Orthotics & Insoles
To clean your insoles, gently wipe them with a cloth dampened with warm, soapy water. Avoid immersing them in water or putting them in the washing machine, as this can damage the material.
Yes, it’s important to wear both insoles even if only one foot is experiencing discomfort. Using insoles as a pair helps maintain proper balance and alignment, which is essential for overall foot health.
The lifespan of insoles varies based on factors like activity level, body weight, and how often they are worn. Generally, under normal conditions, insoles should last at least 9 months. Some people prefer to have a separate insole for each pair of shoes, while others transfer the same insole between shoes.
Yes, even if the issue is only in one foot, using orthotics in both shoes is essential for maintaining symmetry and balance, which helps prevent further issues.
Orthotics can indirectly help with back pain by improving foot alignment and gait, which in turn can positively impact posture and spinal alignment.
Yes, it’s advisable to gradually break in your new orthotics. Start by wearing them for a few hours each day and gradually increase the duration to allow your feet to adjust comfortably.
Orthotics generally need replacement every 1-2 years, depending on wear and tear, changes in foot structure, or if there are any significant changes in your activity level or weight.
While orthotics can be used in most types of shoes, it’s important to ensure there’s enough room in the shoe to accommodate the orthotic without causing discomfort or altering the shoe’s fit.
Some initial discomfort is normal as your feet and body adjust to the orthotics. However, if discomfort persists, consult with your orthotic provider for potential adjustments.
Body Braces
Body braces are supportive devices designed to stabilize, align, or immobilize parts of the body, particularly the spine, limbs, or joints. They are used to correct posture, provide pain relief, support healing after injuries or surgeries, and manage various musculoskeletal conditions.
The need for a body brace is typically determined by a healthcare professional. You may require a brace if you have sustained an injury, are recovering from surgery, experiencing chronic pain, or dealing with a specific condition like scoliosis.
The duration for wearing a body brace depends on your specific condition and your doctor’s recommendation. Some braces are designed for all-day use, while others should only be worn for certain activities or periods.
Care instructions vary depending on the type of brace. Generally, braces should be kept clean and dry. Most can be wiped down with a damp cloth and mild soap. Check the manufacturer’s instructions or consult with your healthcare provider for specific care guidelines.
When used as directed by a healthcare professional, body braces should not weaken your muscles. They are designed to support and stabilize specific body parts while allowing safe movement and activity.
Many body braces are adjustable to ensure a proper fit and effective support. It’s important to follow fitting instructions or seek assistance from a healthcare provider to adjust your brace correctly.
Some body braces are designed to be worn during physical activity to provide support and prevent injury. However, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider about the appropriate use of your brace during different activities.
While a new brace may feel unfamiliar, it should not cause significant discomfort. If you experience pain, pinching, or rubbing, consult with your healthcare provider for adjustments.
Replacement depends on the brace’s condition and how often it’s used. Regularly inspect your brace for signs of wear and consult with your healthcare provider if you think it needs replacing.
Coverage for body braces varies depending on your insurance plan. Check with your insurance provider to determine if your brace is covered and understand any associated costs.
Insurance
Yes, Care-Med Ltd provides direct billing for medical items, depending on your insurance plan. Some insurance providers support direct billing for medical items, while others may require you to submit invoices for reimbursement. We recommend contacting your insurance company to understand their policies on direct billing.
When you visit, bring your insurance claim card. If your plan is eligible, we’ll submit your bill online for immediate authorization, allowing direct payment to the clinic for approved foot care claims.
Most Extended Health Benefits Insurance plans cover a range of services and products, including:
- Chiropody Services
- Custom Made Orthotic Shoe Insoles (Custom Orthotics)
- Footwear Modifications
- Compression Garments (including socks, stockings, pantyhose, leggings for both men and women)
- Body Braces
- Mastectomy Bras
- Breast Prostheses
Remember, each insurance plan is unique, and coverage can vary. It’s advisable to contact your insurance provider for specific plan details.
Yes, our in-house Chiropodist can provide prescriptions for orthotics and other medically necessary items after a thorough assessment of your needs.
This depends on your specific insurance plan. Some plans cover follow-up appointments for adjustments and assessments, while others may not. Please check with your insurance provider.
Some insurance plans require a doctor’s referral for coverage of certain services like chiropody or custom orthotics. It’s best to verify this with your insurance company.
Insurance plans typically have a stipulated timeframe for orthotic replacements, such as every 1-2 years. Confirm with your insurance provider to understand your plan’s specific terms.
Many insurance plans cover pediatric foot care services, but coverage can vary. Contact your insurance provider for details regarding coverage for children’s foot care.
Compression Garments
The key to finding the right compression garment is through a consultation with Care-Med’s experienced team. We will take your measurements to ensure the garment provides the appropriate level of compression for your body type.
To maintain the quality and effectiveness of your compression garment, follow these care guidelines:
- Hand wash in lukewarm water using mild detergent.
- Machine wash in a garment bag on a gentle cycle for some garments.
- Always hang dry your garments.
- For certain custom-made garments, machine washing and drying might be necessary to maintain their shape.
- Avoid using fabric softeners and bleach, even if it’s color-safe.
- For stains, gently rub baking soda on the area.
Care-Med will provide specific care instructions for your garment upon dispensing.
Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a condition characterized by painful swelling, typically occurring in an arm or leg, caused by a build-up of lymphatic fluid in the soft tissues. This condition often arises when the body’s lymphatic system is compromised or unable to function properly. It’s commonly experienced by women following breast surgery. To alleviate discomfort, doctors may recommend the use of compression garments.
A lymphedema compression pump is a medical device designed to help manage lymphedema. It works by applying controlled pressure to the affected limb, encouraging the movement of lymphatic fluid away from the area to reduce swelling and pain. This therapy is often used in conjunction with other treatments like compression garments and manual lymphatic drainage.
Effective home management of lymphedema includes regular use of prescribed compression garments, gentle exercises to promote lymphatic flow, skin care to avoid infections, and possibly using a lymphedema pump as directed by your healthcare provider.
Yes, compression garments for lymphedema come in various types, including sleeves, stockings, and gloves. They are available in different compression levels and styles to suit individual needs and the specific area affected by lymphedema.
Currently, there is no cure for lymphedema. However, it can be effectively managed with the right treatment plan, which may include compression therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, exercise, and proper skin care.
While surgery, especially breast cancer surgery, is a common cause of lymphedema, it can also result from other factors such as infections, inherited conditions, or injuries that damage the lymphatic system.
Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in regular, gentle exercise can help manage lymphedema symptoms. Avoiding tight clothing and extreme temperature changes can also be beneficial.
It’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional specializing in lymphedema management for personalized treatment. This can include a lymphedema therapist, a physiotherapist, or an oncologist, depending on the cause of the lymphedema.
Direct Billing
At Care-Med, we’re committed to making your experience as smooth as possible. We offer direct billing for orthopedic products, so you don’t have to worry about out-of-pocket costs.
We will complete a thorough foot assessment for orthopedic products, submit a predetermination for each item based on your prescription, and request approval for direct billing.
Once approved, your order will be processed, and your orthopedic products will be ready for you!
If you have an eligible prescription, we handle the entire process, so you don’t have to manage any extra paperwork. Book your appointment and we’ll take care of the rest
