Your first pedorthist appointment is a chance to explain your symptoms, review your footwear and discuss practical options for support. Preparing a few details ahead of time makes the conversation easier and helps keep the visit focused on your needs.
What to bring
- The shoes you wear most often for work, exercise and everyday activities. Include worn pairs so the specialist can review their condition and fit.
- Your current orthotics or inserts, if you use them.
- A short symptom history: where discomfort occurs, when it started, what makes it better or worse, and activities you want to return to.
- Relevant prescriptions, referrals or reports you already have. Ask the clinic what documentation is needed before your visit.
- Your questions about costs, insurance paperwork, fitting and follow-up.
What happens during the assessment?
The specialist will discuss your symptoms, previous injuries, health history, work and daily activities. They may examine your feet and lower limbs while you sit and stand, assess movement, review your shoes and observe you walking. This helps identify whether foot structure or movement may contribute to your concerns.
A gait assessment looks at how you walk, including how each foot contacts the ground and pushes off. The exact tests and equipment depend on your needs. A scan is one part of an assessment, rather than a diagnosis on its own. The Pedorthic Association of Canada’s assessment and gait analysis guide explains the usual elements in more detail.
Discussing footwear and treatment options
The outcome should be an explanation of the findings and the next steps. Recommendations may include footwear advice, shoe modifications, an off-the-shelf insert or custom orthotics. Ask why an option is recommended, what it is intended to help with and how progress will be reviewed.
If orthotics are recommended, footwear compatibility matters. Read our guide to wide and extra-depth shoes for orthotics before choosing a new pair. You can also learn what happens during an orthotics fitting.
Costs, prescriptions and insurance
Coverage differs between benefit plans. Before ordering, ask your insurer which provider qualifications, prescriptions and documents it requires, how much it reimburses and whether pre-approval is needed. Ask the clinic for a written estimate and clarification of what is included. The Pedorthic Association of Canada’s orthotics FAQ provides general background; your own plan determines your coverage.
Questions worth asking
- What did the assessment show, and what remains uncertain?
- What are my options, and why do you recommend this one?
- Will the recommended device fit my existing shoes?
- What are the expected costs and timing?
- How should I introduce a new device, and who should I contact if it feels uncomfortable?
- When should I return for a fitting, adjustment or reassessment?
After your appointment
Keep any fitting or wear instructions you receive and make sure you know how to arrange follow-up. Tell the clinic if discomfort develops or your symptoms change. Orthotics should be reviewed when they no longer meet your needs; our orthotic lifespan and replacement guide explains what to watch for.
To ask about availability, accessibility, appointment preparation or fees, contact Custom Orthopedic in Edmonton. This article provides general information and does not replace an individual assessment.
