Some caught flat-footed
Doctors warn against non-prescription orthotics.
KYLE BERGER REPORTER
Some retailers may be selling people short on orthotics, warned one of B.C.'s leading podiatrists. According to Dr. Alan Borodit-sky, from health fairs to malls, and even on some local street corners, foot merchants around the province have been selling prefabricated foot supports as orthotics to consumers who aren't aware of the difference.
"Orthotics are medical devices that shouldn't be purchased without a diagnosis by a qualified medical professional who provides a prescription," Boroditsl<y told the B«/tom.
When properly prescribed by a podiatrist, he explained, orthotics can compensate for an irregular walking or running pattern. Before prescribing an orthotic, a podiatrist will perform a full biomechanical examination, bone position measurements, stance and gait analysis and take into account all relevant medical findings, including signs and symptoms of pathology.
To correct the bone imbalance, orthotics are made from plaster casts while the patient is seated. The podiatrist places the patient's foot into its correct position and captures it in a plaster mold. The three-dimensional plaster cast is then sent to an accredited laboratory to fabricate the custom orthotic
While many of the prefabricated orthotics that are being sold .can help create an arch support while a person is standing, they can not control foot motion or correct foot imbalances.
Boroditslq^ explained that the prefabricated devices are often "customized" with topcovers or other additions to give the appearance of being custom-made.
"People shouldb't be fooled by ink-pad prints, foam impressions or computerized foot scans," he warned. "At best.
those gimmicks will result in an arch support that is based on guesswork. Fve seen a lot of patients who have spent more than $300 for a 'customized' arch support that doesn't solve their problem. Then they're faced paying a second time for something they should have bought the first time." Many retailers are charging consumers a similar price for prefabricated, customized orthotics as a podiatrist would charge for prescribed custom-made orthotics.
A survey sponsored by the British Columbia Association of Podiatrists earlier this year indicated that about 20 per cent of British Columbians have used orthotics, but nearly two-thirds purchased them without consulting a podiatrist first. . "It's a situation that's frustrating both for podiatrists and patients and insurance companies are beginning to listen," Boroditsky said, noting that a growing nimiber of extended-benefit health plans no longer cover non-prescription orthotics.
Common symptoms that may indicate a need for orthotics include uneven wear on one side of a shoe's sole, frequent ankle sprains, chronic heel, knee or lower back pain, painful shins, curved toes, feet pointing inward or excessively outward when walking or general discomfort.
Podiatrists are doctors who specialize in preventing, diagnosing and treating foot pain and foot disorders both medically and surgically. Patients do not need a referral from their family doctor to see a podiatrist.
For more information about orthotics, go online at w\vw.allicd-footspecialists.com. □
Kyle Bcrgcr is an award-winning freelance jounudist and a graphic designer living in Richmond.
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