Personalized Orthotics Designed for the Way You Move
Your feet form the foundation for everything you do—walking, working, exercising, running, golfing, and simply getting through the day comfortably.
When foot mechanics, footwear, activity demands, or an injury contribute to ongoing discomfort, custom foot orthotics may be one part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
At Reform Health + Wellness in Red Deer, we provide custom orthotic assessments using Noolab custom orthotics and digital 3D foot scanning technology. Each orthotic prescription is based on your individual foot shape, symptoms, activity level, footwear, and clinical assessment rather than using a one-size-fits-all insert.
Our goal isn't simply to put something in your shoe. It's to determine whether an orthotic is actually appropriate for you, and if it is, design a device that complements the way you move.
What Are Custom Orthotics?
Custom orthotics are specially manufactured devices worn inside your shoes to alter how forces are distributed through the foot.
Unlike an over-the-counter insole that comes in predetermined shapes and sizes, a custom orthotic is manufactured from measurements and a three-dimensional representation of your individual feet.
Depending on your needs, an orthotic can be designed to provide:
- Support in specific areas of the foot
- Cushioning
- Pressure redistribution
- Accommodation for sensitive areas
- Changes in how load is distributed while standing or moving
- Support appropriate for a particular activity or type of footwear
Orthotics are not necessary for every person with foot, knee, or lower-limb pain. At Reform, we first assess why you're having symptoms and whether an orthotic is likely to be useful.
Why Reform Uses Noolab Custom Orthotics
We have partnered with National Orthopaedic & Orthotic Lab Inc. (Noolab) for the fabrication of our custom foot orthotics.
Noolab is a Canadian orthotic laboratory that has manufactured custom orthotics since 2002 and works with healthcare clinics across Canada.
There are several reasons we chose Noolab.
Digital 3D Foot Scanning
Noolab's technology allows us to create a three-dimensional digital scan of your feet rather than relying solely on traditional foam-box or plaster casting methods.
Their current scanning system can digitally capture the foot using compatible iPhone and iPad technology and transmit the scan and prescription directly to the laboratory.
This makes the fitting process:
- Fast
- Clean
- Detailed
- Reproducible
- Easy to integrate with a customized orthotic prescription
Custom Manufacturing
Your orthotics are not selected from a shelf.
The scan is combined with your clinical assessment and prescription so the laboratory can manufacture an orthotic specifically for you.
Noolab produces several categories of custom orthotics, including functional, athletic, dress, accommodative and diabetic devices, allowing the design to be selected according to the patient's needs and footwear.
Adjustment & Shell Warranty
Noolab currently provides a six-month adjustment warranty covering certain changes to the cast, accommodations and material refurbishment. The orthotic shell also carries a lifetime warranty against defects or breakage under normal use.
What to Expect During Your Orthotic Assessment
We start by discussing your symptoms, history, activities, footwear and goals.
Your assessment may include examination of:
- The foot and ankle
- Joint mobility
- Strength
- Foot posture
- Balance
- Walking mechanics
- Lower-extremity movement
- Areas of tenderness or irritation
We may also assess the knee, hip or other areas when they appear relevant to your symptoms.
We don't believe everyone needs orthotics.
Sometimes footwear changes, strengthening, mobility work or another treatment approach may be more appropriate.
If we believe custom orthotics could be useful, we'll explain why before moving forward.
Your feet are digitally scanned using Noolab's 3D scanning technology.
The scan creates a detailed three-dimensional representation of your feet that can be sent electronically to the orthotic laboratory.
Your practitioner selects the design and specifications appropriate for your:
- Footwear
- Symptoms
- Foot mechanics
- Activity level
- Occupation
- Sport
- Treatment goals
The prescription and digital scan are then sent to Noolab for manufacturing.
Once your orthotics arrive, we assess the fit in your footwear and provide instructions for gradually becoming accustomed to them.
Some people adapt quickly, while others benefit from gradually increasing wear time.
If something doesn't feel right, let us know. Orthotics should be monitored and adjusted when necessary rather than simply tolerated because they are "custom."
Are Custom Orthotics Covered by Insurance?
Coverage for custom orthotics varies considerably between extended health insurance plans.
Before ordering, we recommend checking your individual policy for:
- Your annual orthotics allowance
- Who is permitted to prescribe the orthotic under your plan
- Who must assess or dispense the device
- Whether a medical diagnosis or prescription is required
- Whether pre-authorization is necessary
- How often orthotics can be replaced
- Which receipts or supporting documents must be submitted
Our team can provide the appropriate documentation associated with your orthotic purchase, but insurance reimbursement is determined by your individual insurer and policy.
If you're unsure, contact your insurance company before ordering and ask specifically about custom-made foot orthotics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. A custom orthotic should be based on more than just a foot scan. We first assess your symptoms, foot and lower-limb function, activity demands and footwear to determine whether an orthotic is appropriate and what type of device may best suit your needs.
Reform uses Noolab's digital foot-scanning technology to create a three-dimensional scan of your feet. The digital scan is submitted to the laboratory along with your individualized prescription.
No. Orthotics can be used for a variety of foot and lower-extremity concerns when clinically appropriate. Their role depends on the condition, examination findings and individual patient.
Often, yes. Orthotics can be manufactured specifically for athletic footwear and activity. We will discuss the sports, exercises and shoes you plan to use them for before they are ordered.
Not necessarily. Running shoes, work boots, casual shoes and dress shoes can differ substantially in width, depth and shape. Bring examples of the footwear you use most often so we can take this into consideration.
Orthotics primarily change how forces are distributed while you are wearing them. We generally combine them with rehabilitation when strength, mobility or movement capacity also needs to be addressed.
Possibly. Coverage and documentation requirements vary by insurance plan. We recommend confirming your coverage directly with your insurer before your orthotics are ordered.
Custom Orthotics in Red Deer
If foot pain, plantar fasciitis, recurring lower-limb discomfort or your activity demands have you wondering whether custom orthotics could help, start with an assessment.
At Reform Health + Wellness in Red Deer, we'll assess your feet, movement, footwear and goals before deciding whether orthotics are appropriate.
When they are indicated, we use Noolab custom orthotics and digital 3D foot scanning to create a device individualized to you.
Move Better. Feel Better. Live Better.
Book online or contact Reform Health + Wellness to get started.
