Frequently Asked Questions

​What is a Pedorthist?

A Canadian Certified Pedorthist is a specialized foot care professional. A Pedorthist has extensive training in casting and orthotic manufacture; fitting and adjusting custom made orthotics; modifications to and fitting of footwear; footwear analysis; injuries, abnormalities and systemic conditions affecting the feet; gait analysis and range of motion testing of the lower legs and feet.

​What is an Orthotic?

An orthotic is a custom made device designed to balance biomechanical inadequacies of your feet and legs, alleviate painful debilitating conditions of the lower limb, improve the alignment and function of the foot as well as redirect pressure away from painful areas of the foot or accommodate permanent abnormalities of the foot to relieve pressure.

​Do I need to Book an Appointment?

​In order to have our full attention, an appointment is required for Evaluations, Adjustments, Compression Stocking Measurement as well as getting you fitted properly into a shoe, selected based on your unique biomechanics and gait.  

​Do I need a referral?

You do not require a referral to have your lower body biomechanics and gait assessed nor do you require a referral if you will not be submitting a claim to an insurance provider.  
If submitting your claim for custom made orthotics, footwear modifications, compression stockings, etc. to your insurance provider, a referral with a medical diagnosis is recommended to ensure reimbursement.  
If you don't know what you need and want some advice please book an initial assessment.  We can go over all your questions and concerns, determine what solutions best fit your needs and go from there regarding the prescription.  Assessments are complementary so don't hesitate giving us a call.  We are here to help!

Can you direct bill to my Insurance?

Personal Best Orthotics & Footwear is a recognized provider of custom made orthotics, compression stockings, footwear and footwear modifications.  Insurance companies that allow for direct billing are Green Shield, Canada Life, Veterans Affairs, NIHB, WSIB, Social Services, ODSP, and MVA insurance claims.  All other insurance companies require you to submit a paid in full receipt in order to reimburse your claim. 
If you have any questions about insurance coverage please give us a call, 519-997-2353.

What should I expect at my Initial Evaluation appointment?

​A biomechanical and gait analysis of your lower body will be conducted as well as a review of the injuries and conditions affecting your feet.  We will assess the range of motion of the feet, ankles, knees, hips, and conduct a visual walking gait assessment and/or running gait assessment based on your specific injury.  We will analyze the suitability of your current footwear.

​What do I wear to my Initial Assessment?

We will need to be able to view your legs from knees down. Either pants that can be rolled up to the knees or shorts are preferable. Please avoid wearing a dress or skirt.

​What do I bring to my Orthotic pick-up appointment?

Please bring with you the shoes that you intend on having the custom made orthotics fit into. 1-4 pairs of shoe options is sufficient. Please also bring your medical referral with you if you did not have it at the time of your initial assessment.

​What are Compression Stockings?

​Compression stockings apply gradient pressure to your legs which helps fight gravity and improves circulation in your legs by acting like a pump helping push the blood back up to your heart. Compression stockings help to prevent blood clots, minimize the enlargement of leg veins, and decrease leg swelling and fatigue. They are available in various colours, styles, lengths and compression levels.

​What are Footwear Modifications?

Footwear modifications are permanent alterations made to a shoe in order to accommodate a foot/leg abnormality or improve the function of the shoe. An example of a footwear modification is the addition of an external lift to a shoe in order to accommodate a leg length difference.

What is the Return Policy?

Footwear may be returned using original method of payment within one month of purchase if the shoes are in resalable condition.  If footwear looks used or worn it can not be resold as a new shoe, and therefore not eligible for return even if within the one month period.  Manufacturers defects are an entirely different story and will be dealt with on a case by case basis.  
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There are no refunds on custom made orthotics or footwear modifications due to the custom nature of these items.  We provide follow up care for these items and our goal is for them to provide you with a decrease in the pain you came in with.  Adjustments can and will be made, if needed, as all custom products are made in house.  Our goal is to help you improve your quality of life and achieve your personal best.  If it means that we need to re-cast and re-make the orthotics for you to better address any issues you are still having then that is what we will do.

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