Orthotics

Many people find that using customized orthotics in their everyday footwear significantly reduces the recurrence of symptoms elsewhere in their body.  Proper alignment and biomechanics of the foot and ankle reduces the strain and stress placed on the knees, the hips, the pelvis and even the low back while walking or standing. 

The orthotics that are provided by a chiropractor are primarily created to help support the structure and function of the entire body, and are helpful for mild to moderate lower limb dysfunction. We look at how issues in the foot and ankle affect knee, hip and back function.  When there is a very specific foot issue, such as significant bunion development or a history of foot fractures, or any other severe foot issue, the individual is referred to a trusted podiatrist for co-management. 

No, you do not need to be a chiropractic patient.  We can help you with your orthotics needs without other types of chiropractic care.  However, you will need to complete an orthotics-specific intake process that does include a practice-wide consent.

 The durability of orthotics is dependent upon what materials were selected in the design of the orthotics. Depending on the purpose of the orthotics and the resultant materials used, they may last from 1-5+ years. Usually, it is recommended that orthotics are re-cast every 5 years or after a significant injury or change in body composition (ie weight loss / gain). 

Every pair of orthotics made at the fabrication lab is made using a three-dimensional impression of the foot.  To create a positive mold of the foot, the cast will be filled with plaster or scanned digitally in three dimensions.

Scans are followed by CNC milling of a wood positive. Raw materials (e.g. polypropylene, subortholene, graphite, XPE etc… ) are thermo vacuumed onto the positive. Each orthotic is made custom to the patient’s foot and cast.

The manufacturing techniques at the lab we use complies with what the major insurance companies require. We continue to work with the insurance companies and will apprise you of any changes as they become known to us. Many companies do require a prescription from a medical doctor as well.

A Fabrication Certificate of Authenticity is provided for every pair of orthotics. This form explains exactly how we have manufactured the orthotics. Both the Doctor’s name and the patient’s name will appear on this form as well as the date of fabrication. The orthotics lab we use is a Board-Accredited Prescription Foot Orthotics Laboratory.

Our manufacturing lab recommends removing the orthotics from shoes at night to allow perspiration and moisture to evaporate. The orthotics should be cleaned periodically by wiping them down with a damp cloth. If the orthotics have a soft top-cover, sprinkle them with baking soda or talcum powder to help absorb any odor they may collect.

DO NOT immerse the orthotics in water (e.g. sink, washing machine).

DO NOT subject them to heat sources (e.g. heater, fireplace).

This depends largely on the type of orthotic (standard, sport, or casual, or dress etc… ) that has been manufactured and the type of shoes that you own.  There is an interaction between the orthotic device and footwear.

Shoes which have a removable liner have a higher degree of compatibility for orthotics than shoes that do not.  Patients who have a large variety of shoes will typically need more than one type of orthotic (ie casual shoes & work boots)

 The rigidity of orthotics span the entire range from very soft to hard.  The stiffness of the orthotic is made to address the biomechanical needs of the patient.  Some orthotics will be more rigid than others, but none of them are truly hard and should not be uncomfortable.