Are your feet sore after walking, standing, working, or exercising?
Have you noticed one side of your shoe wearing out faster than the other?
Your feet create the foundation for standing, walking, running, lifting, and many other daily movements. When pressure is distributed unevenly, or the feet do not provide enough support, the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back may compensate. Our East Hills Physiotherapy provides custom fit orthotics Calgary based on a detailed review of your feet, footwear, walking pattern, lower-body alignment, symptoms, and activity needs.
Custom orthotics are devices made especially for your foot. Unlike store-bought insoles, they’re created using an evaluation of your lower extremity biomechanics and structure, along with an impression of your foot.
Support the arches, cushion sensitive areas, and improve pressure distribution.
Influence how the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back respond during standing and walking.
Made in a lab to help ensure great muscle efficiency and optimal distribution of weight-bearing forces when worn
Selected according to your symptoms, footwear, daily routine, activity level, and movement goals
Symptoms that suggest you could benefit from custom fit orthotics include:
We guide activity levels to support brain recovery while reducing symptom flare-ups.
When dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, migraines, or motion sensitivity are present, we use targeted techniques to help your balance system settle.
High arches create a rigid foot that absorbs less impact, concentrating pressure under the heel or ball of the foot. Cushioned orthotics improve comfort and load distribution.
Pain under the ball of the foot develops from standing, running, high arches, footwear, or repeated loading. Orthotics include cushioning or pressure-relief areas for the forefoot.
Toe changes create rubbing, calluses, and discomfort inside shoes. Orthotics cannot reverse a structural change, but they improve pressure distribution and reduce strain during movement.
Shin pain is often linked to training changes, calf weakness, ankle stiffness, running mechanics, or inward foot movement. Orthotics are combined with strengthening, mobility work, and activity guidance.
Repeated sprains leave the ankle feeling weak or unreliable. Orthotic support is paired with balance exercises, ankle strengthening, and walking or running retraining.
Toe changes create rubbing, calluses, and discomfort inside shoes. Orthotics cannot reverse a structural change, but they improve pressure distribution and reduce strain during movement.
Shin pain is often linked to training changes, calf weakness, ankle stiffness, running mechanics, or inward foot movement. Orthotics are combined with strengthening, mobility work, and activity guidance.
Arthritis in the feet, ankles, or knees makes weight-bearing uncomfortable. Softer orthotics cushion sensitive areas and distribute pressure across a wider surface.
Orthotics support walking after foot, ankle, knee, or hip injuries and procedures, with use matched to your healing stage and the guidance of your medical team.
Use firmer materials to guide foot movement and support alignment. Considered for overpronation, recurring ankle instability, movement compensation, or symptoms linked to walking and running mechanics.
Neck stiffness can keep headaches, dizziness, pressure, and screen sensitivity going.
Your physiotherapist reviews your symptoms, health history, footwear, activities, and previous injuries. Foot posture, ankle movement, strength, flexibility, and lower-body alignment are also assessed.
Your walking pattern is observed to see how the heel contacts the ground, how weight moves across the foot, and how the ankle, knee, and hip respond during each step.
An impression of your foot is taken to record its shape and structural features, guiding the design and fit of your orthotics.
The orthotic is made in a lab using the assessment findings, foot measurements, footwear needs, and recommended materials, so that when you wear it, you have great muscle efficiency and optimal distribution of weight-bearing forces.
When the orthotics arrive, they're checked inside your shoes. Your comfort and walking pattern are reviewed, and adjustments are made when needed.
A follow-up visit confirms the orthotics fit properly, feel comfortable, and are supporting your daily activities as intended.
Custom orthotics work better when combined with physiotherapy that addresses strength, mobility, and movement habits.
Custom orthotics are considered for:
Suitability depends on your symptoms, foot health, footwear, activity demands, and assessment findings.
Every person adjusts differently. Some people feel more comfortable right away, while others need time for the feet, ankles, knees, hips, and back to adapt.
During the adjustment period, you may notice:
To help the adjustment go smoothly, we generally recommend easing into your orthotics rather than wearing them for a full day right away. Starting with a few hours at a time and gradually building up gives your feet and lower body a chance to adapt to the new support.
Most people notice a clear difference in comfort within the first couple of weeks, though some notice it sooner. If discomfort doesn’t settle, or if the orthotics feel like they’re creating new pain, follow-up support is important, and adjustments are made to improve comfort and fit.
Custom Fit orthotics Calgary are commonly covered through extended health benefits, workplace plans, private insurance, or health spending accounts.
Contact your insurance provider before ordering, as final approval is determined by your individual plan.
Foot discomfort can change how you stand, walk, exercise, and complete everyday tasks. Over time, those changes may place additional strain on the ankles, knees, hips, or lower back. Our custom fit orthotics in Calgary are based on your foot structure, walking pattern, footwear, symptoms, and daily activity needs. Orthotics may support pressure distribution, cushioning, alignment, and movement from the ground up.
