Your feet form the foundation for how you stand, walk, work, and move.

When foot mechanics are not working efficiently, the effects may be felt not only in the feet, but sometimes through the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back.

At ProSpine Rehab & Wellness in Vancouver, we provide custom orthotic assessment for patients who may benefit from individualized foot support.

Our goal is not simply to “correct” the feet, but to understand how your feet, gait, footwear, activity level, and lower-body mechanics work together.

BOOK A CUSTOM ORTHOTICS ASSESSMENT

What Are Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics are specially designed inserts made to support the way your feet function.

Unlike generic over-the-counter insoles, custom orthotics are created based on an individualized assessment of factors such as:

• Foot posture

• Arch structure

• Gait

• Pressure distribution

• Joint mobility

• Lower-limb alignment

• Activity demands

• Footwear

They may be recommended for everyday walking, work, exercise, sports, or specific foot and lower-limb concerns.

Who May Benefit From Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics may be considered for patients with concerns such as:

• Foot pain

• Heel pain

• Plantar heel pain

• Flat feet

• High arches

• Arch discomfort

• Ankle instability

• Recurrent foot fatigue

• Knee discomfort related to lower-limb mechanics

• Hip discomfort

• Certain gait abnormalities

• Uneven shoe wear

• Difficulty standing for long periods

• Sports-related foot or lower-limb stress

Orthotics are not necessary for everyone, which is why an assessment comes first.

Foot Pain & Heel Pain

Foot pain can develop for many reasons.

Common contributing factors may include:

• Repetitive loading

• Footwear

• Prolonged standing

• Changes in activity

• Reduced foot or ankle mobility

• Training load

• Arch structure

• Previous injuries

Heel pain is especially common and may be associated with conditions such as plantar heel pain, sometimes referred to as plantar fasciitis.

Orthotics may be one part of a broader treatment plan that can also include footwear changes, mobility work, strengthening, and activity modification.

Flat Feet

Flat feet are common and do not automatically mean there is a problem.

Some people with flat feet have no symptoms at all.

Others may experience:

• Foot fatigue

• Arch discomfort

• Heel pain

• Ankle discomfort

• Difficulty standing for long periods

• Symptoms during running or sports

The decision to recommend orthotics should be based on symptoms and function, not simply the appearance of the arch.

High Arches

People with higher arches may place pressure differently through the foot.

Some may experience:

• Forefoot discomfort

• Heel discomfort

• Reduced shock absorption

• Callus formation

• Foot fatigue

Custom orthotics may sometimes be used to improve pressure distribution and provide additional support or cushioning.

Can Foot Mechanics Affect the Knees, Hips or Back?

The foot is part of a connected movement system.

Changes in foot and ankle mechanics can influence how the lower limb moves during walking, running, and standing.

However, not every case of knee, hip, or back pain is caused by the feet.

At ProSpine, we avoid assuming that every problem starts at the foot.

Instead, we assess the entire movement pattern when appropriate, including:

Feet • Ankles • Knees • Hips • Pelvis • Lower back

This helps determine whether foot support is likely to play a meaningful role in your treatment plan.

Custom Orthotics vs. Store-Bought Insoles

Over-the-counter insoles may be helpful for some people, especially when the main goal is general cushioning or comfort.

Custom orthotics are different because they are designed around your individual assessment.

A custom device may be more appropriate when there are:

• Persistent symptoms

• Significant foot mechanics concerns

• Recurrent problems

• Specific footwear needs

• Sports demands

• Work-related standing or walking demands

The best option depends on the patient.

What Happens During an Orthotic Assessment?

Your orthotic assessment may include:

1. Health & Symptom History

We discuss your symptoms, footwear, work, exercise, and activity level.

2. Foot & Ankle Assessment

We assess foot posture, arch structure, ankle mobility, and relevant joint function.

3. Gait & Movement Assessment

We observe how you stand, walk, and move.

4. Lower-Limb Assessment

When appropriate, we may also look at knee, hip, and pelvic mechanics.

5. Footwear Review

We may discuss whether your current shoes are suitable for work, exercise, or daily use.

6. Orthotic Recommendation

If custom orthotics appear appropriate, we discuss the type of device that may best suit your needs.

Orthotics for Work

Patients who spend long hours standing or walking may experience foot fatigue and lower-limb discomfort.

This may include people working in:

• Healthcare

• Retail

• Construction

• Hospitality

• Warehousing

• Teaching

• Manufacturing

• Trades

Orthotics may help improve comfort for selected patients who spend many hours on their feet.

