Assessment · Design · Local fabrication · Follow-up
Custom orthotics begin with a careful assessment
A custom device should respond to your findings, footwear and goals—not simply to a footprint. Ashfield Orthotics connects the clinical decision with design, fabrication, fitting and review in one Regina clinic.
What a custom orthotic is
A device designed for a particular person, purpose and shoe
A custom foot orthotic is made from a three-dimensional representation of the foot and a prescription based on assessment findings. Its shape, materials and finishing choices can be adjusted to influence pressure, accommodate sensitive areas, support a specific functional goal or improve the way a foot and shoe work together.
“Custom” does not make every orthotic identical in purpose or automatically better for every concern. The useful design depends on the person, the problem, the footwear and the clinical reasoning behind it.
What it is not
- A guaranteed cure for pain or a diagnosis.
- A substitute for urgent or medical care when warning signs are present.
- A reason to ignore footwear fit, activity demands or other contributors.
- An automatic recommendation simply because insurance may cover it.
The complete process
One connected path from question to follow-up
History and goals
We begin with what you feel, when it occurs, how it affects activity, relevant health history and what you need to be able to do.
Footwear review
Bring the shoes or boots you use most. Fit, wear, construction and available space can change both the recommendation and the device.
Pedorthic assessment
Relevant testing may include observation, palpation, range of motion, gait, pressure patterns and lower-limb biomechanics.
Shared decision
We discuss the findings, options, limits, costs and paperwork. You decide whether to proceed.
Three-dimensional capture
If a device is selected, we capture the foot in a way appropriate to the intended design and prescription.
Design and fabrication
The orthotics are designed and fabricated locally with materials selected for the clinical and footwear requirements.
Fitting and instructions
We check the devices in your footwear and explain wear-in, skin checks, cleaning and what deserves a call.
Review and adjustment
Response is individual. Follow-up allows the fit or function to be reviewed and adjusted when appropriate.
When assessment may be useful
The symptom is only the beginning of the question
Persistent foot discomfort
Heel, arch or forefoot symptoms that recur with standing, walking, work or sport.
Pressure and accommodation
Areas affected by callus, deformity, sensitivity or reduced space in footwear.
Lower-limb mechanics
Situations where foot function, footwear and movement may be contributing to a broader lower-limb concern.
Diabetes-related risk
Footwear and pressure questions where sensation, skin or circulation make protection especially important.
Work and safety footwear
When a device must fit a boot, satisfy workplace needs and remain practical through a full shift.
Existing orthotics
A change in symptoms, shoes, wear or life demands can justify reviewing rather than automatically replacing a device.
Important: An assessment does not establish that an orthotic is necessary. Symptoms can have many causes, and another health professional may be the more appropriate next step.
Prepare for the appointment
Bring the things that make the decision more accurate
- The shoes or boots you wear most, including work or activity-specific footwear.
- Current or previous orthotics and insoles.
- Your prescription or referral if you already have one.
- Benefit-plan requirements you have obtained from your insurer.
- Clothing that allows the lower legs and knees to move and be observed.
Realistic expectations
A device is part of a plan, not the whole plan
A useful orthotic can change the way pressure is distributed or how the foot and shoe interact. It may be one part of managing symptoms or protecting tissue. The response depends on the diagnosis or contributing factors, activity, footwear, adherence and individual tolerance.
Some people need a gradual wear-in period. New or persistent discomfort, rubbing, skin change or a sense that the device is not functioning as intended deserves review rather than endurance.
How long do custom orthotics last?
There is no honest universal expiry date. Materials, body demands, use, footwear and changes in your feet all matter. Review is more useful than replacing solely by calendar.
Can they fit more than one pair of shoes?
Often, but not always. Shoe shape, depth and removable liners vary. Bring the footwear that matters most so the design can reflect real use.
What if an orthotic is uncomfortable?
Stop or reduce wear if there is significant discomfort, rubbing or skin change and contact the clinic. People with diabetes or reduced sensation should be especially cautious and follow their care plan.
Professional context
Source and scope
This page describes Ashfield Orthotics’ pedorthic process. It is general information, not a diagnosis or individualized treatment recommendation.
- Pedorthic Association of Canada: Pedorthic certification and scope
- College of Pedorthics of Canada: Standards of Business Practice
A useful first step
Find out what the assessment supports.
Book without paying a separate assessment fee. You remain free to decide what happens next.