FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions
Answering common questions in regards to all things feet, orthotics, bracing, compression and what Full Stride Orthotics has to offer!
Is It Worth Getting Custom Foot Orthotics Over Store Bought/ Online Insoles
In most cases yes!
A custom foot orthotic that is made after a detailed assessment has been done will have way more to it then just mild arch support and cushion. We can take into account alignment changes, offloading prominent areas, treating conditions with different modifications - and Full Stride Orthotics offers 3 months of included adjustments to make sure the orthotics are working well for you and your feet!
How Much Do Custom Orthotics Cost?
Full Stride Orthotics charges $475 the initial pair of custom foot orthotics, with a reduced price for any additional pairs you get as long as you don't need another 3D scan.
Do I Need A Prescription For Custom Foot Orthotics?
You do not need a prescription to come in for a foot assessment or to get custom foot orthotics.
However, if you want to submit into a benefit plan most insurance companies require a prescription from a family doctor or specialist. To save time its always a great to come to the appointment with a prescription!
Will Insurance Cover Custom Orthotics?
Private insurance plans can cover a portion, the full amount or not at all depending on your plan. Most plans tend to cover $250-$350 per pair but its always a good idea to check into your plan ahead of time.
Full Stride Orthotics is pay and submit for insurance, and we will give you all the appropriate paperwork at your fitting so you can submit with ease!
How Much Does A Birk Sandal Or Clog Resole Cost?
When replacing the sole and keeping the cork foot bed and leather the price is $75. These take about 1 week to get finished and a very quick appointment is made at drop off to go over colour options and inspect the sandals for wear and tear!
Can Custom Orthotics Help With Flat Feet
Custom foot orthotics can be great for people with flat feet or overpronation (when your foot gets flatter when you stand up). Custom arch support, corrective build ups and cushioning in pinpointed areas can be great for flat feet.
Can Custom Foot Orthotics Be Good For High Arches?
Custom foot orthotics can also be great for high arches, especially those that are more rigid and don't like to move as much. Pain/ discomfort at the heel and forefoot, lots of callusing and reduced shock absorption through the arch can all be combated with a custom orthotic!
How Long Do Custom Orthotics Last?
This is a hard one to put a direct answer on, as an orthotic for someone who is 250lbs on concrete for 12h a day will wear them out quicker than someone who is 100lbs and uses them strictly for activity.
As a general rule if your orthotics are still feeling great and no new or old symptoms have started again - whether its been 1 year or 10 years the orthotics are still working for you.
If you want to double check and stay in the loop, its always recommended to come in for a follow up every 1-2 years so we can see how you and your orthotics are doing!
How Long Do Custom Orthotics Take To Break In?
2-3 weeks tends to be the golden number for break in. This gives the body enough time to get familiar with them, or allows the body to notice certain areas of the orthotic that are still not feeling as good as it should.
If they feel great after the break in, your all set!
If they aren't quite right after 3 weeks, come see us and we can make an adjustment on them.
Are Custom Orthotics Good For Plantar Fasciitis?
Orthotics can be an amazing treatment for plantar fasciitis, by taking tension off the fascia as you walk, stand and move it can help the healing process and reduce the chance of it getting re-irritated.
By booking a foot assessment you will also get additional treatment recommendations that can help combat plantar fasciitis on top of a custom orthotic to give you the best chance at healing!
Can I See Or Try A Knee Brace On Before I Buy One?
Yes you can! and the braces you try will be hand picked based on your lifestyle and knee condition. There is no charge for a knee brace assessment, so if you have been thinking about getting a brace there is no excuse not to come in and try them out! Not only can you try them on (some samples may not fit perfect), but we will also go over proper fit, when to wear them and much more!
Will Insurance Cover A Custom Or Sized Knee Brace?
Most insurance companies will cover a portion or all of a knee brace, and usually has to be prescribed by a family doctor or specialist. A lot of insurance plans out there have separate categories for custom made and custom fitted - so its always a great idea to look into your insurance plan to know your coverage!
What Is The Difference Between A Knee Brace And A Knee Sleeve?
A knee sleeve is usually come sort of compressive material that can be great for very minor aches, pains and small amounts of swelling in the knee.
