Category Archives: Leg Pain

Achilles Tendonitis

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Achilles tendonitis is a condition that causes pain along the back of the leg near the heel. It is caused by overuse and degeneration of the Achilles tendon.The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. It is used when you walk, run, and jump.

Achilles tendonitis can result from a repetitive use of the tendon.This includes a sudden increase in the intensity of an activity or exercise, having tight calf muscles that that can put extra stress on the tendon, or a bone spur. Bone spurs are extra bony growths where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone. Constant rubbing in this area against the tendon can cause pain.

Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include:

  • Thickening of the tendon
  • Bone spur
  • Pain and stiffness along the Achilles tendon
  • Pain and inflammation along the back of the heel
  • Swelling around the back of the heel and ankle

Treatment of Achilles tendonitis includes:

  • Rest-decrease or stop activities that make the symptoms worse. This applies to all high-impact activities that include running, jumping, etc. If you want to remain active switch to low-impact activities such as swimming, biking, etc.
  • Icing the area will help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. The icing is recommended for a total for 20mins at a time until the pain subsides.
  • Calf stretches-stretching the calf muscle will help stretch out and elongate the Achilles tendon.
  • Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ECSWT) – With this treatment, high energy shockwave impulses stimulate the healing process in damaged tissue.
  • Orthotics- Custom made orthotics can help re-position the foot to help reduce stress on the Achilles tendon.
  • Surgical procedures may be necessary if there is tearing or complete rupture of the Achilles tendon.

For more information on Achilles tendonitis, or to book an assessment, please call Ontario Foot & Orthotics at (905)878-6479 or visit us at www.ontariofoot.ca.

Shin Splints

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Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), is a pain that occurs in the lower leg below the knee on the front outside part of the leg or the inside of the leg. They usually occur in runners, dancers, tennis players, etc due to overuse.

Causes

  • Overuse of muscles of the lower leg causing irritation and swelling.
  • Flat feet, or overpronation that causes the arch of the foot to collapse increasing stress on the muscles of the lower leg.
  • Stress fractures that are tiny breaks in the lower leg bones.
  • When the muscles of the hips and core are unstable and weak.
  • Poor lumbar spine function.

Treatment

  • Giving your body time to rest.
  • Stretching and icing the area daily until the pain subsides.
  • Using custom made orthotics to decrease overpronation and reduce stress on the anterior leg muscles.
  • Anti-inflammatory medication such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen to help reduce pain and swelling.
  • Using a sleeve, brace, or taping to help reduce inflammation.
  • In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Shin splints can usually heal on their own. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months depending on the severity of the injury.  It is important not to rush back to any sport until the area is fully healed. If you rush back before the injury is healed it can lead to a permanent issue.

For more information on shin splints, or to book an assessment, contact Ontario Foot & Orthotics at (905)878-6479 or visit us online at http://www.ontariofoot.ca

Orthotics Clinic in Milton and Cambridge – Ontario Foot and Orthotics

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Offering excellence in foot care and orthotic therapy.

Ontario Foot and Orthotics is an expert team of compassionate foot care specialists who have been providing quality foot care services for over 15 years. The team consists of registered chiropodists who are trained to assess, manage and prevent diseases and disorders of the foot. In addition to the background training and experience, the team possesses specialized skills in advanced surgical techniques, advanced biomechanics knowledge, pediatric foot care, diabetic foot care and are specialists in wound management. They are courteous and helpful in truly caring for their patients.

Ontario Foot and Orthotics has facilities that serve the communities of Milton, Cambridge and surrounding areas.

