Insoles - Cost of Orthotics

[George Wallace]

Also....Don't forget that they wear out after one or two years.

 

[Haggis]

Also....Don't forget that they wear out after one or two years.

Under the CF Health Services "Spectrum of Care" you can have your CF supplied orthotics replaced every two years.  (I was in for mine on Tuesday.)

An interesting note:  Dr Petit, the foot specialist at NDMC, passed away last year.  Now all orthotic assessments and prescriptions are provided by a clinic downtown (the name escapes me and the brochure is out in my truck).  I'll post an AAR of that process sometime in the next two weeks unless, for some bizarre and arcane reason, this thread gets locked.

 

[RHFC_piper]

Under the CF Health Services "Spectrum of Care" you can have your CF supplied orthotics replaced every two years.  (I was in for mine on Tuesday.)

An interesting note:  Dr Petit, the foot specialist at NDMC, passed away last year.  Now all orthotic assessments and prescriptions are provided by a clinic downtown (the name escapes me and the brochure is out in my truck).  I'll post an AAR of that process sometime in the next two weeks unless, for some bizarre and arcane reason, this thread gets locked.

I don't see any reason for this thread to be locked...  I couldn't find any other threads on Orthotics in the CF. But maybe I didn't look hard enough.

Anyway, I'm interested to read your AAR on the Process on your end... 'cause for me, I just visit the folks and hop on the Digitizer, step in some casting boxes and a get new orthotics the next time I visit. 
And I've had fellow members from my unit go to EAPOD to see my folks and had no problem claiming the Orthosis through the CF.


One other question comes to mind, though; Does the CF still have a "shoe allowance"?  I remember reading somewhere that all CF members, Reg and Res, could claim a certain amount every few years to replace shoes... I've always gotten my shoes the same way I get my orthotics, so I've never pursued the issue...  any insight into this?

Either way, George and Haggis are both 100% right;  Replace your shoes at least every 2 years (depending on wear) and have adjustments to your orthotics made often.  Orthosis are meant to help correct a problem with your posture and/or gait, and like braces for your teeth, they have to be adjusted and/or repaired every once in a while to have the best effect... otherwise, you'll end up flattening them out and then their useless. 
As for shoes; with time, the arches collapse and wear, the heal will wear down causing your foot to roll, which can cause your foot to pronate which will twist and damage your knee... and it all goes up from there (hip, spine, etc).  As the ankle support wears out, you can cause more damage to your ankle and knee from rolling.  So it is very important to have good shoes with good support.

 

 

[Command-Sense-Act 105]

x

 

[Haggis]

Haggis,

The prime contractor now is Ottawa Orthotic Lab, the proprietor, Matthew, is a runner himself and is very conscientious, as are all his staff.  
http://www.ottawaorthoticlab.com/index.php/home

CSA105, ACK.  I went out to the truck between posts and retrieved the brochure.  That being said, I'm looking forward to visiting these folks.

I don't see any reason for this thread to be locked... 

You never know when someone's gonna post about the 'stealth' orthotics they were issued during "JTF2NINJASNIPERCSORWANNABE" training and how they were able to win the Boston Marathon using them but,hey they can't really talk about that because they weren't listed in the winner's results as they weren't "really there", y'know.

(note to self:  dont' post while drinking)

 

[RHFC_piper]

You never know when someone's gonna post about the 'stealth' orthotics they were issued during "JTF2NINJASNIPERCSORWANNABE" training and how they were able to win the Boston Marathon using them but,hey they can't really talk about that because they weren't listed in the winner's results as they weren't "really there", y'know.

shhh....  OpSec.  Jeez..  You're going to blow his cover.  When he's ready, the Uberninja comando operator will make his ultra-post ("Ultra" 'cause they're way more important than a mere mortals post) about that particular marathon run, which saved humanity from a fate which can't be discussed due to it's ultra-super secrecy, for which he won a Mega-VC which, due to it's sheer awesomeness, has only been conferred upon one other, posthumously, shortly after his crucifixion.  But until that time, what we know about the Stealth Orthosis is purely hearsay and speculation... which is just wrong.

