Custom Orthotics in Markham: What They Are, Who Needs Them, and What to Expect

If you've been dealing with heel pain, sore arches, or tired feet that never seem to recover, the right pair of shoes may not be enough. Custom orthotics are one of the most effective non-surgical ways to treat many common foot problems, but only when they're prescribed and made properly. At Mount Joy Foot Clinic & Orthotic Centre, our Markham chiropodists assess, prescribe and fit custom foot orthotics every day. We were also proud to be named Platinum winner for Custom Foot Orthotics (Healthcare) in the Markham Community Votes 2026. Here is what you need to know before getting a pair.

What Are Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics are medical devices made specifically for your feet. Unlike drugstore insoles, which are mass-produced in standard sizes, custom orthotics are designed from a detailed assessment of how your feet and lower limbs are built and how they move. They are made from a cast or scan of your feet, so they support, align and cushion your feet in the exact places you need it.

Prefabricated insoles can help with mild fatigue. They cannot correct how your foot functions, and they rarely hold up to daily wear in the way a custom device does.

Signs You May Need Custom Foot Orthotics

Orthotics are not for everyone, which is why an assessment comes first. You may benefit if you have:

• Heel pain, especially sharp pain with your first steps in the morning (a common sign of plantar fasciitis)
• Flat feet or very high arches
• Pain in the arch, ball of the foot, or big toe joint
• Bunions or hammer toes
• Knee, hip or lower back pain that may be linked to how you walk
• Shin splints, Achilles tendon pain or recurring running injuries
• Diabetes or other conditions that call for extra foot protection
• A child with foot pain, flat feet, or an unusual walking pattern
• Shoes that wear down unevenly on one side

Conditions Custom Orthotics Can Help Treat

Orthotics work by improving foot alignment and spreading pressure more evenly, which reduces strain on tissues that are overloaded. They are commonly used as part of a treatment plan for:

• Plantar fasciitis and heel pain, by supporting the arch and reducing tension on the plantar fascia
• Flat feet (fallen arches), by supporting the arch and controlling excess inward rolling of the foot
• Bunions, by helping reduce pressure and slow stress on the big toe joint
• Metatarsalgia (ball-of-foot pain), by offloading the painful area
• Achilles tendinitis and shin splints, by improving how forces travel through the leg
• Foot, knee and back pain that is related to biomechanics

Orthotics are usually one part of a plan. Depending on your condition, your chiropodist may also recommend stretching, footwear changes, activity changes or other treatments.

What Happens at a Custom Orthotics Appointment?

A good orthotics appointment is more than a quick scan. At our Markham clinic, the process typically includes:

1. Consultation and history. We ask about your pain, activities, work, footwear and medical history.
2. Biomechanical assessment. Your chiropodist examines your feet, ankles, and legs, checks your range of motion and watches how you stand and walk.
3. Casting or scanning. We take an impression or scan of your feet to capture their exact shape.
4. Prescription. Based on your findings, your chiropodist designs a prescription for materials, shape and support level suited to your feet and your lifestyle.
5. Fitting and follow-up. When your orthotics are ready, we check the fit in your shoes and adjust as needed.

You can book your assessment online anytime through our online booking page.

How Long Does It Take to Get Used to Orthotics?

Most people need a short break-in period. Your feet and legs are adapting to a new position, so mild tenderness or a feeling of "something new" is common at first. A gradual schedule is usually recommended: wear them for a few hours at a time in the first days and build up over one to two weeks. If you feel sharp pain or significant discomfort, stop wearing them and contact us so we can adjust them.

How Long Do Custom Orthotics Last?

The lifespan depends on the materials, your activity level and how often you wear them. Many adult orthotics last several years, and top covers may need to be replaced sooner. Children's orthotics usually need to be replaced more often because their feet grow. We check wear and fit at follow-up visits so you know when it is time for an update.

Are Custom Orthotics Covered by Insurance in Ontario?

OHIP does not generally cover custom orthotics, but many private extended health plans do, often with a yearly or multi-year dollar limit. Coverage rules vary, so check your plan for:

• Your annual or per-period maximum for orthotics
• Whether chiropodist services and orthotics are covered, and whether a referral or prescription is required
• How often a new pair can be claimed

Many benefit plans reset on December 31, so it is worth using your coverage before it expires. If you are close to the year-end deadline, book soon, as appointments fill quickly. We provide receipts that you can submit to your insurer.

How Much Do Custom Orthotics Cost in Markham?

Pricing depends on the type of orthotic, materials and the assessment involved. Our custom orthotics are $575 and includes your casting, one pair of custom orthotics and the dispesing appointment fee. We are happy to explain your options and costs at your appointment, and to help you understand what your plan may reimburse.

Custom Orthotics vs. Store-Bought Insoles

	Custom Orthotics	Store-Bought Insoles
Based on	Your foot assessment and cast or scan	Standard sizes
Purpose	Treat and manage specific conditions	General cushioning
Durability	Built for years of daily wear	Often wear out within months
Adjustable	Yes, adjusted after fitting	No
Insurance	Often claimable	Rarely claimable

Over-the-counter insoles can be a reasonable first step for minor aches. If your pain lasts more than a couple of weeks, keeps returning or affects how you walk, an assessment is a better next step.

Why Choose Mount Joy Foot Clinic & Orthotic Centre in Markham?

• Registered chiropodists who assess your feet before prescribing anything
• Platinum winner for Custom Foot Orthotics in the Markham Community Votes 2026
• Care for the whole family, including children, athletes, seniors and people with diabetes
• Convenient hours, including evenings on Wednesday and Thursday and Saturdays
• Easy online booking

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to get custom orthotics? You can book directly with a chiropodist. Some insurance plans may ask for a referral or prescription, so check your plan before your visit.

Will orthotics fit in all of my shoes? Orthotics fit most closed shoes with a removable insole, such as runners, work shoes and many dress shoes. We can advise on footwear and, if needed, make different styles for different shoes.

Can children wear custom orthotics? Yes. Children's feet are still developing, so a chiropodist first checks whether orthotics are actually needed.

How soon will I feel a difference? It varies by condition. Some people notice relief within a few weeks, while others need longer as part of a full treatment plan.

Do orthotics weaken my feet? When prescribed correctly, orthotics support your feet while you treat the underlying problem. Your chiropodist may also recommend strengthening and stretching exercises alongside them.

Book Your Custom Orthotics Assessment in Markham

If foot pain is slowing you down, you do not have to keep pushing through it. BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT ONLINE or call us at 905-209-8000.

Mount Joy Foot Clinic & Orthotic Centre 5 Swan Lake Blvd, Unit 10, Markham, ON L6E 0K7

This article is for general information and does not replace a personal assessment. Talk to a chiropodist or your healthcare provider about your own situation.