Orthotics in Calgary

person putting an orthotic into their shoe Foot mechanics shape how the rest of the body moves. When arches drop, weight shifts, or steps land unevenly, those small changes can ripple upward, affecting knees, hips, and even the spine. Custom orthotics are designed to address those everyday mechanics, not just for athletes or people in pain, but for anyone who spends long hours on their feet, sits too much, or simply wants better alignment while moving through the day.

Orthotics offered through Memorial Drive Chiropractic and Massage are created using detailed gait analysis and volumetric foot impressions, not off-the-shelf inserts. The goal is a device that fits your feet, your shoes, and your daily routines, whether that includes walking the Bow River pathway, standing on concrete floors, or training for weekend sports.

Why Custom Orthotics Are Different

Drugstore inserts are built for averages. Real feet are anything but average. Arch height, heel strike, toe-off, and even how your knees rotate all play a role in how pressure moves through your body.

Custom orthotics are shaped from detailed measurements of your feet in motion and under load. This allows the orthotic to respond to how you actually walk, not how a generic model assumes you do. Some people use orthotics to support changes in how evenly they stand, how their shoes wear, and how fatigue builds during the day, sometimes before any discomfort is obvious.

Conditions That Orthotics Can Address

Before jumping straight to orthotics, it’s essential to first address any underlying issues with your spine, muscles, and joints through chiropractic care. Your body is a complex system, and ensuring that your muscles and spine are functioning optimally is the first step toward lasting relief. Common foot conditions these custom inserts can address include plantar fasciitis, flat feet, high arches, heel spurs, bunions, and Achilles tendinitis.

What the Orthotics Process Looks Like

The process is thorough but straightforward. Each step is designed to gather clear information so the orthotic is tailored to you, not guessed.

Initial Conversation and Foot Review: Shoes and socks come off, and the feet are examined for calluses, arch shape, wear patterns, and alignment. Questions cover footwear, work demands, sports, and daily movement habits.

Biomechanical and Postural Assessment: Simple orthopedic and weight-bearing tests help identify how the feet interact with the knees, hips, and spine while standing.
GaitScan™ Analysis: Walking across the GaitScan platform captures real-time pressure patterns as your feet strike and leave the ground. This shows how weight shifts step by step.
Volumetric Foot Impression: A laser-based or casting method creates a precise three-dimensional model of each foot, which can support common insurer documentation requests
Design and Manufacturing: All data is sent to a Canadian orthotics lab, where the devices are crafted to match your measurements, footwear needs, and activity level.
Fitting and Adjustment Visit: Once the orthotics arrive, fit is checked, walking is reassessed, and break-in guidance is reviewed. Minor refinements can be made if needed.

Getting Used to Orthotics

Most people ease into orthotics over a few weeks. Wearing them for short periods at first gives your body time to adapt to a change in support and loading patterns. You may notice mild muscle or joint awareness early on, which often settles as you get used to them. Guidance is provided, so the transition feels manageable.

Care for Kids, Adults, and Everyday Movers

Orthotics aren’t only for runners. Children, teens, working professionals, and retirees may consider orthotics when they want more consistent support in shoes, especially during growth phases, long workdays on hard floors, or higher activity periods.

Meet Dr. Ryan Wagemakers, Chiropractor

Dr. Wagemakers has completed additional training with orthotics providers, including Footmaxx and The Orthotic Group, with hands-on instruction in gait analysis, equipment use, and measurement methods. This supports a whole-body view of movement when recommending orthotics, including how the feet, knees, hips, and spine may work together.

Insurance Coverage and Cost Questions

Orthotics often raise practical questions. Clear answers help set expectations early.
Does insurance cover orthotics?

Many extended health plans include orthotics coverage, usually with a set dollar limit. Some insurers require a medical doctor’s note before reimbursement.

Can orthotics be direct billed?

The biomechanical exam may be eligible for direct billing if you are a chiropractic patient. The orthotic device itself is typically paid upfront and submitted for reimbursement.

What paperwork is provided?

Patients receive documentation, including the biomechanical assessment, proof of manufacturing, and confirmation of volumetric measurement, all commonly requested by insurers.

How long do orthotics last?

Most pairs last two to four years, depending on activity level, footwear, and body weight. Children may need replacements sooner as their feet grow.

Can I order more than one pair?

Yes. Orthotics can be designed for various shoes, including work boots, running shoes, dress shoes, and skates. A reduced rate may apply for a second pair ordered at the same time.

Ready to Explore Custom Orthotics?

Better movement starts at ground level. A clear assessment can reveal patterns you may not notice on your own and help determine whether orthotics are a good fit for your needs. Book an orthotics assessment today and take the next step toward steadier movement.

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