Custom Orthotics

What Are Custom Orthotics and How Can They Help You?

Custom orthotics are prescription medical devices inserted into your footwear to correct the way your feet contact the ground, control abnormal foot motion, and redistribute pressure away from painful areas. Unlike generic shoe insoles purchased at a pharmacy, custom orthotics are manufactured from a precise 3D scan of your specific foot, which means they address your unique biomechanics, not a generic foot shape.

At Atlas Spine Clinic in Scarborough, we provide custom orthotics as part of a comprehensive approach to musculoskeletal health. Foot alignment affects everything above it, including your ankles, knees, hips, and lower back. Many patients who come to us with chronic knee or lower back pain discover that a biomechanical issue in their feet is a contributing factor. With custom orthotics, we address the problem at its source.

Conditions We Treat with Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics are an effective intervention for a wide range of conditions, including:

• Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
• Flat feet (pes planus) and fallen arches
• High arches (pes cavus)
• Bunions and hallux valgus
• Achilles tendinitis
• Shin splints and stress fractures
• Knee pain and patellofemoral syndrome
• Hip pain from uneven gait
• Lower back pain related to leg length discrepancy or abnormal pronation
• Diabetic foot care and ulcer prevention
• Pediatric gait problems and growing pains

What to Expect During Your Custom Orthotics Assessment

Getting custom orthotics at Atlas Spine Clinic is a straightforward, non-invasive process:

Step 1: Biomechanical and Gait Assessment
Your clinician will evaluate your posture, walking pattern, foot mechanics, and the wear pattern on your current footwear. We assess the full kinetic chain including your feet, ankles, knees, and hips to understand how your gait is affecting the rest of your body.

Step 2: 3D Foot Scan
We use advanced 3D scanning technology to create a precise digital model of your foot. This eliminates the guesswork of manual casting and ensures your orthotics are built to exact specifications.

Step 3: Custom Fabrication and Fitting
Your orthotics are manufactured in a certified Canadian lab based on your scan and prescription. Once ready, you return for a fitting where we ensure proper placement, comfort, and function. Minor adjustments can be made at no extra charge.

Types of Custom Orthotics We Provide

We prescribe a range of orthotic devices depending on your lifestyle and condition:

• Rigid functional orthotics: for controlling abnormal motion in patients with flat feet, overpronation, or structural alignment issues
• Semi-rigid orthotics: a balance of support and flexibility, ideal for athletes and active patients
• Soft accommodative orthotics: cushioned devices for patients with diabetes, arthritis, or painful calluses who need pressure relief
• Pediatric orthotics: specifically designed for children’s developing feet
• Dress orthotics: slim-profile devices designed to fit into dress shoes and formal footwear

Why Scarborough Patients Choose Atlas Spine Clinic for Custom Orthotics

• 353 Google reviews with a 4.9-star rating: trusted by thousands of Scarborough patients
• 3D scanning technology: precise fit, no messy casting, results you can trust
• Covered by most extended health insurance plans: orthotics are commonly covered; we provide all documentation required for insurance reimbursement
• Integrated care: your orthotics assessment considers how your feet affect your entire musculoskeletal system, not just your feet in isolation
• Conveniently located inside Pharmasave at 21 Glendinning Ave, Scarborough: easy access, ample parking

Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Orthotics in Scarborough

Q: What is the difference between custom orthotics and store-bought insoles?
A: Store-bought insoles are manufactured for a generic foot shape and provide only general cushioning or arch support. Custom orthotics are fabricated from a precise scan of your foot and built to a clinician’s prescription. They correct specific biomechanical issues and are significantly more effective for conditions like plantar fasciitis, overpronation, and chronic lower limb pain.

Q: Are custom orthotics covered by insurance in Ontario?
A: Yes, in most cases. The majority of employer-sponsored extended health benefit plans in Ontario cover custom orthotics, typically between $200 and $500 per pair. A prescription from a qualified clinician registered in Ontario and a detailed receipt are required for reimbursement. We provide all necessary documentation at Atlas Spine Clinic.

Q: How long do custom orthotics last?
A: With regular use, most custom orthotics last 2 to 5 years. Factors like your body weight, activity level, and the type of orthotic affect longevity. We recommend reassessment if your condition changes significantly, or if you notice the orthotics no longer feel supportive.

Q: How long does it take to adjust to new custom orthotics?
A: Most patients adapt within one to two weeks. We recommend starting by wearing your orthotics for a few hours per day and gradually increasing wear time as your feet adjust to the new alignment and support. Some initial mild discomfort is normal as your body adapts — this is similar to breaking in a new pair of supportive shoes. If you experience significant pain or discomfort beyond the first week, contact us and we can make adjustments at no extra charge.

Q: Can custom orthotics help with lower back pain?
A: Yes. Lower back pain is often connected to how you stand and walk. Overpronation, leg length discrepancy, and poor foot mechanics can alter your pelvic alignment and place excess stress on the lumbar spine. Custom orthotics that correct these patterns can reduce lower back strain, especially when combined with chiropractic care or physiotherapy.

Q: Do I need a referral to get custom orthotics at Atlas Spine Clinic in Scarborough?
A: No referral is needed. You can book directly with us. However, some insurance plans require a prescription from a specific regulated health professional such as a chiropractor, physiotherapist, or podiatrist. Our clinicians are qualified to issue orthotics prescriptions for insurance purposes.

Q: How much do custom orthotics cost at Atlas Spine Clinic?
A: The cost of custom orthotics varies depending on the type of device prescribed. Most patients with extended health benefits pay little to nothing out of pocket, as orthotics are commonly covered by employer-sponsored plans in Ontario. If you are self-paying or your plan does not cover orthotics, ask us about your options when you book your assessment — we are happy to walk you through what to expect.