Orthoses
What is an Orthosis?
Foot orthoses are specially designed devices that are worn inside the shoe and, in some cases, incorporated into the structure of the boot or shoe. They accommodate and support painful areas of the foot, as well as assist in the control of abnormal foot function. Your feet are the foundation for your body and any imperfections they may have can cause other problems, such as neck, back, and knee pain. Orthoses will manipulate your feet and ankles into the correct position, thus eliminating discomfort. When properly made, an orthosis will not feel uncomfortable to the patient. At Ambulatory Footwear orthoses are usually moulded over a plaster impression of the patient's foot. Digitized systems are still dependent on vast libraries of shapes, and are therefore only used in certain situations; casting ensures that the orthosis will be specific to that patient's needs.
How does an Orthosis Work?
Orthoses will not change the overall structure of your foot, their purpose is to reduce any pain and pressure experienced in the foot and ankle, as much as possible, by manipulating the position and motion of your foot. If not worn regularly, any pain and disability you have experienced in the past will return. In most cases, if orthoses are worn daily, they may prevent any further complications from arising.
Orthoses
The Making of an Orthosis...
Orthoses can be made from a wide variety of materials, depending on your condition, they can be hard, soft, or flexible. All varieties are equally comfortable and last anywhere from six months to several years. However, minor adjustments and repairs may be required. All work is done onsite, in our Dundas facility.
The first step in the making of your orthoses is a complete examination and understanding of your diagnosis of foot related pain, gait analysis, and foot type. After this assessment, plaster cast impressions of your feet are made. Our specialists fill and finish your casts, thereby producing three-dimensional replicas of your feet, which are then modified according to diagnosis and assessment. Using a vacuum-former, your orthoses are moulded over these casts. Since every orthosis we make is designed for your individual needs, a variety of different foams, corks, silicons, and plastics may be used as required. Due to this process your orthoses will require as little getting used to as possible and be corrective and comfortable from the start.
