February 2023

Orthotics can either be custom-made or over-the-counter inserts meant to be worn inside shoes serving a variety of functions. Orthotics can mitigate pain, help treat foot conditions or even help correct deformities. Many patients often ask who can wear orthotics and who might be able to benefit from them. The answer is that many people can potentially benefit from wearing orthotic devices. Some individuals can certainly benefit more than others by wearing orthotics. For example, if a patient has an average weight and height, they might benefit from wearing orthotic devices, especially for heel pain. By wearing orthotics, a patient can potentially decrease the amount of pain they are feeling in their feet. Contact a chiropodist today for more information. 

Orthotics are devices that are typically inserted into shoes to treat a variety of foot and ankle problems. If you would like to learn more, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

What Are Orthotics Used For? 

Orthotics are used for the treatment of a variety of foot and ankle problems. These can include biomechanical issues, gait abnormalities, foot pain, injuries, arthritis, deformities, and other medical conditions that affect the lower limbs. Orthotics can be bought in a store or custom-made and prescribed by a chiropodist. 

Types of Orthotics 

• Rigid - Made from carbon fiber or other hard material and designed to ease foot pain and strain

• Soft - Made from flexible materials like foam and designed to cushion and support the foot

• Full shoe inserts

• Half shoe inserts

• Heel cups

• Heel pads

• Night splints

• Braces

• And more

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When the blood flow to the feet is slowed, it is typically the result of a buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries serving the lower extremities. This blockage is known as peripheral artery disease or PAD. Risk factors for peripheral artery disease include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and aging. Telltale signs of PAD in the ankles and feet are sores or wounds that won’t heal, an absence of a pulse in the feet and toes, and cold or numb toes. One way to help prevent peripheral artery disease is to participate in physical exercise regularly. It is also imperative to stop smoking, because it not only increases the risk of PAD, it also makes any symptoms you may have worse. If you are predisposed to cholesterol or diabetes, they should also be monitored closely. If you need information on peripheral artery disease, it is a good idea to consult a chiropodist who can examine your feet and suggest appropriate treatment options.  

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a serious condition that can increase your risk of having a stroke or heart attack. If you have symptoms of PAD, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Peripheral Artery Disease?

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition in which the arteries that supply blood to the lower limbs narrow and harden due to a buildup of arterial plaque. PAD causes a reduction in blood flow to the legs and other extremities. 

Symptoms

Often, people with PAD experience no symptoms, especially in the early stages. If PAD continues to worsen, the first sign of PAD may be claudication, pain and cramping in the legs while walking, caused by the reduction of blood supply to the muscles of the legs. 

Other potential symptoms include: 

• Numbness or weakness in the legs

• Coldness in the legs or feet

• Slow-healing sores or wounds

• Skin discoloration or hair loss on the legs

• Slow growth of toenails

Diagnosis

Most often chiropodists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to the blood pressure in your ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Vascular tests look at the blood flow in the legs and are generally painless and non-invasive. 

Treatment

Lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help limit further arterial plaque buildup. Taking your prescribed medications can reduce your risk of stroke and heart attack. In some cases, surgery may be required to improve blood flow. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many people have foot pain for various reasons. Often, resting the foot can reduce the pain and discomfort, however, it is beneficial to know the cause behind it. Wearing shoes that do not fit correctly is a common reason to experience foot pain, and can easily be remedied when the right size shoes are worn. Patients who are overweight may develop heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. These are uncomfortable conditions that may come from the excessive weight which is placed on the heel. There are certain medical conditions that may also lead to foot pain. These can consist of gout which is a form of arthritis, circulation or nerve issues, or flat feet. If you have foot pain for any reason, it is strongly urged that you are under the care of a chiropodist who can effectively determine the cause, and offer correct treatment options.

Foot pain can have many causes. To receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment for your foot pain, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Causes

There are a variety of different conditions that can cause foot pain, including: 

• Plantar fasciitis

• Deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes

• Injuries to the muscles, bones, tendons, or ligaments in the feet

• Arthritis

• Flat feet

• Ingrown toenails

Symptoms

The type and location of your foot pain can help determine what may be causing it and what type of treatment options are best for you. 

Common types of foot pain include: 

• Heel pain

• Arch pain

• Toe pain

• Ball of foot pain

• Pain that has a stabbing, burning, or tingling quality

• Pain that is constant, intermittent, or that gets better or worse depending on the situation 

Diagnosis

A thorough medical history and physical examination of your feet will be required to determine a diagnosis. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs may be performed to rule out or confirm certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the cause of the pain. Common treatments for foot pain include resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot, wearing orthotics, or taking anti-inflammatory medications. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Senior citizens ought to be taking extra special care of their feet. One of the reasons for this is that seniors might have certain afflictions of the feet that weaken their strength. As a result, falling might be more likely, which can bring on its own host of health problems and complications. There are many ways that a senior citizen might go about preventing falls. Importantly, a senior might consider being more careful when rushing to complete a task around the house. If a senior is late in leaving the home or has to hurry to a particular room in the house to complete a task, their likelihood of falling might increase. When seniors are rushing and hurrying around the house, they are not as careful and mindful of how they are moving their feet. Therefore, reducing the extent to which you rush around the house might yield beneficial outcomes for your foot health. Contact a chiropodist today for more information. 

Falls are a major cause of injury among the elderly. To learn more about preventing falls or to get treatment following a foot or ankle injury caused by a fall, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Falling is one of the leading causes of injury among the elderly. It is said that about 50% of falls that result in hospitalization occur in the home. Fortunately, there are steps that you can implement to reduce your risk of falling in the home. 

Tips to Prevent Falls at Home:

• In the bathroom - Place non-slip mats in the shower or tub, install grab bars near the toilet and bath, and wipe up any moisture or spills as soon as possible. 

• In the living rooms and bedroom - Remove loose wires, cords, or other objects that may be an obstacle to moving around safely. Make sure that you have good lighting throughout the home so that you can always see where you are going. Get rid of any rugs or mats that are not firmly anchored or that may cause you to trip. When walking around the home, move slowly. 

• In the kitchen - Store food and supplies in easily accessible areas, store heavy items in lower cupboards, and wipe up any spills immediately to prevent slipping. 

• On the stairs - Make sure that the stairs are well-lit and have secure handrails. Walk slowly when ascending or descending the stairs.  

• Outside - Keep walkways well-lit and clear of snow, ice, leaves, and man-made tripping hazards.

Maintaining your overall health, including the health of your feet, can also help to prevent falls. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and wear well-fitted, comfortable, and supportive shoes. If you have a mobility device, such as a cane, use it while walking.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.