Clinics in Brampton and Peterborough

Have a question about orthotics, or what to expect when visiting our clinics? Please see our FAQ below, or feel free to contact us!

Orthotics are medical inserts that fit snugly in your shoe, and are custom-made to the contours of your feet. They correct biomechanical abnormalities by redistributing weight and correcting gait patterns. They also help relieve lower body pain, allowing you to once again enjoy an active lifestyle.

You should have a prescription from your physician or specialist. Orthotics are medical devices that should be used under the direction of a health professional. If you are experiencing lower body pain, talk to your doctor first to see if orthotics would be the best solution for you.

If you haven’t seen your doctor and don’t have a prescription, you can still call our office to arrange for a consultation.

Our Canadian-made orthotics usually take 1 – 3 weeks to manufacture and ship to our clinics.

You should bring your prescription from your physician, as well as your insurance information if you have extended health insurance. It’s a good idea to also bring shorts or pants you can roll up above your knee and any shoes you have questions about.

At Stride Orthotics & Rehab, the initial consultation, assessment, fittings, and follow-up appointments are all free.

Our two clinics are located in Peterborough and Brampton. Please see the bottom of this page for address and contact information.

In the beginning, especially for first time orthotic users, we recommend gradually increasing the length of time you are in the orthotics each day to allow your body time to adjust to walking differently. Everyone adapts to change differently and it is not uncommon to experience some discomfort in your feet, ankles, knees, or back as your body adapts to the orthotics. Once the body has adapted, you should be able to wear your orthotics comfortably and start to notice improvements. At the time of the orthotic fitting we will discuss in more detail the break in period, and expectations.

Shoes come in all different shapes, widths, and toe box sizes. There are a variety of orthotic styles to allow for use in range of footwear, like casual shoes, runners, fashion shoes, work boots, cleats, hiking boots, skates, etc. With such a range in footwear and activities, one orthotic may not fit into all of your shoes. Some patients will consider more than one pair (different styles) of orthotic to allow for better fit and function.

If you spend a lot of time in a sandal, we recommend purchasing sandals with a removable foot bed. We can send the sandal or the footbed to the lab to have a custom orthotic footbed/inlay made.

People respond differently to orthotics. It all depends on your body type, diagnosis, and other factors. You may see results right away, or it might take a few weeks or months. We’ll monitor your progress during your follow-up appointments and address any of your concerns.

Orthotics work while you’re wearing them. If you stop using them, you will go back to walking the way you did before wearing the orthotics. Correcting abnormal foot function can be very helpful in not only addressing your current issue, but also help prevent future problems in your ankles, knees, hips, and back that may be related to improper foot function. We recommend continuing to wear the orthotics on a regular basis.

Children can be treated with orthotics as young as 2 years old, but only at the direction of your child’s paediatrician or family doctor. Seek out medical advice if your child complains of pain in their foot, ankle, legs or knees, trips or falls a lot, has an awkward gait or significant lower body misalignment, in-toes or out-toes or you feel your child’s shoes have abnormal wear patterns. Their bodies change a lot over time so it is important that they are seen for regular follow up.

Orthotics can make a significant difference for seniors. Orthotics help realign your lower body to reduce strain on the joints and muscles. This helps reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain which can allow seniors to get back to a more active lifestyle. Even with existing conditions such as osteoarthritis, hammer toes, or bunions, orthotics can support and reduce strain on the joints to help alleviate the pain and slow down further development due to improper foot mechanics.

This depends on your age, body type and level of activity. On average, orthotics usually need to be replaced every 2 – 3 years. It is important to have your orthotics checked each year for wear and tear and to see if you need an update as there may be changes in your health.

OHIP does not cover orthotics, however, if you have a healthcare plan you may be eligible for full or partial coverage. Coverage with extended healthcare plans is policy specific, so it’s important to check with your insurance provider about coverage amount and the claims process before coming into the clinic so you can move forward with confidence. Consultations, assessments, fittings, and follow-up appointments are free of charge at Stride Orthotics & Rehab!

Orthotics can help control your foot function, which helps your feet, legs, and torso work better together to increase your agility and balance while helping to prevent injury.

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