FAQs

Custom foot orthotics are medical devices designed specifically for your feet to improve alignment, reduce strain, and relieve pain. Unlike off-the-shelf insoles, custom foot orthotics are designed and fabricated after a full biomechanical assessment and are made based on your foot structure, gait, and specific symptoms.

At Kelowna Premium Orthotics, each pair is tailored to your needs, activity level, and footwear.

Over-the-counter insoles are mass produced and designed for general comfort. Custom foot orthotics are built from a 3D volumetric cast and are specifically for your feet and address the root cause of pain, not just cushioning. Custom foot orthotics can help manage abnormal mechanics, reduce stress on joints, and provide long-term relief for conditions that generic insoles often cannot. OTC insoles last approximately 6 months to 1 year while custom foot orthotics can last 1-5 years depending on the type of device and usage. 

Yes. Custom foot orthotics are widely used to help manage foot, knee, hip, and lower back pain by improving how forces move through the body. Many patients experience reduced pain, improved comfort, and better function during daily activities, work, and sports. Effectiveness depends on proper assessment, design, and follow-up — all of which we prioritize at Kelowna Premium Orthotics. 

Custom foot orthotics may help with:

• Plantar fasciitis and heel pain

• Flat feet or high arches

• Bunions and forefoot pain

• Achilles tendon pain

• Shin splints

• Knee, hip, and lower back pain

• Arthritis

• Diabetic foot pressure concerns

If you’re unsure whether orthotics are appropriate for your condition, an assessment can help determine the best approach.

Your assessment includes:

• A full health and symptom history

• Foot and lower-limb examination

• Gait and movement analysis

• Foot scanning or casting (depending on your needs)

• Discussion of footwear and activity demands

The total time typically takes 50-60 minutes

No referral is required. You can book an appointment directly with our clinic. If your extended health benefits require a referral for coverage, we recommend checking with your insurance provider beforehand.

Kelowna Premium Orthotics prides itself in being one of the fastest labs in the Okanagan to dispense custom foot orthotics. All custom foot orthotics are fabircated by Sam in Kelowna. After your assessment, custom foot orthotics are ready in 2 business days or in as little as 24 hours. A custom foot orthotic fitting appointment will be booked to ensure proper fit in footwear. 

It’s normal to experience a short adjustment period. Most patients are advised to gradually increase wear time over 1–2 weeks. Mild muscle fatigue or awareness is common early on and usually resolves as your body adapts.

If discomfort persists, we encourage follow-up adjustments.

We recommend starting with 1–2 hours per day and gradually increasing wear time. Most patients eventually wear their custom foot orthotics during most daily activities.

Specific recommendations may vary depending on your condition and lifestyle.

In many cases, yes as long as the shoes are similar in style and depth. Some patients benefit from multiple pairs designed for different footwear such as runners, dress shoes, or work boots. Custom Foot Orthtoics can be deisgn for any type of footwear!

This will discussed this during your assessment.

Absolutely. Custom orthotics can be designed specifically for running, walking, gym training, or sports. If you’re an athlete or highly active, we factor performance and footwear into your orthotic design.

It depends. Accommodative custom foot orthotics last 1-3 years while functional custom foot orthotics can last 3-5 years. Factors like activity level, body weight, footwear, and care can also impact the lifespan of the device. Over time, materials can wear down and your biomechanics may change, so periodic reassessment is recommended. Devices can be refurbished when soft components breakdown to ensure its continued comfort and effectiveness. 

No. Custom orthotics do not weaken your feet. They control excessive movement and support proper alignment to reduce excessive strain while allowing muscles to function normally. 

Custom Foot Orthotics are often used alongside strengthening, mobility, and footwear advice for best long-term outcomes.

Not necessarily. Some patients choose to continue wearing orthotics because they feel better and move more comfortably. Others may reduce use over time depending on their condition, activity level, and goals.

We take an individualized approach and reassess as needed.

Many patients find that custom foot orthotics significantly improve comfort, reduce pain, and enhance quality of life — especially when pain affects work, activity, and daily tasks. 

Our goal is to provide honest recommendations and ensure custom foot orthotics are the right solution for you.

Diabetes can damage nerves and reduce circulation in the feet. This combination can lead to reduced sensation and slower healing, increasing the risk of injuries, infections, and ulcers.

People with diabetes should inspect their feet daily at home and have professional foot evaluations annually especially if they have neuropathy, circulation issues, or a history of foot injuries.

Yes. Custom orthotics can help redistribute pressure across the foot, reduce friction, and support proper alignment while walking. This can lower the risk of pressure-related injuries and ulcers.

Signs to watch for include numbness, tingling, burning sensations, persistent calluses, swelling, redness, or wounds that take a long time to heal.

If any of these symptoms occur, it is important to seek professional evaluation.

Orthopaedic footwear with good cushioning, a wide toe box, extra depth, and minimal internal seams are ideal. Properly fitted footwear that work with orthotics can help reduce pressure and friction on the feet. A soft upper mesh and toe rocker are also important footwear features to look for.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe when the joint becomes misaligned and the big toe shifts toward the second toe.

Bunions often develop due to genetics, foot structure, abnormal walking patterns, or long-term pressure on the big toe joint. Certain footwear can worsen symptoms but usually isn’t the sole cause.

Yes, bunions can run in families. Many people inherit foot structures, such as flat feet or joint instability, that make them more likely to develop bunions.

In many cases, bunions gradually worsen if the underlying foot mechanics are not addressed. Early treatment can help slow progression and reduce symptoms.

Bunions do not disappear on their own. However, conservative treatments like supportive footwear, custom foot orthotics, and activity modifications can significantly reduce pain and discomfort. A disscuion with you surgeon would provide insight if you would be a surgical or non-sirgical candidate. 

Custom foot orthotics can help by improving foot alignment and reducing pressure on the big toe joint, which may relieve pain and slow the progression of the bunion.

Shoes with a wide toe box, good arch support, and soft uppers are typically best for people with bunions. Narrow or pointed shoes can increase pressure on the joint.

Yes. Bunions can sometimes lead to issues such as calluses, hammertoes, joint stiffness, and altered walking patterns that may affect other parts of the foot and lower body.

While bunions cannot be permanently corrected without surgery, many non-surgical treatments can significantly reduce pain and slow their progression. Rocker sole footwear, custom foot orthotics, toe spacers and activity modifications can help relieve pressure on the joint and improve overall foot function.