Chiropody services and related products offered by Ontario Foot and Orthotics include:

▪ Foot pain ▪ Sports injuries ▪ Custom foot orthotics

▪ Orthopedic shoes ▪ slippers and flip-flops ▪ Bunions

▪ Corns and calluses ▪ Claw and hammertoes ▪ Gout

▪ Heel spurs/pain ▪ Plantar fasciitis ▪ Diabetic Feet

▪ Arthritis / joint pain ▪ Shin splints ▪ Custom shoes

▪ Flat feet/Fallen arches ▪ High arches ▪ In-grown toenails

▪ Birkenstock sandals ▪ Compression stockings ▪ Toe nail fungus

▪ Pump bump ▪ Warts ▪ Soft tissue masses

▪ Soft tissue surgeries ▪ Routine nail care ▪ Children’s foot issues

▪ Wounds & ulcers ▪ Athlete’s foot ▪ Heel cracks / fissures

▪ Sprains & strains ▪ Other foot conditions

The chiropodists at Ontario Foot and Orthotics are not only committed to proper assessment and treatment of foot-related concerns, but are also committed to foot care management and on-going monitoring, along with prevention-based self-care recommendations. Chiropody services are covered by most insurers and employee-benefits plans, which allows for annual foot care services for optimized foot health.

In order to provide the best professional care, the staff at Ontario Foot and Orthotics are active members of the College of Chiropodists of Ontario and the Ontario Society of Chiropodists.

Locations:

Cambridge: 697 Coronation Blvd., Suite #3

Milton: 550 Ontario St. S., Unit #205

Contact:

Cambridge Phone: 519-623-3000

Milton Phone: 905-878-6479

info@ontariofoot.ca
                                                                          

www.ontariofoot.ca

Visit Chiropodist This Foot Health Month

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May is Foot Health Month! The purpose of Foot Health Month is to raise awareness to the public about the importance of your feet and how to care for them properly.  Feet are an important part of your body and if your feet are sore and in a lot of pain, this can affect your day-to-day activities.

By visiting a Chiropodist at Ontario Foot and Orthotics, one can learn the benefits of proper foot care and the various diseases and disorders that can affect the feet.  Diabetes is one condition that can affect the feet in many ways.  There are complications that can arise from diabetes that can lead to loss of sensation causing wounds, infections, and possibly amputation.  By seeing your foot specialist on a regular basis, these complications can be prevented and if caught early, can be treated accordingly.

Conditions that can be treated by our foot specialists include corns, calluses, routine foot care, ingrown toe nails, diabetic foot care and wound care, warts, sports injuries, plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis, and much more.   Chiropodists at Ontario Foot and Orthotics can also assess and prescribe custom made orthotics and orthopaedic shoes.

Visit us this month for a foot assessment and learn how to care for your feet.  Learning about your feet and how to keep them healthy is very important and always remember that happy feet are healthy feet!  Call us at 519-623-3000 in Cambridge or 905-878-6479 in Milton or visit www.ontariofoot.ca for more info.

 

 

What are Compression Stockings and How Can They Help Me?

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Compression stockings or socks are specialized hosiery that is designed to help prevent the occurrence of venous disorders such as swelling, varicose veins, tired aching legs, and clotting.  It also guards against further progression of venous disorders.

Compression stockings or socks are elastic garments that are worn around the leg and compresses the limb, which creates pressure against the legs.  This causes an increase in venous blood flow.  By helping to decrease venous pressure, compression therapy will help relieve tired and aching legs.

Compression stockings are tightest around the ankles and become less constrictive around the knees and thighs.  The type of compression therapy will be dependent on where the swelling and aching is occurring.  The garment can go up to the knee, or extend to the thigh and even as panty hose up to the waist.  There are also various degrees of compression that are available.  Based on your symptoms, your doctor can help determine the amount of compression necessary.

Those who are on their feet all day, or who travel a lot for work can benefit from compression therapy.  They will help reduce swelling and keep the blood flowing at a constant gradient.   To find out more information regarding compression therapy and whether it is right for you, call us at 519-623-3000 in Cambridge or 905-878-6479 in Milton or visit www.ontariofoot.ca.

What are custom made orthotics/insoles and how can they help me?

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Custom made orthotics/insoles are a corrective device that is used to support and correct the foot in a functional or accommodative manner.  It is a device that is placed in your shoes and helps correct biomechanical issues that may be occurring.  The orthotics can be prescribed to fit many different styles of shoes such as athletic shoes, dress shoes, safety shoes, and also hockey skates, soccer shoes, etc.

