Products

Custom Foot Orthotics

All of OKAPED’s Custom Foot Orthotics are manufactured in Kelowna at the Okanagan’s 1st Pedorthic lab established in 1997.  Pedorthic Services offered at our offices include Biomechanical Assessments of the Lower Extremity, Gait Analysis, Custom Foot Orthotics, Orthopaedic Footwear Modification as well as Repairs.

At OKAPED our clinicians are Canadian Certified Pedorthists. We are one of the few healthcare professionals trained in the assessment of lower limb anatomy and biomechanics as well as the fabrication, fit and function of custom orthotics. Foot orthotics are not simply something we “also” do. It’s our professions specialty.

Insurance Coverage

When checking your Insurance ensure you ask specifically about the eligible Provider. OKAPED’s Canadian Certified Pedorthists are recognized Providers of custom foot orthotics in Canada.

We direct bill to ICBC, Worsafe BC and out of province, RCMP, FNFA Min of Social Development and Veterans Affairs Canada. Pre-authorization is required.

Unfortunately no Private Insurance companies currently allow for direct billing for Custom Foot Orthotics. This has nothing to do with OKAPED it is the policy writers.

Custom Foot Orthotics

The materials our clinicians choose for fabrication of custom orthotics are influenced from the client’s biomechanical exam, gait analysis, pathology, foot structure, age, condition and activity level. The decision on the amount of support, control, possible offloading and footwear the device must fit into also contribute to the clinician’s design decisions. We use soft accomodative foams as well as firmer plastics. Each material has benefits; one material type for all feet, conditions, alignment correction and sensitivity is simply not an ideal approach. Orthotic designs can also include metatarsal support, extra cushioning, sweet spots, lifts, wedging and wound care offloading to name a few. Okaped’s clinical staff can all fabricate orthotics and have extensive experience in fabrication as well as modifications to orthotics. This gives us the ability to adjust or modify your orthotics at any of our clinics. No sending them out some wear to a mass production facility for modification or repair for weeks while your wait in possible pain or limited activities.

Foot Casting Process

In order to make truly custom orthotics a three dimensional image must be made of the foot.  Our Certified Pedorthists have been instructed and tested by our College on methods that are deemed accurate and appropriate to make custom made orthotics. We do direct molding to the feet, Biofoam unweighted seated casting, and plaster of paris slipper casting. Due to the fact that no one method is the best, each practitioner selects the best method based upon the individual needs of the patient.

We manufacture your custom orthotics in our onsite lab and do not ship them out to be mass produced. This allows for our Pedorthists and Pedorthic technicians to work side by side to ensure a high quality and accurately fabricated device.  We have investigated digital scanners, milling machines and 3-D printers looking for technology advantages and found that each have advantages and disadvantages. If we change our methodology and techniques it will be noted here.

How Long do Orthotics Last?

The functional lifespan of a foot orthotic varies from patient to patient. The materials used to make the foot orthotic, the patient’s foot structure, current levels of activity, age and usage all have an impact on its lifespan. The shell of the foot orthotic generally lasts longer than the top cover (the material used as an interface between the shell and the patient’s foot). Top covers will compress over time but can easily be replaced. The lifespan of a foot orthotic should be measured not by when the finishing touches (the cover material) wear out but by how long it meets the foot’s changing needs for support, correction and pressure redistribution. If your symptoms begin to return it is a good idea to have your orthotic reviewed to determine if modifications or a new device are necessary. We recommend changing soft shell orthotics every 2-3 years and semi-rigid orthotics every 3-5 years.

Adjustments do occur.

From time to time and for various reasons custom orthotics do require adjustments. Two common reasons would be increased comfort or increased correction. In either case we offer 1 Full Year of complimentary adjustments and appointments to ensure your satisfaction. We also pride ourselves in being able to do the work on site at every OKAPED clinic. Shipping them hundreds or thousands of Km away to have someone “tweak” your orthotics, taking up to 2 weeks to have them back in your shoes never made sense to us. In almost all cases we can do it right while you wait at your appointment.

Form Maximum Arch Support
Read More
Pediatric Non-Custom Orthotics
Read More
Kneed 3/4 Arch Support
Read More