Who is Making Your Orthotics?

So??? -- Who Made Your Orthotics?
 
OK -- you are a candidate for orthotics. How do you know who to go to, and what you need to look for in order to meet your needs? What questions should you be asking?


Who?

A bad orthotic device can actually cause harm and since the industry is so poorly regulated it is VERY important to know more about who provides orthotics and how they are made. Most insurance companies cover some part or even all of the cost and as a result there is a LOT of fraud in the industry. It has become a “Caveat Emptor” or “Let the Buyer Beware” type of situation. So the first thing you need to do is check the credentials of the person who is providing the service. The ONLY four professionals who are ‘specifically’ trained are Canadian Certified Pedorthists, Chiropodists, Podiatrists & Certified Orthotists. Other people doing orthotic devices are those who went to school to study something else and were trained in a 1-2 day course on how to market and sell. These people do orthotic work as a side-line to supplement their existing practice, have no formal orthotic education and are not credentialed.

 
How?

What method is used to provide you with a “custom-made” device? In order for a proper and custom fit orthotic to be made you must begin with a three dimensional model of the foot. This includes foam impressions, plaster slipper casting, fibreglass slipper casting and 3D Cad-Cam systems only! Walking across a pressure plate does NOT give a three dimensional image, rather just an extrapolation of something considered a “close fit”. It is a system used by many non-trained individuals because it is fast, cheap and they don’t have to think!


Deals?

Be VERY aware of ‘bundled deals’! You may often see advertisements for some of the following. “Free shoes” with the purchase of orthotics is a marketing leader. What it really means is that you are usually getting a decent shoe with a pre-fab insert that costs about $20, and not a true custom made orthotic. Why – because they can’t afford to do so if it were truly custom! Another marketing scheme that is prevalent now is the “3 pair of orthotics for $500”! That too is not possible with a truly custom-made
device. Rather, you will get 3 pair of cheap pre-fabricated insoles or those made of inferior materials, not always even custom sized, with maybe a Metatarsal Bar thrown on for effect. A good custom-made orthotic device is expensive. It is detailed in its impression moulding, layered with the specific types of fabrics/rubbers/thermoplastics needed by your specific problem, and then finished by hand to custom fit your foot and footwear. This process is extremely labour intensive and cannot just be pulled off a shelf and heated up to “presto” fit your problem.


Adjustments?

Can your practitioner adjust and or modify your orthotics on site if there is a problem or they need a tweaking? The above people like your Certified Pedorthists who are qualified to make orthotics should be able to do so immediately. Sending them back to the company for a 2-3 week wait is not acceptable, and another indicator that the individual you have used to provide your orthotics in not an expert.


$$$$

The vast majority of Insurance Companies will reimburse you some part or even all of the cost of a custom made orthotic so you need to call the company that carries your plan and check. Most of them will require a prescription from a Physician describing your need for the device and also a biomechanical report of the findings from your orthotic provider. Many companies will NOT cover the services of someone who is not a foot care specialist -- so beware -- if you have received orthotics from someone who is not on the list of four providers above, they may not cover you. And you can be certain that the untrained provider will not tell you this ahead of time!


SO ......

A poorly made orthotic and an untrained opinion can do a lot more harm than good both for your health and your bank account. Before you spend a lot of time and money that you may not get back, ask the right questions. Your Family Doctor is a good place to start. They know the people that are qualified and expert in the community. Physiotherapists, occupational therapists and massage therapists are also great people to get advice from, on who is qualified to look after your orthotic needs. Check the web at: cpedcs.ca, to find an expert near you!