Custom made orthotics are recommended for a number of reasons.  These can range from flat feet to high arches, bunions, heel pain, knee pain, lower back pain, and general foot pain and fatigue.   The orthotics can restrict or assist movement of the foot in a specific direction and help redistribute pressure in the foot to avoid excessive pressure on certain weight bearing areas. The orthotics also helps change the alignment of the body to help reduce discomfort in the ankle, knees, and lower back.

Accommodative custom orthotics helps relieve pain and offload areas of the foot without changing the function of the foot.  These types of insoles are recommended for those with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic individuals with sensitive feet, and those who just need more support in their feet in certain areas.

Before custom made orthotics are prescribed, a comprehensive assessment is completed.  This includes a biomechanical exam, which looks at the range of motion in the joints of the feet, knees, and hips.  A gait analysis is then completed to determine how the feet function when the body is in motion.  Once that is completed, a cast is taken of the feet through different means (plaster of paris, serofoam, etc.) and the orthotics are manufactured to your specific needs.

For more information or to arrange an assessment, contact Ontario Foot & Orthotics at 905-878-6479 in Milton. You can also visit us at ontariofoot.ca.

Compression therapy for your aching and swollen legs

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If you stand or sit for long periods of time, you can develop aches in your legs, as well as swelling within your veins. Of course, many types of jobs involve standing or sitting and so this is quite a common problem. These situations, as well as extended airtravel, may predispose you to getting more pressure in your veins that can lead to swelling and even varicose veins. A simple solution is getting compression therapy, that is, properly fitted compression socks or hosiery. Compression therapy is the application of external pressure to promote better circulation through the veins, reducing swelling and the tired and achy feelings in your legs.

Compression stockings are not what they used to be. They are much more stylish, softer and more comfortable. Men can get compression dress socks and women can also get compression hosiery to fit casual, dress, or office attire. The most important point is to be properly fitted by a trained professional. Chiropodists are best suited to take accurate measurements and to fit them to match your leg. Many people who simply buy a product off the shelf may end up finding that when they get home, the product is too tight or too loose at different areas of their leg, or may not provide an adequate amount of pressure to resolve the symptoms. A chiropodist will also take the time to show you useful techniques, including care and how to put them on quickly and effectively.

To arrange an assessment, contact Ontario Foot & Orthotics at 905-878-6479 in Milton. You can also visit us at www.ontariofoot.ca.

Fallen Arches & Heel Pain – Your Feet are Asking For Help

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Pain is one of the main reasons why people seek help – with heel pain, seek the help of a chiropodist – your foot care specialist. The most common cause of heel pain is a condition called ‘plantar fasciitis.’ Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the dense band of tissue that connects the heel and the base of the toes. Due to a fallen arch and poor foot biomechanics, the resulting micro-tears and strain leads to inflammation and pain of the plantar fascia. People often feel it when they step out of bed onto the floor, or after prolonged sitting. Simple ways to reduce the inflammation are to rest, ice and elevate the foot. Taking shorter steps, avoiding high-impact exercises and avoiding walking barefoot also help. If the inflammation and pain is not addressed adequately, a bone spur can develop and the pain can become chronic. A chiropodist will assess your foot and address the faulty biomechanics, often with a custom prescribed foot orthotic, as well as stretches and teaching you how to better care for your feet.

Fallen arches, or ‘flat feet’:

Having flat feet is a common finding. It is a lowering of the inside edge of your feet, leading to instability, local physical stress and reduces the shock-absorbing qualities of the arch. You may not suffer symptoms from fallen arches, though over time symptoms can develop: tired, stiff and sore arches; pain in the ankles, knees, hip or low back; painful shin splints with activity, Achilles tendonitis, bunions and osteoarthritis. It is important to address the foot instability and resulting faulty biomechanics of your feet due to the fallen arches. Foot orthotics are very helpful and stabilizes your fallen arch, reducing your symptoms. A chiropodist will conduct a complete biomechanical assessment of your flat feet and prescribe custom foot orthotics that match your unique foot structure and function.

To arrange an assessment, contact Ontario Foot & Orthotics at one of our two locations: 519-623-3000 in Cambridge or 905-878-6479 in Milton. You can also visit us at www.ontariofoot.ca.