
A custom orthotic insert is a prescription device designed to assist in the correction of biomechanical abnormalities that affect the feet, ankles, knees and back. Custom orthotic inserts are made by taking a three-dimensional (3-D) cast impression of the patient’s foot and constructed from raw materials to each patient’s individual specifications. Many foot problems can be attributed to collapsed or fallen arches or other biomechanical faults such as pronation (rolling in and collapsing of the arches when walking) and supination (rolling outward of the ankles and raising of the arch). These problems can be genetic in origin and most patients do not realize there is a problem until various symptoms begin to appear. These symptoms will generally manifest as pain. During your initial appointment, Dr. Horowitz will perform a biomechanical examination, gait scan analysis, 3D foot scan, and posture evaluation to determine the cause of the problem. Often, pain in areas such as the knees, hips, or back is caused by improper foot biomechanics. If a biomechanical abnormality is identified, this problem can generally be alleviated through prescription functional orthotics.
A custom orthotic insert is a prescription device designed to assist in the correction of biomechanical abnormalities that affect the feet, ankles, knees and back. Custom orthotic inserts are made by taking a three-dimensional (3-D) cast impression of the patient’s foot and constructed from raw materials to each patient’s individual specifications. Many foot problems can be attributed to collapsed or fallen arches or other biomechanical faults such as over-pronation (rolling in and collapsing of the arches when walking) and over-supination (rolling outward of the ankles and raising of the arch). These problems can be genetic in origin and most patients do not realize there is a problem until various symptoms begin to appear. These symptoms will generally manifest as pain & discomfort. During your initial appointment, Dr. Michael Horowitz & Associates will perform a biomechanical examination, gait scan analysis, 3D foot scan, and posture evaluation to determine the cause of your problem. Often, pain in areas such as the knees, hips, or back is caused by improper foot biomechanics. If a biomechanical abnormality is identified, this problem can generally be alleviated through prescription custom orthotics.
At Vancouver Orthotics, we provide a therapeutic approach to treating foot, ankle, knee, hip, or back pain by starting at the source. Our goal is to provide our patients with an enhanced biomechanical support system that will ultimately lead to better posture and elimination of pain. By stabilizing and balancing your feet, custom made orthotics will help restore the proper alignment of the joints and bones in the foot and improve your body’s performance and efficiency, reduce pain, and contribute to your total body wellness. We achieve this goal through specific consultation, examination and if necessary, the fitting, production and dispensing of custom made orthotic inserts.
To book an appointment call our office, or book online. Saturday & Evening Appointments Available 604-737-3668
Your initial appointment will last approximately 30 minutes.
Please bring with you 2-3 pairs of your usual footwear choices, as well as a prescription for custom orthotic footwear if required for reimbursement from your extended health care provider.
We will provide a Postural & Foot Examination, a Diagnosis & may Prescribe Custom Orthotics to fit into your favourite shoes.
Provincial Insurance does not cover the cost of custom orthotics. It’s your responsibility to cover the cost and contact your extended health care provider regarding any extended coverage you may have.
If you require custom orthotics, payment in full is required prior to manufacture. We accept cash, debit, VISA, MasterCard and America Express.
Once we receive your custom orthotics, we will call you to book a dispensing appointment to fit your footwear. The dispensing appointment is usually within 2-3 weeks of your initial assessment, only takes 10-15 minutes & at no additional cost.
Custom orthotics, also known as customized shoe inserts or arch supports, are designed to support the arches & alignment of your feet. They can lift and support your arch, relieve heel pain, and/or help compensate for any toe joint deformities. Custom fit is key when it comes to the therapeutic effect of orthotics.
Orthotics are different than off the shelf inserts. They are prescribed medical devices that you wear inside your favourite shoes to correct biomechanical foot issues such as foot pain, arch or heel pain, when you walk, stand, or run. They can also help with foot pain caused by medical conditions such as diabetes, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, and arthritis.
Custom orthotics cost $450 for a Full-Length & $395 for a Half-Length but you'll also need to factor in other costs such as examination ($95). This includes the follow up office visits to pickup your custom orthotics & the fitting appointment. Resurfacing cost are currently $100/pair.
The first step in making a custom made orthotic is taking a 3D image (cast) of the foot. At our office we take a non-weight bearing 3D volumetric scan/cast of a neutral foot. This data is scanned by our lab technicians. A copolymer plastic is formed over the positive to create a custom orthotic for the patients specific correction and symptomatic needs.
Typically, high-quality prescription orthotics last between 3-5 years, although we recommend a reexamination every 1-2 years. Custom orthotics are designed to withstand wear and tear from standing and walking, but using them on a daily basis will inevitably result reduced support over time.
Once we distribute your orthotics to you, one of our doctors will encourage you to break in your orthotics over a 2-3 week period. Generally you start off 2hr/day and increase by 1hr each day for the first 5-7days. The purpose is to ensure ease of adaptability and a gradual resolution to your foot alignment and symptoms. After 3-4wks if there are any problems please contact our office for support!
At Vancouver Orthotics, we provide a therapeutic approach to treating foot, ankle, knee, hip, or back pain by starting at the source. Our goal is to provide our patients with an enhanced biomechanical support system that will ultimately lead to better posture and elimination of pain. By stabilizing and balancing your feet, custom made orthotics will help restore the proper alignment of the joints and bones in the foot and improve your body’s performance and efficiency, reduce pain, and contribute to your total body wellness. We achieve this goal through specific consultation, examination and if necessary, the fitting, production and dispensing of custom made orthotic inserts.
Posted in General
Posted in General
Posted in General
Posted in Orthopedic Shoes
Dr. Horowitz is quick, efficient, and still personable. He went above expectations. He not only did the diagnosis, but lead me to a nearby clinic to get a prescription, and provided a large amount of documentation needed by the insurance company. Thanks to his orthotics, I can jog comfortable despite my flat feet. Thank you Dr. Horowitz...More
- Marcus TrentonI've had problematic feet and a strange gait for as long as I can remember, and I thought living with the pain was just "normal"! I'm so glad I saw Dr. Michael and got fitted for custom orthotics. My alignment has totally changed and I don't live in pain anymore! Absolutely worth investing in a pair of these for pain management and for your...More
- Aislyn StandingDr. Michael Horowitz and the staff at Vancouver Orthotics have been great. They've been taking care of my feet for years now. Dr. Michael is kind, professional and enthusiastic. He explains each time how important the connection is between the feet and the rest of the body. Easy recommendation, go see Vancouver Orthotics...More
- Zuzana JanciovaDr. Michael Horowitz and his team are amazing! Wonderful customer service and it was really easy to book an appointment. After my initial consultation, It took no time at all to receive my custom made orthotics by Vancouver Orthotics. They are truly like walking in clouds!...More
- Joan YantelmaMichael Horowitz is passionate about what he does and likes to take a full body approach to alignment and preventing and treating pain. He takes a playful approach to what he does and will give you exactly what you need to support your body's imbalances from the feet up!...More
- Deidre SirianniWorking with Dr. Horowitz has been great. He is knowledgeable, reliable, and provided a great experience for my visit. I would highly recommend him to all of my family and friends!...More
- Reza Sabour