FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’s)

1. What is the default thickness for all padding accommodations?

1/8”

 

  1. Can I send a patients shoe in separately to have orthotics made to fit?

Yes. This is preferred if you wish to have the orthotic fit to a specific shoe the patient will wear. If you do not send shoes in with the orthotics, we cannot guarantee a 100% fit.

 

  1. Do you do custom fit Birkenstocks and how does that work?

Yes. We grind out the foot bed of the Birkenstock in order to place the patients’ custom foot orthotic moulded device into the Birkenstock. Any soft paddings (met pad, met accom pad, heel cushion, spur padding, neuroma pad etc.) are then placed on the orthotic. As a default we place 1mm Nyplex over top of the shell for slight additional cushion and re-cover with our Tan Suede material to mimic the Birkenstock look and feel.

 

  1. What makes the control sport posting different?

The control sport incorporates the use of a dual density post. This is a posting that consists of 55 durometer white EVA on the medial side and 35 durometer black EVA on the lateral side. This facilitates and supports the medial aspect of the foot during the gait cycle by inducing a supinated lateral movement through the heel strike and mid-stance phases of gait.

 

  1. Does the lab offer Cobra orthotics?

Yes we do. Simply request a ‘cobra style’ cut in the additional instructions at the bottom of our Rx forms.

 

  1. How can I make sure an order is Rushed and what is entailed?

If you write ‘Rush Order’ at the bottom of the physical Rx our Customer Service staff will add-on a rush to the order and this will be noted by our technical staff. These orders will then be manufactured on a priority basis with a guaranteed 3-day turn around. If submitting electronically, simply click the ‘Rush’ checkbox in the top right hand corner of the prescription before submitting to OOLab.

 

 

 

  1. If I want to do a modification how much does it cost/ what is the policy?

All modifications under 6 months of date of original order are free of charge. Exceptions include if damaged through external factors (dog chewed top cover, cut by patient/clinic to wrong size, lawn mower ran over orthotics etc.). After 6-months general repairs (ie: soft paddings, recovering top cover, refurbishing) incur a charge of $35.00 and any remakes (shell neesd to be wider, remove heel holes, remove 1st ray cutouts, remove 1st met cutouts) incurs a charge of $55.00. Further description of our modification policies can be found at www.oolab.com

 

  1. How can I be sure a lift was added to my orthotic?

When adding lifts we start by adding a neutral Black 55 Durometer EVA posting to the orthotic. This does NOT add any lift to the orthotic as the posting is ground flush with the bottom of the shell. We then add the requested lift amount using White EVA to the bottom of this post so it is visible to both you and the patient.

 

  1. What are the depth measurements of the heel cup options?

Shallow Heel Cup = 9-12mm

Standard Heel Cup = 12-16mm

Deep Heel Cup =  16-20mm

 

  1. What is the difference between the Valgus post and Lateral/Valgus wedge?

A Valgus post is where material is added ONLY in the heel cup portion of the orthotic on the bottom of the shell. The requested valgus degree is tapered to achieve the appropriate correction.

A lateral or valgus wedge is where material as added ONLY to the lateral aspect of the underside of the orthotic along the entire shell material. From the proximal end of the heel cup to the distal end of the shell.

  1. What is the default materials if nothing selected?

1/8” Black ETC or Blue ETC topcover depending on the gender and shoe that has been selected & Black Puff Underlay full length.

 

 

 

  1. How do I make sure my orthotic is fit to the shoe?

If the patient has a shoe which we have in inventory you can request to be fitted to that particular model of shoe. We will use a shoe here on-site to use as reference when grinding and cutting. Another option is the patient could send in their shoes to have the orthotic fit to them.

 

  1. What does the lab provide with every orthotic order?

A manufacturing process form, invoice, proof of manufacture for insurance, biomechanical assessment form (if required) and a pamphlet outlining orthotic wear instructions.

 

 

  1. What is the maximum height of a heel lift you would recommend to put on an orthotic?

15mm is the max lift height suggested on our orthotics.. If the patient requires anything more than this value, an external shoe modification should be considered. There will be issues with feet slipping out of shoes if the heel lift on the orthotic is too large.

 

  1. I want to add extra cushioning under the topcover, how do I indicate this?

Simply write on the bottom of the Rx “Add extra 1/8th cushioning” and/or specify exact thickness you require.

 

  1. Do you offer sandal foot bed orthotics?

Yes.  As long as the sandal has a removable foot bed, we are able to build an orthotic to fit into the patient’s sandal. We will match the top cover to best suit the sandal choice and match the pre-existing foot bed. Otherwise we will place the top cover material to match whatever has been requested on the Rx. Sandal orthotics cannot accommodate heel lifts.

 

  1. My patient has their own pair of Birkenstocks and would like an orthotic put in them, can you do this?

Yes. However once the orthotic is embedded into the sandal we are not able to modify the orthotics and we cannot replace the sandal.

 

  1. I would like to order the diabetic orthotic but would like a thinner topcover, do you have any other options?

Yes. If you would like we can place a 1/16” or 1/8” Plastazote ONLY as a topcover option (this would eliminate the 1/8” Poron padding underneath the topcover). You can request this by writing in the additional notes “use 1/8” platazote only” or “use 1/16” plastazote only”

 

  1. Do you build orthotics for skates or soccer cleats?

Yes. We can build an orthotic to accommodate most types of footwear. If you need more information please call one of the technical department staff to discuss appropriate options.

 

  1. Why does the lab ask for the weight, age and sex of my patient?

Providing the sex and age of the patient allows technical staff to double check correct scans have been attached to submitted prescription forms. The weight of the patient provides insight into the shell thickness and material. Ex. If a patient is 250 pounds and a 1mm carbon shell is selected, technicians may contact the practitioner to direct them to a more appropriate material that is available.