By Dr. Angelo Staggolis, Chiropractor

If you are experiencing foot, ankle, or lower limb problems, our chiropractor may evaluate your condition and prescribe orthotics if deemed appropriate. A medical doctors note is also required in Ontario if you wish to use your benefits. Orthotics are custom-made or over-the-counter devices that can help support, align, and improve the function of your feet and lower limbs.

Here are some steps typically involved in an orthotics prescription.

1)     Evaluation: Our chiropractor will conduct a thorough examination of your feet and lower limbs, including a medical history review, gait analysis, biomechanical assessment and potentially analyze imaging studies such as x-rays and scans.

2)     Diagnosis: Based on the evaluation, you will be diagnosed with a specific condition or issue you are facing, such as flat feet, high arches, plantar fasciitis, or other foot-related problems.

3)     Custom Orthotics: If our chiropractor believes that orthotics could benefit you, they will recommend the appropriate type of orthotics for your condition. These are specially designed and fabricated based on the unique contours of your feet and are tailored to address your specific condition. We use a foot scanner app to take a 3D mold of your foot that gets sent to the manufacturer for fabrication, and depending on your condition, we will make the correct intrinsic/extrinsic modifications to the orthotic device.

4)     Fitting and Adjustment: When we receive your custom orthotic devices, we will contact you to book a fitting appointment where our chiropractor will make sure that the devices fit comfortably in your shoes and function properly. We will create adjustments where necessary and also discuss wearing instructions.

It’s crucial to follow your healthcare providers recommendations and instructions regarding orthotics usage. Orthotics can be an effective tool in managing certain foot and lower limb conditions, but they should always be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which may also include exercises, physical therapy, or other interventions.