Falls are a leading cause of injury and hospitalization among older adults in Canada. For healthcare professionals, preventing these incidents is essential to maintaining mobility, safety, and independence in aging patients. One often-overlooked factor contributing to fall risk is improper or unsupportive footwear. That’s why many turn to custom orthopedic footwear Canada trusts to reduce falls and improve stability.
At Afana Pouliot, we partner with healthcare providers across Canada to deliver custom orthopedic footwear solutions that help reduce fall risk and improve quality of life.
Understanding the Risk of Falls in the Aging Population
In Canada, approximately 1 in 3 seniors experience a fall each year, with many of these resulting in serious injuries, hospital stays, or long-term mobility loss.
Common contributors include:
- Poor balance and weak lower limbs
- Foot pain or instability from chronic conditions
- Inappropriate footwear that lacks grip, support, or proper fit
Falls aren’t just accidents—they’re often predictable and preventable.
How Custom Orthopedic Footwear Canada Helps Prevent Falls
Custom Orthopedic footwear does more than cushion the foot. When designed specifically for the individual, it helps correct posture, stabilize gait, and reduce fatigue—all of which directly reduce fall risk.
Fall-preventive footwear features include:
- Extra-depth design for swelling or deformities
- Shock-absorbing soles to ease joint stress
- Non-slip outsoles for various surfaces
- Reinforced heel counters for improved balance
- Anatomically supportive insoles and arch design
Why Custom Orthopedic Footwear in Canada Outperforms Off-the-Shelf Shoes
Over-the-counter footwear options are not made for the individual. They are produced to help the average patient, but Custom orthopedic shoes are specifically manufactured to address the following:
- Leg length discrepancies
- Diabetic foot ulcers and neuropathy
- Arthritis, bunions, and hammertoes
- Recovery after orthopedic surgery
These shoes are crafted based on medical assessments, prescriptions, and detailed measurements, improving comfort, compliance, and outcomes.
How Healthcare Professionals in Canada Can Refer Patients for Custom Orthopedic Footwear
Who can prescribe?
Depending on provincial regulations, family physicians, podiatrists, physiotherapists, chiropractors, and nurse practitioners.
What does the process look like?
- Assess and diagnose the patient’s condition.
- Prescribe custom orthopedic footwear.
- Afana Pouliot completes the fitting and production.
- The patient receives their footwear and documentation for insurance claims.
What’s required for insurance claims?
- Prescription with diagnosis
- Assessment details (Afana Pouliot provides this)
- Itemized invoice and proof of customization
We assist patients and clinics in managing this every step of the way.
Absolute Results and Partner Support
Our referring partners frequently report:
- Better patient compliance and mobility
- Fewer return visits for pain or instability
- Smooth referral and insurance processes
Afana Pouliot provides:
- Downloadable and printed referral forms
- Product brochures for your clinic
- Fast turnaround and responsive communication
Ideal Conditions for Referral
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Post-surgical orthopedic recovery
- Balance and gait instability
- Leg length discrepancies
- Arthritis-related joint instability
Ready to Refer? We’re Here to Help.
Afana Pouliot proudly serves healthcare professionals across Canada with custom orthopedic solutions that support real patient outcomes.