Contact our East Hills Physiotherapy clinic to arrange your custom orthotics assessment and take the next step toward more comfortable walking, working, training, and daily movement.
Ramesh provides detailed foot assessments and custom orthotic recommendations based on foot structure, walking patterns, symptoms, footwear, and activity needs. His background in musculoskeletal care, sports rehabilitation, manual therapy, gait support, and exercise planning connects orthotic care with whole-body movement.
Harmandeep supports people with foot, ankle, knee, hip, spine, and lower-limb concerns through functional assessment, exercise planning, manual therapy, and education. His approach considers strength, mobility, balance, walking patterns, and daily demands when connecting orthotic support with physiotherapy care.
Custom fit orthotics are shoe inserts created from an individual assessment of your feet, walking pattern, footwear, symptoms, and activity needs. They may support pressure distribution, comfort, and lower-body movement during daily activity.
Store-bought insoles provide general cushioning or support, while custom orthotics are designed from your foot assessment, measurements, walking pattern, symptoms, and footwear. Their shape and materials are selected for your individual needs.
No. Custom orthotics may be considered when foot mechanics contribute to ankle, knee, hip, or lower-back discomfort. They may also support standing tolerance, walking comfort, pressure management, and activity-related movement needs.
Custom orthotics may help when symptoms relate to foot structure, pressure, support, or movement patterns. They often work alongside suitable footwear, strengthening, mobility exercises, gait retraining, and activity guidance rather than alone.
You may benefit from an assessment if you have heel or arch pain, recurring ankle sprains, uneven shoe wear, tired feet, knee discomfort, or symptoms that increase with standing, walking, work, or exercise.
Custom orthotics can be considered for children, teenagers, adults, and older adults. Suitability depends on foot health, symptoms, activity demands, footwear, growth, medical factors, and findings from an individual assessment.
Custom orthotics may support knee discomfort when foot position contributes to lower-limb loading or knee tracking changes. Physiotherapy may also address hip strength, knee control, ankle mobility, and walking or running mechanics.
Foot position can influence how the hip and pelvis move during walking or standing. Orthotics may help create a more consistent base when uneven foot loading contributes to hip discomfort or compensation.
Orthotics may support lower-back comfort when uneven foot mechanics affect standing posture, walking, or weight distribution. They are not appropriate for every back concern and should follow a full movement assessment.
Orthotics may improve stability inside footwear by giving the feet more consistent contact and support. Balance exercises, ankle strengthening, gait retraining, and suitable shoes may also be needed for broader improvement.
Apparent leg-length differences may result from structure, posture, joint mobility, or movement habits. Careful assessment is important before adding a lift because unnecessary correction may create new pressure or movement changes.
Softer custom orthotics may cushion sensitive joints and spread pressure across a wider surface. They may support people with foot, ankle, or knee arthritis when combined with suitable footwear and activity guidance.
Functional orthotics are generally firmer and may guide foot movement, while accommodative orthotics use softer materials for cushioning and pressure relief. The recommended type depends on your assessment, comfort, footwear, and activity needs.
Orthotics usually fit more comfortably in shoes with removable insoles, adequate depth, a stable heel, and enough toe space. Bring commonly worn work, walking, or athletic shoes to your fitting appointment.
Many orthotics can move between shoes when the footwear has similar depth, shape, and support. Different shoe styles may require separate inserts, especially when moving between work boots, athletic shoes, and dress shoes.
Custom orthotics may be designed for work boots when there is enough space and the boot provides suitable structure. They may support workers who stand, walk, lift, or climb throughout the day.
Runners may use custom orthotics when foot mechanics contribute to heel, shin, ankle, knee, or hip discomfort. Orthotics work more effectively alongside gradual training, strength exercises, mobility work, and footwear review.
People who stand or walk for long shifts may benefit from improved cushioning and pressure distribution. Orthotics may support comfort for healthcare, retail, teaching, trades, restaurant, and warehouse roles when footwear is suitable.
Yes. Orthotics provide external support, while physiotherapy may address strength, mobility, balance, gait, and movement habits. Combining both may be useful when symptoms involve more than pressure or footwear alone.
Children or teenagers may be assessed when foot position, walking, discomfort, or activity concerns are present. Recommendations should consider growth, symptoms, footwear, flexibility, and whether support is actually needed for daily movement.
Orthotics may support walking after foot, ankle, knee, or hip surgery when healing and medical instructions allow. Their use should match current weight-bearing status, footwear, mobility, and rehabilitation goals at that stage.
Older adults may benefit from cushioning, pressure distribution, and steadier support inside suitable shoes. Assessment should also consider balance, skin condition, joint mobility, sensation, and any history of falls or foot wounds.
Custom orthotics may support workers with long-standing walking, lifting, or hard-surface demands. They may be combined with ergonomic guidance, footwear review, strengthening, movement breaks, and workplace injury rehabilitation when needed.
