Understanding orthotics and orthopaedic shoes
When what you don’t know can hurt you.
If you have a prescription for custom-made orthotics or custom-made shoes, this guide should help walk you through your purchase. Asking questions and staying informed throughout the process will help ensure that your orthotics or shoes meet your needs. Sun Life extended health care benefit helps cover:
- Custom-made orthotics
- Custom-made shoes
- Modifications to footwear
Let’s take a closer look at each one…
| About custom-made orthotics |
An orthotic, a corrective device worn inside a shoe, can help the muscles, tendons and bones of your feet and lower legs function at their highest potential. Custom-made orthotics are manufactured from a 3D image of your foot using raw materials. When appropriately prescribed to treat a medical condition and custom-made, orthotics can decrease pain, not only in your feet, but in other parts of the body, such as your knees, hips and lower back.
| What to expect during your assessment |
Once you have a prescription for custom-made orthotics, your next step is an appointment with a qualified foot care specialist. Your provider guides you through an extensive evaluation to ensure orthotics are the best option and that they’re properly designed for you.
During your initial assessment, your provider documents your medical history, symptoms and previous injuries, and takes into account your lifestyle and typical footwear.
During your examination, your provider observes:
- Your overall posture
- The structure, alignment, strength and range of motion of your legs and feet
- Your presenting symptoms and condition
- Your current footwear for fit, wear patterns and function.
Read more at Sun Life Assurance
