Q: How long will my orthotics last?
Q: How long will it take me to get used to my new orthotics?
Q: How do I know that my orthotics are 100% custom made as opposed to a “Best Fit” orthotic?
Q: How long will it take for my orthotics to be ready?
Q: What methods can I use to cast my patients feet?
Q: What is a Pedorthist?
Q: Will insurance cover my orthotics?
Q: What if I can’t get used to my orthotics?
Q: How do I care for my orthotics?
Q: Can I put my orthotic in all of my shoes?
Q: How much should I charge for orthotics?
Q: Can I call somebody to ask questions if I need too?
Q: Are your orthotics really hard?
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A: This depends on the type of orthotics that have been designed for your feet.
-Semi-Rigid / Semi Flexible Shells will generally last for a lifetime, but changes in your foot structure over time may require that you obtain an updated prescription.
Graphite Shells will generally last for 2-3 years.
Soft Orthotic Shells will generally last for 12-18 months.
The top part of the orthotics, called the top-covers, are the friction points between your foot and the orthotic. These covers are subject to the most break down from pressure and perspiration and they will need to be replaced periodically. The life of the top-cover depends on your body chemistry and activity level.
A: This varies from person to person, but it usually takes up to 3 weeks to get used to wearing orthotics. It is very important to follow a break-in procedure with orthotics. Wear the orthotics only while they are comfortable. This time may be anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours.
If the orthotics start to feel uncomfortable (such as a persistent pressure point on your foot) remove them from your shoes, and try to let your feet rest for an hour or two. Following the rest period, place your orthotics back in your shoes. You should be able to gradually increase the time that you can wear the orthotics comfortably. If not, please contact your providing professional for more information.
A: Every pair of orthotics made at our lab division is made using an acceptable impression of your foot. Our pedorthists will determine if the cast is acceptable. Then we will either pour plaster into the negative impression to create a plaster positive, or a digital scan of your cast is taken and a CNC milling machine mills out a wood positive. Then the material of choice, (polypropylene, subortholene or graphite ) is thermo vacuumed onto the positive. This way we make each and every orthotic from scratch. There is no “ Best Fit” or “Category Library System” at Kintec Lab Services.
A: Once we receive your order and impression in our lab, they will be sent back to you on or before the 5th business day. Our shipping is next day shipping in BC. For example if we received an order on a Wednesday, it would be shipped out no later than the following Wednesday. You would then receive it on the Friday.
A: Most commonly we use foam boxes for your patient’s impressions. However we also can use STS sock casts, Plaster of Paris casts, wax casts etc. If you have Gait Scan Technology, you can send us the report and a pedorthist will go review the report, but we will NOT fabricate from this information. WE NEED AN IMPRESSION OR CAST!!!!!
A: Our staff of Canadian Board Certified Pedorthists and Technicians is a highly qualified team of individuals, ready to help you. As Pedorthists, we specialize in the foot and lower limb mechanics of the human body. Our pedorthists first possess a Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology or Health Sciences, and then follow an extensive in-house residency program. Upon completion, these individuals must successfully complete examination by the College of Pedorthics Canada and be members in good standing of the Pedorthic Association Of Canada to become certified. For more information on pedorthics, visit www.pedorthics.ca .
A: This seems to be the question we get asked the most. The simple answer is as follows: Everything we do at Kintec Lab Services “COMPLIES WITH” what the major insurance companies require. We continue to work with the insurance companies and will apprise you of any changes as they become known to us.. We provide a Fabrication Certificate of Authenticity for every pair of orthotics we produce. This form explains exactly how we have manufactured the orthotics. Both the Doctors name and the patients name will appear on this form as well as the date of fabrication. Remember every single pair of orthotics that we make comes with this documentation.
A: It takes time for your body to adjust to wearing orthotics. Start slowly and gradually increase the amount of time you wear them! You should be able to wear them comfortably all day within 2-4 weeks. If you cannot do so, please contact your providing professional for further assistance. Minor adjustments to your original prescription for fit, function or comfort will be made at no charge within 6 months from date of shipping. Charges will apply for the addition of any new components or major changes to your original prescription.
A: Remove your orthotics from your shoes at night to allow perspiration or wetness to evaporate. The orthotics should be cleaned periodically by wiping them down with a damp cloth. If you have a soft top-cover on your orthotics, sprinkle them with baking soda or talcum powder to help absorb any odour they may collect.
DO NOT IMMERSE THE ORTHOTICS IN WATER (I.E. SINK, WASHING MACHINE)
DO NOT SUBJECT THEM TO HEAT SOURCES (I.E. HEATER, FIREPLACE)
A: This largely depends on the type of orthotic that has been prescribed. The interaction between the orthotic device and the footwear is critical. As long as the orthotic doesn’t take up too much room, then yes, you can move it from shoe to shoe, but this will depend on your foot type and your choice of footwear.
A: Ultimately it is up to each Doctor to set their own prices. The average price of orthotics range from $385- $475/pr.
A: Yes you can call our Account Manager Dan Lacroix and he will either have the answer to your question, or will put you in touch with a Certified Pedorthist who will then be able to help you with any problems you may have.
A: Suffice it to say that we take into account many factors in determining the rigidity or flexibility of any patient’s orthotics. Mechanically - the foot is NEVER truly a rigid lever as thought in the early days. Therfore we feel ther is no need to make a truly “RIGID” orthotic. One of the main goals of an orthotic is to reduce both the amount/magnitude of the over pronation and the velocity of the over pronation. In order to do this we need just the right amount of support to achieve this. Some orthotics will be more rigid than others, but none of them are truly hard.