A Knee Brace is usually more supportive with a specific goal like: controlling the knee cap, reducing pressure on a arthritic knee, and providing stability for an unstable knee. These are usually larger than a "tensor style" knee sleeve, but the benefits usually outweigh the size when it comes to these!
How Can I Prevent My Knee Brace From Sliding Down?
Not all braces are adjustable, so its a great idea to get measured for a brace to make sure your in a size of brace that works well for your body type and activity level.
Those that can be adjusted, usually with velcro, its a great idea to keep the strap on top of the calf nice and tight. the calf can act like a shelf for the strap to really reduce the chance of it sliding. Also loosening the thigh straps to they are snug but not tight can also help with sliding as a tight thigh strap may want to migrate down the leg until its no longer tight.
Can Wearing A Knee Brace Make My Muscles Weaker?
In most cases I would say no! Even some of the most most stable knee braces still allow for full range of motion in the knee, allowing your muscles to expand and contract like they normal would just with a much smaller chance of re-injury. We are also using these braces when we are moving. Whether that's playing a sport, a walk in the park, running errands or on your feet at work. And if the brace is reducing pain and improving stability in the knee and you are able to move more or for longer period of time because of it, it can help maintain your strength. It's always recommended to continue with physio and other exercises as a well rounded treatment leads to better results!
However, there are some braces like zimmer splints and set ROM braces that limit motion and are usually used right after knee injuries to allow for proper healing. These types of braces can be a very important part to the healing process, but you don't want to use these for longer than you have to or muscle atrophy can occur.
Can I Wear A Knee Brace While Playing Sports/ Being Active?
Yes, Yes, and Yes!
This is the best time to wear a brace, most knees need extra stability or pain relief when there is weight on the knee. So using them for sports, activities or just moving throughout the day is the perfect time to wear them!
Some braces hold up better to impact, so if you are planning on getting into higher contact sports and activities, bringing this information up at your knee brace appointment is essential. Allowing us to choose a brace that will suite your lifestyle!
What Type Of Knee Brace Is Best For Bone On Bone Arthritis?
Bone on bone arthritis usually means there is severe degeneration in one or more of your knee compartments. A Unloading/ Offloading knee brace can work great to take pressure off the side of the knee by creating space so the bone on bone side is no longer grinding. These braces usually provide some immediate relief of pain, can reduce clicking and locking, and improve stability if it feels like the knee will give out.
Can You Wear A Knee Brace Or Sleeve While Sleeping?
It is generally not recommended to use braces while sleeping as this is a time for your knee to rest and relax. Compression or tighter braces can actually cause circulation issues while sleeping, and if your getting pain in the knees at night, switching sleeping positions or using pillows between or around the knees can help out alot without having to use a brace.
There are some acute braces like zimmers and set ROM braces that need to be worn at night if a big knee injury has just occurred, but a doctor should give you the appropriate timeline for how long these should be worn for.
Is It Good To Wear Compression Socks While Traveling?
Medical Knit tapered compression socks can be a great option when traveling as long period of sitting mixed with high elevation can reduce circulation and cause swelling in your feet ankles and lower legs. Compression works to keep the veins, and the valves in your veins working properly and helping to improve circulation. If your planning a trip with a flight or a long road trip, compression can be an awesome addition to your packing list.
Are Compression Socks Good For Varicose Veins and Spider Veins?
Compression socks can be great for venous issues like spider and varicose veins as they help to improve your circulation by helping move fluid and blood from your feet and ankles up close to your heart. Knee high and thigh high options are great!
Why Do The Compression Socks From Drug Stores Never Fit Well?
Drug stores and online shops carry non medical knit compression, meaning the socks have less compression and they are usually based off of just a foot size for ease of purchasing. When going off just shoe size rather than using a ankle and calf measurement you can run into issues like the sock fitting very different for 2 different people.
For example, if person "A" is a size 7 foot with a 20cm calf, and person "B" is a size 7 foot with a 30cm calf, the same sock might be very loose for "A", and way to tight for "B".
Its always best to get measured for compression socks, so if you have only used over the counter socks and have had bad experiences, it might be time to get measured for medical knit socks to ensure proper sizing and material choices that will work well for you!