Prescription Orthotics
Prescription foot orthotics are custom made inserts for your shoes designed to address various foot and lower body conditions. The manufacturing and materials used vary based on patient needs, activities and health factors (see Types of Foot Orthotics). Orthotics are often prescribed to accommodate various "wear and tear" foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis(heel spurs), metatarsalgia and soft tissue degeneration. Foot orthotics can also assist in the care of lower body conditions like back pain, diabetic ulcers and knee problems.

It is important to remember, foot orthotics are one aspect of a treatment program and do not replace other forms of therapy. We urge you to follow all recommendations from your other health professionals.

Footwear & Orthotics
Proper footwear is the most important partner for foot orthotics. Orthotics need a strong, stable supportive base; avoid poorly constructed, non-supportive footwear. We recommend to purchase footwear from a salesperson who is experienced in fitting orthotic users.

How does an orthotic help?
An orthotic is a custom made device that controls the amount of excessive pronation and supination that a foot goes through when walking, running or cycling. All people naturally pronate and supinate but excessive movement either way can be problematic. Pronation control shoes or shoes with stabilizing features help to control wearing of the shoe while orthotics help to control the stabilizing and mechanics of the body.

What is pronation and supination?
In simple term pronation is the flattening out of the arch when the foot strikes the ground. Normally, the foot will pronate to absorb shock when the heel hits the ground, and to assist in balance during mid-stance.

Supination is the opposite motion of pronation. It allows the foot to be a more stable, rigid structure for when we push off on our next step. The foot naturally supinates during the toe-off stage (when the heel first lift off the ground until the end of the step) to provide more leverage and to help ‘roll’ off the toes.
For more information, follow the links to Pronation & Supination

Use & Care of Orthotics

Please Note: These are the policies of Steenwyk Custom Shoes & Orthotics and
do not necessarily reflect the practices of other vendors.

Breaking in your New Orthotics
It may take a couple weeks for you to feel fully comfortable wearing orthotics. Some people are immediately comfortable wearing them, while others need more time to adjust. Generally, the body does not adapt to change rapidly, and you may experience mild aches or fatigue when you first begin to wear orthotics.

Wear the orthotics as long as they are comfortable. If they bother your feet, TAKE THEM OUT, and try them again a few hours later. Increase wear time as they become more comfortable. During the first week, do not wear your orthotics while playing sport, during workouts or other strenuous physical activity in the first week of use. After two weeks, you should be completely comfortable wearing orthotics for all activities. If you are not comfortable, call our office for a follow-up or adjustment appointment. Adjustments to new orthotics are no charge for three months. Normal wear and tear is the responsibility of the owner. The life expectancy of foot orthotics 2-5 years depending on type of orthotic, maintenance, body weight and activity level.

Orthotic Adjustments
Since orthotics are manufactured in your absence, they may need some fine tuning to maximize their effectiveness. There are no additional charges for adjustments to new orthotics (3 months).

Care for your Orthotics
Orthotics can be washed with mild soap and warm water, and air dried.
Keep away from high heat sources (e.g. space or base board heaters, dryers, fireplaces etc.)
Do not machine wash or use harsh chemicals (bleach)

Orthotics Repairs
Orthotic repairs vary depending on the type of orthoses you have received.
Rigid: Under normal circumstances, the rigid shells and plastic parts should not need repair.
Semi-Rigid/Soft: The orthotics will wear at a varying rate depending on activity levels and body weight
Components: Top covers, extensions, heel posts, etc. will wear out at a varying rate . These can be replace quickly, and at a reasonable cost.
To maximize the effective life of your orthotics, we advise that you return them to us between 18 to 24 months for inspection and necessary repair.

Our Guarantee
We extend a 12-month guarantee against breakage on polypropylene (rigid) shells. Rigid or semi-rigid shells of other material are guaranteed against breakage for 6 months. In the event of breakage, the orthotics will be replaced without charge.

We make no guarantee as to the desired therapeutic effects of foot orthotics. However, we do guarantee that our orthotics will perform as prescribed and can be worn comfortably. We will make any necessary adjustment or a total remake at no charge within the first 3 months.

Please Note: These are the policies of Steenwyk Custom Shoes & Orthotics and
do not necessarily reflect the practices of other vendors.