FAQs

A Pedorthist is an individual who is trained and certified in the assessment, design, manufacture, fit and modification of foot appliances and footwear for the purposes of alleviating painful or debilitating conditions and providing assistance for abnormalities or limited actions of the lower limb.

The Pedorthist provides devices and footwear to assist in:

1. Accommodation of foot deformities
2. Re-alignment of anatomical structures
3. Redistribution of external and internal forces
4. Improvement of balance
5. Control of biomechanical function
6. Accommodation of circulatory special requirements; and enhancement of the actions of limbs compromised as a result of accident, congenital deformity, neural condition, or disease.

In most cases, YES.

Our physicians work as consultants for your family doctor, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Rheumatologist, Endocrinologist, Paediatrician or other various specialists.

Our Pedorthist's work strictly by referral.   If an orthopaedic appliance, ie. orthotic, custom shoe/brace, etc. is needed, then a prescription for that device is required from a physician.

A referral is not required for our Chiropody or RN Nail/Callus care, however, in most cases patients are referred by a doctor for these services as well.

To make an appointment with one of our professionals, kindly request a referral from your family physician by printing this  Referral Form  in printable pdf format.

There are many casting techniques that can be used in the manufacture of orthotics.   The important thing to remember is that a 3-dimensional mold of your foot is essential.   Many computer generated orthotics are not 3-dimensional and not custom made for the patient, rather a prefabricated insole which has been “modified” with wedges, lifts, pads, etc. to “best match” it to the client’s foot.   We use plaster cast, wax mould, foam box and amfit 3-D, where available.

Aside from our “multidisciplinary” team, this is a very important differentiating factor in what makes Walking Mobility Clinics different from other foot care facilities.

We make all of our orthotics on-site.   Each clinic houses it’s own lab where our Pedorthists and technicians manufacture each appliance by hand.   We feel that it is extremely important that the person who analyzes your foot also casts your foot and ultimately, makes the appliance to help with your condition…NO MIDDLE-MAN! This leads to better control of the process and fewer mistakes.

Orthotics must be dispensed by a provider that has one of the following designations:

• D.P.M. (Podiatrist)
• C.Ped.( C) (Pedorthist)
• D.Ch. (Chiropodist)
• C.O.(C) (Orthotist)

Be wary of anyone calling themselves a Posture Therapist and/or Foot Specialist.  They do not have the proper training and credentials to make assessments and your insurance company will not cover any claims submitted by anyone other than the accredited professionals.

The type of material used is based on your individual foot type and usage.  Some people may require a stiffer orthotic if they need to control the flexibility/movement of the foot.  Others may require a softer material based on limited mobility, arthritic or diabetic requirements and/or other contributing factors.

The cost of your orthotic includes your initial assessment, casting for the appliance, manufacture of the appliance, cost of the orthotic materials, appointment to pick up the appliance, a follow-up appointment approximately 3 weeks following your receiving the appliance. We also include further follow up appointments that may be required in order to ensure the success of your orthotic in addressing your problem and an annual check up following the original fitting.

For an orthotic to be made properly, there are many steps required in the process to produce the best product for your needs.

Every plan is different. Some plans will cover the cost of an orthotic made by a certified professional and with a proper prescription from a physician up to 100% of the cost. However, other plans vary in their coverage amounts or do not cover orthotics at all.

You should check what your plan covers by contacting your insurance company directly if you have been prescribed orthotics by your doctor.

It varies from orthotic to orthotic and person to person. For example, a harder orthotic will last longer than a softer one, however, a hard orthotic may not be appropriate for your condition (ie. arthritis, diabetes, etc.). Also the amount of wear the orthotic receives will affect it’s longevity.

Each patient that is fitted with an orthotic at one of our clinics is booked for an annual check up following their original fitting at no cost. At that appointment we will re-examine the patient’s alignment and foot architecture for any changes and we will examine the orthotic for signs of wear.

Yes, we do make children’s orthotics in cases where they are required. However, it is important to know that most children have what appears to be “flat feet”.  It does take time for the arch to develop, and many children have very “fat” feet which can give them the appearance of being flat. Orthotics are not required in these cases.

Some children do have significant alignment or architectural issues that do require orthotic treatment. Your doctor can help you in determining whether an orthotic is necessary or further evaluation is required.

Proper footwear is essential to ensure the optimal functioning of your orthotic. Very often we find that patients who have previously been fitted with orthotics have had little or no instruction as to appropriate footwear to also help with their condition.

We will give you guidance as to appropriate footwear to help with your condition. Very often we will go through your present footwear to help determine what shoes will work and which ones will not.

Our clinics do carry a wide variety of footwear. Orthopaedic specialty footwear, high performance athletic footwear, orthopaedic sandals, and custom made footwear are all available if needed.