FAQs
In children, orthotics can resolve some problems; however, since adult bones are already formed they are generally used for alleviating pain, as well as preventing further damage.
Most foot disorders are caused by poor quality or ill-fitting shoes. Properly fitted, quality shoes can go a long way in providing the required comfort and protection while minimizing damage to the feet. If you have problems with your feet, always seek the advice of a chiropodist.
It totally depends on your insurance provider as some insurance companies allow clinics to bill them directly for certain products and services. In these circumstances, patients don’t pay to the clinic and we get paid by insurance companies directly. In all other cases where an assignment of benefit is not allowed, you need to pay upfront.
For children, orthotics may be required for a short period to ensure proper bone growth and muscle formation. Yet, like prescription glasses, many adults may need to wear orthotics over the course of their lifetime in order to receive the benefits of treatment.
Just like seeing a General Physician anyone can make an appointment at Bramalea Orthopedics. However, there are very few plans that require a physician’s referral to see a chiropodist for them to process your claim for chiropody visit. Please check with your insurance provider to confirm requirements.
Yes, we do offer a full range of Orthopedic & Comfort shoes and sandals for men, women and kids.
Some insurance plans will cover shoes. It is helpful to check with your insurance provider to see if you have coverage for shoes before coming into the clinic. We can then help you find the best pair for you
Bramalea Orthopedics has onsite sterilization and guarantees sterility of all instruments used for treatments, providing aseptic techniques, ensuring delivery of a high clinical standard.
It usually takes from 1 to 2 weeks to get custom made orthotics.
Most heel spurs can be treated with orthotics.
Diabetes can adversely affect the nerves and the blood supply to the feet. You may not be able to feel things as well as you used to and sores may not heal as quickly. As a result, simple steps can help avoid complications of diabetes; avoiding open-toed shoes, getting into hot baths without checking the temperature, having regular check-ups with your podiatrist, and not walking around barefoot, are just some of the recommendations we make to avoid diabetic-related foot problems.
Yes, most of our products and services are covered through ODSP. However, a physician’s referral and pre-approval are required. So we strongly suggest you contact one of our locations prior to booking an appointment as each ODSP clients’ coverage is different.
No, this service is not covered under OHIP and payment would be due at the time of the appointment. Most extended health insurance plans cover the fees associated with chiropody services and custom orthotics/orthopedic footwear
Podiatrists/Chiropodists are university-qualified health professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention of medical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs. Through a detailed and comprehensive consultation, a podiatrist will determine the nature of your problem and then design a treatment program suited to your needs. The treatment program may involve a single visit, an exercise program or liaison with your doctor or specialized treatments
Compression stockings are specialized hosiery designed to help prevent the occurrence of and guard against further progression of venous disorders such as edema, phlebitis and thrombosis. Compression stockings are elastic garments worn around the leg, compressing the limb, exerting pressure against the legs, reducing the diameter of distended veins, and causing an increase in venous blood flow velocity and valve effectiveness.
Foot deformities may require re-alignment which is best attained by using specialized devices in the shoes known as Orthotic devices. These prescription devices are made using laser scanners by taking impressions of your feet. We ensure a meticulous workup to accurately evaluate your foot type, gait, level of activity and even footwear used to arrive at customized solutions.
In Ontario, chiropodists/podiatrists are the only regulated primary health care professionals that are able to prescribe, manufacture and dispense foot orthotics
Chiropody is a branch of the medical sciences that involves the assessment and management of foot and lower limb disorders: this includes the management of a wide variety of disorders, injuries and local manifestations of systemic conditions.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is the use of electric current produced by a device to stimulate the nerves for therapeutic purposes. TENS by definition covers the complete range of transcutaneously applied currents used for nerve excitation although the term is often used with a more restrictive intent, namely to describe the kind of pulses produced by portable stimulators used to treat pain. The unit is usually connected to the skin using two or more electrodes. A typical battery-operated TENS unit is able to modulate pulse width, frequency and intensity.
In terms of insurance benefits, the terms Podiatrist and Chiropodist mean the same and both are eligible for insurance coverage.
In Ontario, Chiropodists and Podiatrists are both regulated by the College of Chiropodists of Ontario to practice foot care. Both practitioners have the same regulated scope of practise in Ontario (defined by the Chiropody Act). The difference in the usage of the terms arises from where they obtained their education. In Ontario, Chiropody is used for the profession (similar to the U.K) as opposed to Podiatry which is used in the U.S. Both professionals undergo extensive theoretical and clinical education prior to registration with the College of Chiropodists (a minimum of 7-8 years of higher education).
The general rule is to buy shoes that have laces, a firm heel area, and flexibility in the ball area.
Coverage varies from plan to plan in terms of the benefit year, maximum amount/ pair covered, % of the amount covered, deductibles, etc. It’s always better to check your coverage before using it.
You would need to carry all your relevant medication prescriptions as well as the shoes you usually wear. Please ensure that you wear clothes that are comfortable and allow ease of examination of the foot, ankle and the knees
Corns are often caused by tight-fitting footwear. Therefore, do not wear tight shoes, or have the shoes stretched out in the area causing the corn. You should also see a chiropodist to have the corn removed and the affected area appropriately padded.
We can help you in checking your coverage. For certain insurance companies, we need your policy number and id/ certificate number to check your coverage and these companies will tell us. For some insurance companies, they will tell only either to you or to us with your consent. Please call us to check if your insurance company need patient consent or not, to disclose your coverage to us.
We will submit the claim on your behalf in cases where we bill directly to insurance companies on your behalf. In the case where we charge you then we will give you all the documentation and you submit the claim to the insurance company.
Like many health professions, your medical history is useful in ensuring proper treatment.
Most cracked heels are caused by wearing backless shoes, walking barefoot, as well as excessive pressure on the foot.
As prescription eyeglasses, custom-made orthotics is not mass-produced, but specifically designed to suit the needs of each individual. This contributes to the overall price per unit in fabricating custom orthotics. Custom-made insoles are specially designed to correct structural problems or to maximize your comfort. Buying insoles from a drug or a shoe store is generally not recommended, as not all feet are alike, and may not solve the underlying condition.