Orthotics for Calgary

Orthotics can correct abnormal or irregular foot biomechanics.

Orthotics are shoe inserts which correct abnormal or irregular foot biomechanics that alter our walking patterns. In a customized and medically qualified process, your feet are evaluated for complete function to assess their success at supporting your entire body. If necessary, prescription orthotics can be manufactured that will comfortably and precisely alter the angles at which the foot strikes a walking or running surface. The result is that you are better able to stand, walk and run more comfortably and efficiently.

We work with a number of top-end Canadian laboratories, giving our practice members a diverse selection of orthotics, customized footwear, or if necessary referral to specialists. Embody Wellness Centre has a technologically superior assessment tool, GaitScan, which optimizes orthotic solutions through advanced pressure analysis technology. This improves our clinical evaluation of your feet to provide a clearer picture of your individual foot mechanics. The detailed reporting system will allow us to determine the best treatment solutions for you. We can also make this report available for your medical physician so they have the utmost confidence and certainty your foot health will be in the finest possible condition. In addition, we do casting if required, to fulfill the guidelines for most insurance companies. Prescription orthotics are indeed covered by most insurance companies. If you have any questions about coverage, please speak to Dr. Schmolke directly.

Foot Scanning

As you stride across the GaitScan pressure plate, 4096 tiny sensors scan the plantar surface of your foot. The GaitScan system records timing sequences during gait and captures the relative pressure load of each area of your foot. To view a flash presentation of the TOG Gaitscan technology, click here.

Foot Pressure Mapping

GaitScan gives Dr. Schmolke the ability to look at the plantar pressures of your foot in 2-D or 3-D. He can even view and compare your right and left foot in a synchronized mode.

Color Graphics

The color graphics and detailed information improves your ability to understand your current condition of your feet and how to biomechanically improve them.

Customized Footwear

It is with great pleasure that we announce the launch of the Orthotic Group customized footwear lineup. Customized footwear is footwear with your custom footbed molded directly into the shoe. Manufacturers such as Florsheim, Hush Puppy, Merrell, Sketchers, Doc Marten, Saucony, Keen, Lacoste, and Naot all have models with a customized footbed.

For more detailed information on the benefits and types of orthotics we carry, as well as detailed photos of the most current customized footwear available please access The Orthotic Group website at www.theorthoticgroup.com

What are orthotics?

Orthotics are shoe inserts which help to correct abnormal or irregular walking patterns. By slightly altering the angles at which the foot strikes a walking or running surface, one is better able to stand, walk and run more comfortably and efficiently. The structure of the foot supports the body’s entire weight. Prescription orthotics are medical appliances which are custom made to correct your specific foot imbalance. Orthotics work on the feet in the same way braces work on the teeth—by exerting gentle consistent pressure to bring foot muscles and bones back to proper alignment. They fit comfortably in shoes and are usually made of flexible molded thermoplastic. The devices are always made from custom precise impressions taken of your feet and therefore are very unique to your individual imbalances in foot alignment and posture.

What are clues which suggest that I may require customized orthotics?

If a person has an altered gait, or altered pattern of walking, such as a limp, walking with their “toes out”, this could suggest excessive pronation.
If a person has a forward head posture where on side view, their ear is not in line with their shoulder and hip, there could be a link to a foot problem which alters their entire posture.
Obvious shoe wear, such as excessive wear points or uneven wearing on one shoe or between both feet. Outside heel area wear is often a positive sign for over pronation.
Inward or outward rotation of the knees, either in a normal stance, or during shallow squatting.
Uneven callous formation on the soles of the feet, or rigid arches.
Known imbalances in the pelvic muscles often correlate to a dropped long inside arch of the foot.
Knee or hip pain when walking or exercising can suggest a misalignment problem in the feet.
Symptoms of faulty foot mechanics could include localized
- foot pain
- bunions
- hammer toes
- arch, heel pain
- leg, knee, hip or back pain
- neck pain

How will I know if my orthotics are helping?

Your feet provide the foundation of your entire body. They do an incredible amount of work each day. The smallest imbalance in your feet can have a ripple effect causing a great deal of discomfort. Properly fitted prescription orthotics help restore the normal balance and alignment of your feet and consequently the biomechanical balance of your body thereby bringing relief from fatigue and pain. Orthotics help your feet work naturally and comfortably, therefore you will want to wear them as much as possible.

Where do I get orthotics?

Your chiropractor can prescribe foot orthotics to help correct your specific body and foot imbalance.

How much do orthotics cost?

At Embody, we are committed in providing patients with the best quality product and workmanship possible for the most reasonable price. Most health care plans will cover all or part of the cost of prescription orthotics for adults and children. We utilize the best laboratories to fabricate these important devices, and have determined an affordable cost. Please ask any of our clinicians or wellness assistants for the exact cost, as this will depend upon single pair purchases, or multiple pair purchases.