What problems are typically associated with my foot type?
Flat Foot (Pes planus)
- Diffuse Callus
- Corn
- Heel Pain
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Knee Pain
- Achy Feet
- Ingrown toenail
Normal Foot
- Rarely is a foot considered to be “normal”
- Feet may appear normal when sitting but can act as a flat or high arched foot when walking, causing the associated problems.
High Arched Foot (Pes cavus)
- Callus
- Corn
- Ankle Sprains
- Knee and Hip Pain
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Stress Fractures
What is an Orthotics?
A custom foot orthotics is a device molded to your unique foot profile that can be inserted into a shoe to support, align, or accommodate foot deformities and poor foot mechanics.
How does Orthotics help my feet?
Orthotics can help ensure the bones of the foot, ankle, and knee are placed in the correct position to limit pain and orthotics also can support the ligaments in an optimal position to prevent overstretching which can lead to injury.
Soft Orthotics vs Semi-Rigid Orthotics?
Soft orthotics are generally used to absorb shock, increase balance, and take pressure off sore spots. They are usually more effective for diabetic, arthritic patients or patient with feet deformity. All orthotics are made from a mold of a plaster cast of the foot.
Semi-rigid orthotics provides foot balance for walking or participating in sports. Semi-rigid orthotics are usually prescribed for children and active adults. All orthotics are made from a mold of a plaster cast of the foot.
Casting Methods?
Most third party insurance companies no longer accepts foam box impression. At West Mississauga Foot Clinic, our orthotics castings are conducted using plaster of Paris. Casting with plaster of Paris are the GOLD STANDARDS of casting as they permit the chiropodist full control in positioning the foot in its correct anatomical alignment.
Who can provide/dispense Orthotics?
Anyone health care providers can provide orthotics. BUT what makes us (Chiropodist) different than the other providers? We can assess and prescribe your orthotics, provide all paperwork required by insurance companies during dispensing and modify your orthotics onsite if needed.
Orthotics Fraud? What is insurance fraud?
There has been a lot of insurance fraud recently. What does fraudulent activities look like? Why do you have to be careful? Simply, you do want to be participating in insurance fraud!
-The most common insurance fraud is FREE SHOES with orthotics – when you purchase orthotics, the shoes never show up on the paperwork because the cost of the shoes are paid by the clinic as a marketing tool. The provider increases the cost of the orthotics to cover the cost of footwear they are giving away. There are no such thing as free shoes.
– Second most common is Special Deals. Many providers will offer free merchandise (gift cards, purses, credits) or buy one get one free with the purchase of orthotics that is covered under your benefit plan. Beware of these types of offers as this may be a sign that the provider does not have your best interest.
– Lastly, avoid purchasing orthotics from temporary locations, such as a home or trade show, exhibit, kiosks or mass screening at work, where the service provider offers orthotics to entire family or group of people without properly assessing each person.
What are insurance company looking for when submitting Orthotics claim?
- Prescription (from chiropodist, podiatrist or family doctor)
- Biomechanical assessment and gait analysis
- Lab invoices and manufacture process
- Methods orthotics casting and fabrication
- Receipt from the provider
