Custom Orthotics | Collingwood Orthodics

Are your feet crying out for relief after a long workday? Perhaps you've tried over-the-counter insoles only to find they're not entirely cutting it. At Abbott Foot & Ankle Clinic in Collingwood, we understand how debilitating foot pain can be—whether you're on a job site all day or pursuing your passion for golf in retirement.

As Collingwood's exclusive provider of Cryos custom orthotics and CryoVizion body scanning technology, we offer something truly unique: the ability to create precisely fitted orthotics and track and verify their effectiveness over time. Think of it as a performance chart for your feet, showing exactly how our care is making a difference in your daily life.

What Are Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics are prescription medical devices designed to align your feet and ankles in an optimal position. Unlike over-the-counter insoles, these devices are crafted specifically for your feet using precise measurements and an understanding of your unique biomechanics. At Abbott Foot & Ankle Clinic, we utilize advanced 3D printing technology to create orthotics that offer superior durability and fit.

Types of Custom Orthotics

There are three types of custom orthotics. 

Rigid Orthotics

  • Control and support. These full-length devices are crafted from firm materials like carbon fiber or polypropylene. They work best in closed-toe footwear with a heel counter and are ideal for controlling foot motion and improving walking patterns.
  • Professional requirements. We may recommend rigid orthotics for trades workers who need reliable support throughout long workdays in steel-toed boots.

Soft Orthotics

  • Cushioning and protection. These devices are made from soft, compressible materials, providing enhanced shock absorption and pressure distribution. They're particularly beneficial for diabetic feet, arthritic conditions, and age-related foot changes.
  • Comfort focus. These orthotics work well in athletic footwear and can be designed to help with balance and stability while reducing pressure on sensitive areas.

Semi-Rigid Orthotics

  • Dynamic support. Combining rigid structural elements with softer cushioning materials, these orthotics provide an excellent balance of control and comfort. They're particularly valuable for sports enthusiasts and active individuals.
  • Versatile use. Semi-rigid orthotics can be worn in various shoe types. They are especially popular among golfers who need both stability for their swing and comfort for walking the course.

Common Signs You May Need Custom Orthotics

Have you noticed that you must take a golf cart because you can’t walk the back nine anymore? Are you sending the younger folks up the ladder on the job site because you can’t take the pressure on your feet? Are you feeling a little unbalanced, as if your ankles are weakening? You may be a candidate for orthotics. Some common signs include:  

  • Chronic foot pain. You experience persistent discomfort in the arches, heels, or balls of your feet, especially after standing or walking for extended periods.
  • Uneven shoe wear. Your shoes show wear patterns that suggest abnormal pressure points or gait issues.
  • Recurring sports injuries. You suffer frequent ankle sprains, shin splints, or knee pain that may be related to foot mechanics.
  • Work-related discomfort. You have increasing foot fatigue or pain during or after long shifts on your feet.

Pediatric Orthotics

Children with flat feet, toe-walking habits, or other developmental foot concerns can benefit significantly from early intervention with custom orthotics. Our scanning technology makes it easy to track changes as young feet grow and develop, allowing us to adjust treatment accordingly.

Orthotics for Trades Workers

If you spend long hours on your feet at construction sites, manufacturing facilities, or other demanding work environments, custom orthotics can help prevent fatigue and injury. Our 3D-printed devices withstand the rigors of daily wear in work boots while providing consistent support throughout your shift.

Orthotics for Athletes

Whether you're a weekend warrior or a competitive athlete, custom orthotics can enhance your performance and help prevent sports-related injuries. We create specialized devices for various activities, from running and golf to hockey and skiing.

Orthotics for Active Seniors

Stay engaged in the activities you love with orthotics designed for mature feet. Our devices can help address age-related changes while providing the stability and comfort needed for an active retirement lifestyle.

Conditions That May Warrant Custom Orthotics

The Abbott Advantage: Advanced Technology for Better Results

At Abbott Foot & Ankle Clinic, we've invested in the complete Cryos system—making us the only practice in the Collingwood area to offer 3D-printed custom orthotics and CryoVizion body scanning technology.

CryoVizion Body Scanning: Beyond Basic Foot Mapping

Our CryoVizion scanning system takes custom orthotic fitting to the next level. Unlike traditional methods that only examine your feet, this technology, this system:

  • Analyzes full body alignment. The system captures detailed information about your posture and body mechanics from head to toe.
  • Provides visual documentation. You can see precisely how foot issues affect your entire body's alignment.
  • Enables progress tracking. Regular scans show measurable improvements in your posture and alignment over time.
  • Verifies orthotic effectiveness. Follow-up scans confirm that your orthotics are delivering the intended results.

3D-Printed Cryos Orthotics: Superior by Design

The Cryos system uses advanced 3D printing technology to create orthotics that offer several advantages over traditional devices:

  • Precise thickness control. Each orthotic is printed to exact specifications, ensuring optimal support where you need it most.
  • Enhanced durability. The materials and manufacturing process results in orthotics that maintain their effectiveness longer than conventional options.
  • Perfect fit every time. Digital precision means your orthotics match your foot contours exactly, providing superior comfort from day one.
  • Consistent quality. Unlike hand-crafted orthotics, our 3D-printed devices deliver the same high quality with every pair.

Measuring Success: The Six-Month Advantage

What truly sets our Cryos system apart is the ability to verify results. After six months of wear, we can:

  • Perform comparison scans to see exactly how your body alignment has improved.
  • Track changes in your posture and gait patterns.
  • Fine-tune your orthotics based on objective data.
  • Develop strategies for maintaining your improved alignment.

Chiropodist Tony Abbott maintains regular contact with Cryos lab specialists, ensuring our patients benefit from the latest developments in orthotic technology. This close relationship allows us to provide custom solutions that precisely match each patient's needs, whether you're a trades worker needing durable support for long workdays or an active senior looking to maintain your golf game.

Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Orthotics

  1. How long does it take to adjust to custom orthotics? Most patients adapt within 1-2 weeks, though some may need up to a month for total adjustment.
  2. Can I transfer my orthotics between shoes? Yes, though we recommend having multiple pairs if you frequently switch between very different shoe types.
  3. Do I need to do anything special to care for them? You should remove them from your shoes at night so they can dry. You can wipe them with a slightly damp cloth as needed.
  4. How often should I have my orthotics evaluated? We recommend checks every 6-12 months to ensure optimal function and fit.
  5. How can I tell if I need new orthotics? If you notice any significant wear or tear or your symptoms or pain return, you may need new orthotics. You should also be refitted if you gain or lose significant weight or if your activity level has changed dramatically.
  6. Will I need to wear orthotics forever? It depends on your specific condition. Some patients may eventually transition away from orthotics, while others benefit from long-term use.

Schedule a Consultation with a Collingwood Chiropodist Today

Don't let pain or discomfort hold you back from enjoying life. Call Abbott Foot & Ankle Clinic in Collingwood at (705) 444-9929, or contact us online to schedule your comprehensive assessment with an experienced chiropodist. With our advanced technology and experienced care, we can help you take the first step into a pain-free future. Proudly serving Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Owen Sound, Stayner, Meaford, Thornbury, Creemore, Barrie, and all surrounding areas.