient compression hosiery applies a controlled amount of pressure to the vessels, gently moving blood and lymphatic fluid from the ankles and feet toward the heart. The amount is greatest at the foot/ankle and gradually decreases to the top of the garment. This gradient pressure helps to return blood and lymphatic fluid back up to the heart, improving circulation and leaving your legs feeling refreshed and energized.

Take a look at the different types of compression hosiery and socks in our Shop Now.

Many people can benefit including those who experience:

Swollen feet, ankles, and legs
Tired, aching, fatigues legs
Poor circulation
Family history of venous or lymphatic leg disorders

As a Preventative Measure:

Pregnant
Standing or sitting all day
Traveling long distances
Working out/ Active in sport

Who Should Wear Compression Hosiery?

Custom Orthotics

Why Is Foot Health So Important?

Like the foundation of a house, your feet supports the weight of everything above them. When a small problem develops in your feet, subtle changes can occur in the entire framework of your body. These changes cause a chain reaction throughout your posture while you stand and walk and this places extra stress on your joints, muscles and tendons in the feet, knees, hips or even low back.

Heartland Mississauga Chiropractor, Dr. Da Silva is trained to assess when custom orthotics may benefit your current condition . As part of the assessment, Dr. Da Silva's evaluation may include observation, gait analysis, functional analysis and neurological and orthopedic testing among others.

How do I know if I need Orthotics?

The symptoms of poor foot alignment may include one or more of the following:

Localized foot pain
Heel pain
Bunions
Knee pain
Hammer toe
Hip pain
Arch pain
Low back pain