Custom orthotics get a mixed reputation, partly because a lot of what’s sold as “custom” is really just an off-the-shelf insole with a markup. Done properly, though, custom orthotics are one of the most effective tools we have for a whole chain of problems that start at your feet.
Why your feet affect your knees and back
Your feet are the foundation for everything above them. When your arches collapse or your gait rolls inward, that misalignment travels up, knees track poorly and your lower back takes the strain. It’s why someone who comes in for stubborn back pain sometimes turns out to have a foot problem driving it. Fix the foundation and the whole structure lines up better.
What makes an orthotic actually “custom”
A real custom orthotic is built from a cast or precise scan of your specific feet, designed for your structure and the problem you’re solving, not pulled off a shelf in small/medium/large. That’s the difference between a device that corrects your alignment and a cushioned insole that just feels soft for a week.
Who custom orthotics help most
- Plantar fasciitis and chronic heel pain
- Flat feet or very high arches
- Knee or lower back pain linked to poor foot alignment
- People on their feet all day for work
- Diabetic patients who need to protect pressure points and circulation
- Runners and athletes managing overuse injuries
Are they covered by insurance?
Custom orthotics are covered by most extended health plans in Alberta, often with a prescription and a biomechanical assessment, both of which we can take care of at the clinic. Coverage amounts vary by plan, so it’s worth checking your benefits, and we’re happy to help you do that. Our custom orthotics in Edmonton page explains how we cast and fit them.
The bottom line
If your feet hurt, or your knee or back pain hasn’t responded to anything else, a foot assessment is worth it. Custom orthotics work when they’re genuinely built for you. Call (825) 394-3641 or book online at our North Edmonton clinic, 15152 127 St NW.