(I know... I always take things one step to far...) 

(note to self:  dont' post while drinking)

Or when very very tired...

 

[TikiTak]

I was born with flat feet. After BMQ, my feet are a bit deformed.

I heard that I can get reinbursed for custom insoles. Is that true? How many years of service is required and what is the limit?

*I can't find the answer on the benifit page.

 

[George Wallace]

I was born with flat feet. After BMQ, my feet are a bit deformed.

I heard that I can get reinbursed for custom insoles. Is that true? How many years of service is required and what is the limit?

*I can't find the answer on the benifit page.

Time that you looked up how to use the SEARCH FUNCTION.

As a member of the Regular Force (or a reservist on Class C service or Class B service over 180 days) you are entitled to 2 pairs of orthotic insoles every 18 months from the CF Health Services. Provided you have a medical condition that causes you gait to vary from the normal 5 degrees of pronation. High arches (as well as low arches and flat feet) is one of these conditions. If you are experiencing pain in your feet, you may want to go see a Medical Officer who can give you a referral to a foot specialist.

[EDIT to ADD:  It has been brought to my attention that the above post is a little dated.  I have merged some more up to date info into this Topic.  The best bet, is to inquire of the Professionals whose job it is to handle such matters at your Unit for the most up to date requirements or restrictions.]

 

[R.O.S]

Just to tell you all about an alternative to proffessional orthotics. In Marks Work Wearhouse you can purchase Sole remoldable insoles. These have a very high arch, and mold to your feet (technically classified as orthodics and not insoles by the company). The mold to your feet in two ways, either you put them in the oven for two minutes at a specified temp. and step on them and the mold towards your feet or you wear them for a month and gain the smae results. It is better to wear them for a month as the insole will mold towards the more common foot position that you have rather then the postion you are standing on for a moment.

These insoles are 40 bucks plus tax, which is pricier then other insoles..... but then the guarantee is what is best. In 90 days if you jut dont think they were worth the money you can return them for a full refund at Marks. Also if you find that the arch is getting weak or that there are any quality problems, just return them to Marks for an exchange.

I have orthodics and 5 pairs of the Soles offered at Marks and 2 leather ones specially ordered from the company. They are great, and very comfortable. Great for if you have lower back pains and posture problems.... Just remember that if you are not used such a high arch your arch in your foot will hurt, if this happens take a day off from the Soles... remember 90 day guarantee so dont get discouraged first few days. As for flat feet individuals, I dont know whether such a high arch is healty... so find this out before wearing these soles.

Hope this helps people looking for a comfotable and cheaper solution to orthodics.

 

[Haggis]

GW:  For some bizarre reason I can't respond to your PM from work, but thanks.

CSA105:  I just got back from the Ottawa Orthotic Lab with my new soles.  What an immediate difference!

Haggis likes!!!!!

 

[Bomber]

Sole insoles are also available in the Ottawa Physio clinic at HCC.  I used them in a trial a few years ago, loved them, and got the press kit from the company that I dropped off at the clinic.  At they time they only had the Sorbothane, Superfeet, and Birks insoles.  When I went in there a few months ago, they had the Soles as well, and I nabbed 2 pairs of 13's.  I find them the most comfortable universal insert you can use.  The only thing I have enjoyed more has been the included foot bed in my Haix P6 boots.  Now that is a bott beyond any reproach.  Google them, and try them out, they will make your day a whole lot better.

 

[c_canuk]

I got checked out in Shilo on a Friday, the doc said I had the flattest feet he'd ever seen and said he wanted me to go to physio and get orthotics done up... unfortunately I had to relocate to Gagetown that Monday.