Footwear selection remains important as well.

Orthotics for Sports

Athletes place higher repetitive loads through the feet and lower limbs.

Custom orthotics may be considered for sports such as:

Running • Golf • Hockey • Soccer • Basketball • Tennis • Figure skating • Martial arts

A sports-focused assessment may look at:

• Foot stability

• Ankle mobility

• Running or movement mechanics

• Training load

• Footwear

• Previous injuries

• Lower-limb strength

The goal is to support movement without unnecessarily restricting natural foot function.

Orthotics for Golf

Golf involves repeated walking, weight shifting, and rotation through the lower body.

For golfers with foot discomfort or certain lower-limb mechanics concerns, orthotics may help provide a more comfortable and stable base.

They may be considered alongside:

Hip mobility • Balance • Lower-body strength • Core control

Orthotics for Children & Teenagers

Not every child with flat feet needs orthotics.

Children’s feet naturally change as they grow.

Orthotics may be considered when a child has:

• Persistent foot pain

• Significant fatigue

• Recurrent lower-limb symptoms

• Difficulty participating in activities

• Specific concerns identified during assessment

For children and teenagers, treatment decisions should consider growth, symptoms, function, and activity level rather than appearance alone.

Can Orthotics Help With Plantar Fasciitis?

Orthotics may help some patients with plantar heel pain by modifying pressure and providing support.

However, orthotics are often most effective as part of a broader plan that may include:

• Calf mobility

• Foot strengthening

• Activity modification

• Appropriate footwear

• Progressive loading

• Weight-management considerations when relevant

We do not rely on orthotics alone when other factors are contributing.

How Long Do Custom Orthotics Last?

The lifespan of orthotics varies depending on:

• Frequency of use

• Body weight

• Activity level

• Type of footwear

• Materials

• Work demands

• Sports use

Some patients use the same pair for several years, while others may need refurbishment or replacement sooner.

The device should be reassessed if it becomes worn, uncomfortable, or no longer seems effective.

Do I Need a Prescription?

This depends on your insurance provider.

Some extended health benefit plans require a prescription from a physician or other authorized healthcare provider before custom orthotics are covered.

Insurance requirements vary, so we recommend checking your individual plan before ordering.

Are Custom Orthotics Covered by Insurance?

Many extended health plans provide some coverage for custom orthotics, but coverage varies significantly.

Your insurer may require:

• A prescription

• A biomechanical assessment

• A detailed invoice

• Specific documentation

• A particular provider type

• A minimum replacement interval

It is your responsibility to confirm the exact requirements of your plan.

Our clinic can provide the appropriate documentation available from the orthotic assessment.

Do Orthotics Need to Be Worn All Day?

Not always.

When first receiving new orthotics, some patients benefit from a gradual break-in period.

This allows the feet and lower limbs to adapt.

Depending on your needs, orthotics may be used:

• During work

• For walking

• During exercise

• In sports footwear

• For specific activities

We can provide guidance based on your device and symptoms.

Orthotics Work Best as Part of a Bigger Plan

Orthotics can provide useful support, but they are not necessarily a complete solution by themselves.

Depending on your condition, treatment may also include:

• Foot strengthening

• Calf mobility

• Hip strengthening

• Balance work

• Gait retraining

• Footwear changes

• Active rehabilitation

At ProSpine, our on-site kinesiologist can help address these factors when appropriate.

What to Expect at ProSpine

1. Consultation

We discuss your symptoms, footwear, work, sports, and goals.

2. Foot & Lower-Limb Assessment

We assess relevant foot, ankle, knee, hip, and movement findings.

3. Gait Evaluation

We observe how your feet and lower limbs move during walking and functional activity.

4. Recommendation

If custom orthotics are appropriate, we discuss the type of support that may suit your needs.

5. Fitting & Follow-Up

Once your orthotics are ready, we review fit, comfort, and use instructions.

6. Rehabilitation When Needed

Exercises may be recommended to improve strength, mobility, and movement alongside orthotic use.

Build a Better Foundation for Movement

If foot pain, heel pain, lower-limb discomfort, or prolonged standing is affecting your daily life, a custom orthotic assessment may help determine whether individualized foot support is appropriate.

At ProSpine Rehab & Wellness, we look beyond the feet alone and consider how your entire lower body moves.

ProSpine Rehab & Wellness
Vancouver, BC
778-805-8188
info@prospinevan.ca

BOOK A CUSTOM ORTHOTICS ASSESSMENT