Athletes and active adults may use orthotics when foot mechanics contribute to recurring symptoms or uneven loading. Support should be paired with sport-specific strengthening, mobility, training progression, and appropriate footwear.
Custom orthotics may support plantar fascia or heel discomfort by cushioning sensitive areas, supporting the arch, and spreading pressure during walking or standing. Physiotherapy may also include calf mobility, strengthening, and footwear guidance.
Custom orthotics may support flat feet by guiding pressure and reducing excessive inward rolling during standing or walking. Whether they are suitable depends on symptoms, flexibility, footwear, activity, and lower-limb movement findings.
High arches may concentrate pressure beneath the heel or forefoot and absorb less impact. Cushioned custom orthotics may improve pressure distribution and comfort, especially during prolonged standing, walking, running, or work on hard surfaces.
Orthotics cannot reverse a bunion or hammertoe, but they may redistribute pressure, reduce rubbing, and improve comfort inside suitable footwear. Wider toe space and shoe selection remain important parts of care.
Recurring ankle sprains may relate to reduced balance, weakness, limited joint control, or previous injury. Orthotics may support foot position, while physiotherapy addresses strength, mobility, coordination, and confidence during movement.
Orthotics may support some cases of shin discomfort when foot mechanics contribute to repeated lower-leg loading. They are usually combined with calf strengthening, ankle mobility, footwear review, training changes, and gradual activity progression.
People with diabetes and reduced foot sensation need careful assessment before using orthotics. Pressure-relieving designs may help reduce concentrated loading, but regular medical foot checks, daily skin inspection, and suitable footwear remain essential.
Your appointment usually includes a review of symptoms, health history, footwear, work, activities, and previous injuries. We may assess foot posture, ankle mobility, strength, alignment, balance, and walking patterns before discussing suitability.
A gait assessment reviews how your feet contact the ground, how weight moves through each step, and how the ankles, knees, and hips respond during walking or running at different speeds.
Lower-extremity biomechanics describes how the feet, ankles, knees, hips, and pelvis work together during movement. Reviewing these relationships helps identify whether foot mechanics contribute to symptoms or uneven loading patterns.
A scan, impression, or measurement records the shape and structural features of your feet. This information is combined with assessment findings, footwear, symptoms, and intended activities to guide the orthotic design.
Custom orthotics are commonly fabricated by a laboratory using your measurements and clinical information. Materials, cushioning, arch support, and shape are selected according to your needs, footwear, and intended use.
At the fitting appointment, we check how the orthotics sit inside your shoes, how they feel under your feet, and whether your walking pattern or pressure points require adjustment before regular use.
Follow-up helps confirm that your orthotics remain comfortable, fit your shoes, and support daily activities as intended. Bring them back if you develop persistent pressure, rubbing, numbness, or new pain.
Some people can wear new orthotics comfortably right away, while others need a gradual break-in period. Begin with shorter wear times and increase use according to the instructions provided at fitting.
A different sensation under the arch or heel can occur at first because support and pressure distribution have changed. Ongoing pain, numbness, rubbing, or worsening symptoms should be reviewed promptly.
Orthotic lifespan depends on materials, body weight, footwear, activity level, work demands, and frequency of use. Reassessment is helpful when support feels reduced, symptoms return, or your footwear and activities change.
Custom orthotics can often be adjusted when fit, pressure, cushioning, or comfort needs change. Bring the inserts and shoes to follow-up so walking response, wear patterns, and problem areas can be reviewed.
Follow the cleaning instructions provided with your orthotics. Usually, gentle wiping and air drying are preferred. Avoid high heat, soaking, or harsh chemicals, which may damage materials or change their shape.
How long you should wear orthotics depends on comfort, footwear, activity, and the break-in plan. Many people build toward longer use gradually rather than wearing them for a full day immediately.
Custom orthotics may be covered through extended health benefits, workplace plans, or health spending accounts. Coverage depends on your policy, annual limits, eligible providers, documentation rules, and replacement schedule for your plan.
You usually do not need a referral to book an assessment, but some insurers require a physician’s prescription for reimbursement. Confirm this requirement before ordering so your claim documents are complete.
Direct billing may be available depending on your insurer, policy, clinic arrangements, and required documents. Because orthotic coverage differs from regular physiotherapy benefits, confirm payment and reimbursement details before ordering.
Bring the shoes you wear most often, including work, walking, or athletic footwear. Also bring old orthotics, insurance information, prescriptions, relevant medical notes, and details about symptoms and activities that cause discomfort.
East Hills Physiotherapy reviews your feet, walking pattern, lower-body movement, footwear, symptoms, and activities before recommending orthotics. Follow-up may include fit review, break-in guidance, exercise, gait retraining, and footwear advice.
Contact East Hills Physiotherapy and share your foot concerns, main activities, preferred Calgary location, insurance information, and prescription requirements. Bring commonly worn shoes so the assessment can reflect your daily needs.