Custom Orthotics: Are They Right for You?

If you've been dealing with foot pain, heel pain, or even knee and back pain that doesn't seem to go away, the problem might start at the ground — your feet. Custom orthotics are specially made shoe inserts designed to correct the way your foot functions, and they can make a significant difference for the right patient.

At Locus Health Centre, we provide custom orthotics fitted and prescribed by our registered practitioners. Here's what you need to know.

Custom orthotics are medical-grade shoe inserts made specifically for your feet. Unlike over-the-counter insoles you find at a pharmacy, custom orthotics are:

• Prescribed based on a clinical assessment of your gait, posture, and foot structure
• Cast or scanned from your actual feet for a precise fit
• Fabricated from high-quality materials designed to last 2–5 years
• Designed to address your specific biomechanical issues

They work by controlling the position and motion of your foot, redistributing pressure, and correcting alignment from the ground up — which can have a positive effect all the way up through your ankles, knees, hips, and spine.

Custom orthotics are not for everyone, but they can be highly effective for people with:

• Plantar fasciitis — heel pain that's worst in the morning
• Flat feet (overpronation) — feet that roll inward excessively
• High arches (supination) — feet that roll outward
• Bunions — bony bumps at the base of the big toe
• Metatarsalgia — pain in the ball of the foot
• Morton's neuroma — nerve pain between the toes

• Patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner's knee)
• IT band syndrome
• Hip pain related to gait abnormalities

• Chronic low back pain related to leg length discrepancy or poor foot mechanics

• People who stand or walk on hard surfaces for long hours
• Athletes looking to improve performance and prevent injury

You've probably seen generic insoles at the drugstore for $20–$50. These can provide some cushioning and arch support, but they're made for a generic foot — not yours.

Custom orthotics are prescribed and fabricated based on a detailed assessment of your specific biomechanics. They address the root cause of your problem rather than just adding padding.

Think of it like the difference between reading glasses off a rack versus prescription lenses from an optometrist. Both sit on your nose, but only one is made for your eyes.

At Locus Health Centre, your orthotics assessment includes:

1. Health history review — understanding your symptoms, activity level, and footwear
2. Postural and gait analysis — watching how you stand and walk
3. Foot and lower limb assessment — measuring range of motion, strength, and alignment
4. Casting or 3D scanning — capturing the exact shape of your feet
5. Prescription — specifying the materials, corrections, and modifications needed

The orthotics are then fabricated by a certified lab and typically ready within 2–3 weeks.

Many extended health benefit plans in BC include coverage for custom orthotics — typically $200–$500 per year. At Locus Health Centre, we provide all the documentation your insurer requires for reimbursement.

Check your plan details or contact your insurer to confirm your coverage before your appointment.

With normal use, custom orthotics typically last 2–5 years. They may need to be refurbished or replaced sooner if you're very active or if your condition changes significantly.

Our practitioner brings hands-on expertise to every orthotics assessment — here's a look at the kind of care you can expect:

Book an assessment at Locus Health Centre in East Vancouver. Our practitioners will give you an honest evaluation — if orthotics aren't the right solution for you, we'll tell you that too. Book online or call (604) 716-6073.