When I went to MIR in gagetown the doc I seen said the same thing and wrote me a prescription to get orthotics and report to physio, but when I went to the Physio department they said they don't prescribe permanent orthotics anymore... I got a set of blue things they issued me that are temporary. I will say they are nice in my combat boots but their telling me that it's a conditioning thing... I told them that my shin splints and joint pain are steadily however slowly getting worse every year and the reason I'm coming in now is it's starting to affect my performance... they wanted to put me on light duties and remedial PT...

While I am getting better slowly I'm not doing 70km of patrolling in a week right now either other than PT I'm behind a desk... new sneakers helped but I am still suffering from shin splints and knee pain... should I just say stuff it and retry when I get yanked back to Shilo next year try to get them there?

 

[Quag]

For those not looking to spend big bucks, it is worth checking out Sport Chek and getting a pair of "Super Feet" ($30-$50)

They are a godsend for me, and I've tried custom orthotics and many different kinds of insoles.

 

[TCBF]

I got checked out in Shilo on a Friday, the doc said I had the flattest feet he'd ever seen and said he wanted me to go to physio and get orthotics done up... unfortunately I had to relocate to Gagetown that Monday.

When I went to MIR in gagetown the doc I seen said the same thing and wrote me a prescription to get orthotics and report to physio, but when I went to the Physio department they said they don't prescribe permanent orthotics anymore... I got a set of blue things they issued me that are temporary. I will say they are nice in my combat boots but their telling me that it's a conditioning thing... I told them that my shin splints and joint pain are steadily however slowly getting worse every year and the reason I'm coming in now is it's starting to affect my performance... they wanted to put me on light duties and remedial PT...

While I am getting better slowly I'm not doing 70km of patrolling in a week right now either other than PT I'm behind a desk... new sneakers helped but I am still suffering from shin splints and knee pain... should I just say stuff it and retry when I get yanked back to Shilo next year try to get them there?

- Not giving permanent orthotics anymore?  Sounds like "Take two f_ck off pills and call me in the morning." They know you aren't permanent staff and are not wasting any time on you. 

 

[Haggis]

- Not giving permanent orthotics anymore?  Sounds like "Take two f_ck off pills and call me in the morning." They know you aren't permanent staff and are not wasting any time on you. 

+1, Tom!

Push the issue.  Go back to the doc and tell him that Physio is refusing to honour HIS prescription. Then sit back and watch the fireworks show.  op:

Make sure you mention this when you get back to Shilo, too.

 

[c_canuk]

oh there were fireworks when I showed the prescription to the Physio head, apparently in Gagetown the docs aren't allowed to prescribe orthotics... apparently he was new...

oh and apparently flat feet are normal since when you're born you normally have flat feet... *shrug* I'll do some online research to better educate myself then push the issue.

Thanks for confirming that the situation was a little odd guys.

 

[TCBF]

... oh and apparently flat feet are normal since when you're born you normally have flat feet... 

... and we are only about a foot tall at birth, but that changes as well.



Years back, the Doctor gave me a chit to get Vibram soles put on my Mark IIIs and then sent me to the Physio-Therapist, who ordered orthotics.  I asked that the padding be removed from the orthotic as I still wanted to wear the same size Mark III (wide forefoot - narrow heel, DNT any size other than 7 1/2 - 8C, and only Sunbeams - the Grebs are tighter over the bottom lace holes).

 

[Emenince Grise]

OK, I'm a civilian, but I do have flat feet.  ;D  I just had my orthotics redone. I go to a guy in Ajax, Ontario, but there are lots of good people out there. The credential to look for is a "Certified Pedorthist". They do a gait analysis, mould and make your custom orthotics and service them (yes, like a good car, they need regular i.e. yearly service). It's not cheap. $425 for a pair. But your feet will love you, as will your back and your knees.

 

[TCBF]

Clearly, flat feet do not discriminate by profession.

Knees are bad enough, but once your back goes, the money spent on pharmaceuticals will make the cost of orthotics pale in comparison.