Custom Foot Orthotics

Orthotics Winnipeg and The Footmaxx™ step and pressure analysis system

Orthotics in Winnipeg are now available at Corydon Physiotherapy Clinic. Relief for tired and painful feet or ankles may be just steps away. The most common conditions of the feet include:

• plantar fascitis (heel pain and bone spur)
• metatarsalgia (painful ball of the foot)
• bunions and first toe pain
• painful  joints in the top of the foot

Painful foot conditions are a warning sign and can also lead to injuries higher in the leg, knee, hip or low back. A vicious painful cycle can begin. For example, if you ever had a blister on the bottom of your foot, you know that you try not to put pressure on it. You will change the angle of your foot when you walk and soon your knee or hip hurts because you are compensating for the pain. Your feet are the foundation of your body.

The Footmaxx ™ step and pressure analysis system provides a valuable tool for the physiotherapist to check how you stand, walk or run. It gives the physiotherapist information that cannot be seen with the eye or felt with a trained hand. It is not meant to be a substitute for a thorough physical exam. It is similar to how a MRI may help a physician to further diagnose a problem. A physiotherapist can then make a very informed judgement about whether custom foot orthotics may be required as part of your treatment. It is also used to understand what prescription is required for an orthotic. The Footmaxx ™ system is used in addition to many other methods that physiotherapists are trained in and to help better understand the problem.

Here’s how it works:

Two key areas of information are obtained at Corydon Physiotherapy:

1. First a person stands on or walks or runs across a mat that has thousands of digital pressure sensors in it. See picture above. The mat is connected to a computer program that registers all the information. The system measures eight key areas under the foot and how your feet touch the ground and how they bear weight and pressure. It is important to note that measuring how the feet function while walking is an advantage over systems that only measure while standing still. This information is presented on the screen with images and with numbers for the physiotherapist to check. We also go over the scan with the patient. A recommendation is then made based on all the patient information regarding whether a custom foot orthotic would be helpful or not.

2. Second, we then determine the 3 dimensional shape of the foot and arch:

At Corydon Physiotherapy we use the most current 3 dimensional laser scanning technology to get and accurate replica of the feet. In the picture below the rectangular box is the 3D scanner for the foot. The foot is placed on the glass section and the laser scans the foot in 10 seconds. We then have a precision 3D digital image of the foot which is downloaded to the lab with our order. There are no time consuming cast molds to be made and slow mail times.   

This two part system gives us tremendous detail on 1. how a person bears weight on their foot as they walk (not just standing) ,and 2. the shape of their foot. Both of these pieces of information are highly valuable.  

What about custom foot orthotics?

Footmaxx ™ is a company that also provides a high performance line of many custom orthotics. The scan information is downloaded to Footmaxx ™ along with the physiotherapist’s exam findings and requests and a custom orthotic is shipped to our clinic usually within a week. A custom orthotic is a thin and light insole for the shoe or sandal that is made of a special blend of plastics and shock absorbing material. It is tailored to each person and it helps correct abnormal movements of the foot and abnormal areas of pressure. It allows the foot to function in more normal ranges of motion and more normal ranges of stresses and strains. It does not lead to a weakening of the foot or leg. It enhances the performance of your foot and improves the biomechanics.

Some further information on Footmaxx ™ products can be seen at: www.fmxresources.com.

If custom orthotics are recommended, they are used as part of an overall physiotherapy treatment program. Successful results may also depend on other treatments including:

• special exercises
• hands on joint mobilizing methods
• ultrasound
• gentle electric currents
• footwear education

Who pays for Custom orthotics?:

Many insurance plans cover orthotic costs partially or fully. Corydon Physiotherapy Clinic does not bill Insurance Companies for foot orthotics but we do bill for the visit and exam. Once paid, the receipt is sent by you into your insurance company for reimbursement. It is important to check:

• to see if you need a  Dr’s prescription for you to be reimbursed by your insurance.
• to see if a Physiotherapist is allowed to supply the orthotic. A few Insurance companies do not yet recognize a physiotherapist’s expertise in the area of foot biomechanics and orthotics.

Corydon Physiotherapy has been helping patients using the Footmaxx ™ system since 1999. There is no question it will continue to be a valuable system for helping people stride towards better health. Don’t let pain stand in your way, call now for a foot and walking evaluation.