Orthotics
CUSTOM ORTHOTICS
Custom orthotics are precision medical devices that are tailored for an individual to correct biomechanical misalignment (e.g. high arch or flat feet). They are inserted in shoes & also used in the treatment of a variety of lower extremity conditions such as Plantar Fasciitis. They can relieve pain, improve skeletal alignment or improve the function of your foot & lower limbs!
We are committed to YOUR RESULTS!
Each year thousands of people spend millions of dollars on orthotics & don't get the results they expect. Often this is simply the result of not evaluating your biomechanics properly & gaining a clear understanding of the true cause of the problem or determining if an orthotic is even needed!
That is why we strive to conduct a thorough, comprehensive biomechanical assessment on each & every patient. It is imperative to get as much biomechanical information as possible so that we can help to design an orthotic that is right for you.
ABOUT KINTEC LAB SERVICES
At Pitt Meadows Wellness Centre, we have been using Kintec Lab Services to produce our orthotics for over 2 years now, with great success.
Kintec Lab Services, which is based right here in the Lower Mainland, manufactures custom-made premium quality prescription foot orthotics for patients of healthcare professionals across Canada.
At Kintec, the staff of Canadian Board Certified Pedorthists & Technicians is a highly qualified team of individuals, who specialize in the foot & lower limb mechanics of the human body. Their pedorthists first possess a Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology or Health Sciences, & then follow an extensive in-house residency program. Upon completion, these individuals must successfully complete examination by the Pedorthic Association of Canada.
What is involved in the Custom Orthotic assessment process?
Standard Clinical Assessment:
Our staff will typically book you for a standard 30 minute appointment with a Doctor of Chiropractic.
This half-hour long one-on-one detailed assessment focuses on YOUR personal biomechanical & gait analysis. Our in-depth analysis allows the Chiropractor to examine your foot & leg biomechanics, to determine if orthotic therapy is appropriate.
We believe in educating you with the knowledge about your injury or condition, so that you are better able to help yourself in reducing your risk of injury in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long will my orthotics last?
Q: How long will it take me to get used to my new orthotics?
Q: How do I know that my orthotics are 100% custom made as opposed to a “Best Fit” orthotic?
Q: How long will it take for my orthotics to be ready?
Q: Will insurance cover my orthotics?
Q: What if I can’t get used to my orthotics?
Q: How do I care for my orthotics?
Q: Can I put my orthotic in all of my shoes?
Q: How much do orthotics cost?
Q: Are the orthotics really hard?
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Q: How long will my orthotics last?
A: This depends on the type of orthotics that have been designed for your feet.
- Semi-Rigid / Semi Flexible Shells will generally last for a lifetime, but changes in your foot structure over time may require that you obtain an updated prescription.
- Graphite Shells will generally last for 2-3 years.
- Soft Orthotic Shells will generally last for 12-18 months.
The top part of the orthotics, called the top-covers, are the friction points between your foot & the orthotic. These covers are subject to the most breakdown from pressure & perspiration & they will need to be replaced periodically. The life of the top-cover depends on your body chemistry & activity level.
Q: How long will it take me to get used to my new orthotics?
A: This varies from person to person, but it usually takes up to 3 weeks to get used to wearing orthotics. It is very important to follow a break-in procedure with orthotics. Wear the orthotics only while they are comfortable. This time may be anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours.
If the orthotics start to feel uncomfortable (such as a persistent pressure point on your foot), remove them from your shoes, & try to let your feet rest for an hour or two. Following the rest period, place your orthotics back in your shoes. You should be able to gradually increase the time that you can wear the orthotics comfortably. If not, please contact us for more information.
Q: How do I know that my orthotics are 100% custom made as opposed to a “Best Fit” orthotic?
A: Every pair of orthotics made with Kintec is made using an acceptable impression of your foot. Their Pedorthists will determine if the cast is acceptable. Then they will either pour plaster into the negative impression to create a plaster positive, or a digital scan of your cast is taken and a CNC milling machine mills out a wood positive. Then the material of choice, (polypropylene, subortholene or graphite) is thermo-vacuumed onto the positive. In this way, each & every orthotic is made from scratch. There is no “Best Fit” or “Category Library System” at Kintec Lab Services.
Q: How long will it take for my orthotics to be ready?
A: We usually have the new custom orthotics back in our office within 7 business days of sending them out to Kintec.
Q: Will insurance cover my orthotics?
A: This seems to be the question we get asked the most. The simple answer is as follows: Everything we do at our office “COMPLIES WITH” what the major insurance companies require. We provide a Fabrication Certificate of Authenticity for every pair of orthotics. This form explains exactly how the orthotics were manufactured. Both the Doctor’s name & the patient’s name will appear on this form as well as the date of fabrication. Remember every single pair of orthotics that is made for our patients comes with this documentation.
Q: What if I can’t get used to my orthotics?
A: It takes time for your body to adjust to wearing orthotics. Start slowly & gradually increase the amount of time you wear them! You should be able to wear them comfortably all day within 2-4 weeks. If you cannot do so, please contact our office for further assistance. Minor adjustments to your original prescription for fit, function or comfort will be made at no charge within 6 months from date of shipping. Charges will apply for the addition of any new components or major changes to your original prescription.
Q: How do I care for my orthotics?
A: Remove your orthotics from your shoes at night to allow perspiration or wetness to evaporate. The orthotics should be cleaned periodically by wiping them down with a damp cloth. If you have a soft top-cover on your orthotics, sprinkle them with baking soda or talcum powder to help absorb any odour they may collect.
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DO NOT IMMERSE THE ORTHOTICS IN WATER (I.E. SINK, WASHING MACHINE)
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DO NOT SUBJECT THEM TO HEAT SOURCES (I.E. HEATER, FIREPLACE)
Q: Can I put my orthotic in all of my shoes?
A: This largely depends on the type of orthotic that has been prescribed. The interaction between the orthotic device & the footwear is critical. As long as the orthotic doesn’t take up too much room, then yes, you can move it from shoe to shoe, but this will depend on your foot type & your choice of footwear.
Q: How much do orthotics cost?
A: The average price of orthotics range from $385- $475/pr. Most extended health plans will cover the majority of this cost.
Q: Are the orthotics really hard?
A: Suffice it to say that we take into account many factors in determining the rigidity or flexibility of any patient’s orthotics. Mechanically - the foot is NEVER truly a rigid lever as thought in the early days. Therefore, we feel there is no need to make a truly “RIGID” orthotic. One of the main goals of an orthotic is to reduce both the amount/magnitude of the over pronation & the velocity of the over-pronation. In order to do this we need just the right amount of support to achieve this. Some orthotics will be more rigid than others, but none of them are truly hard.
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