Category Archives: Orthotics

Foot Doctor : Where does this pain come from? It starts with the feet.

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Ouch! Lots of people experience seemingly inexplicable body pain, especially in cold weather. Aches in your lower body and neck can be a result of situational strain but if you are beginning to notice that it is happening frequently then perhaps the answer you are looking for isn’t under your nose, it starts with your toes.

Everything from the back of the heel, knee, calf, hips, lower back and neck can experience muscle pain as a result of problems with the anatomy of your feet and the way you carry weight when you move. These types of dysfunctions are called biomechanical issues and treating such afflictions is the specialty of a little place in Milton and Cambridge called Ontario Foot and Orthotics.

One example of problems many people have with their feet and simply ignore for most of their life is over or under pronation. Pronation is the way the ankle rolls and rotates naturally during a step and it is something everyone does. The heel comes down first and the ankle rolls a few degrees to evenly distribute the weight of your body across your foot. Problems begin to occur when either the shape of your foot or the way you naturally walk cause you to roll your foot either too much or too little during pronation. This causes too much weight to be disproportionally distributed to certain parts of the foot, depending on how you are pronating.

It seems like a simple fix but these things take an expert to diagnose. The staff at Ontario Foot and Orthotics will schedule an appointment and analyze the shape of your feet and the way you walk. Muscles in your feet span across joints and connect to a whole set of muscles which are connected all the way up your legs, back and neck. Through custom orthotic inserts and preventative strategies to fight pain, Ontario Foot and Orthotics can provide solutions to the mysterious muscle pain you thought would never go away.

Call Ontario Foot and Orthotics at 519-623-3000 in Cambridge or 905-878-6479 in Milton or visit www.ontariofoot.ca for more info.

What is Plantar Fasciitis and how can it be treated?

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Plantar Fasciitis is a result of inflammation of the plantar fascia.  The plantar fascia is a thick, non-elastic band of fibrous tissue that runs from the balls of your feet (metatarsal heads) and attaches to your heel.  It is an overuse injury that is usually characterized by acute heel pain first thing in the morning or after rest.

Plantar fasciitis occurs when stress is applied to the plantar fascia causing it to pull away from the insertion point (the heel).  This can cause small tears to the fascia resulting in inflammation and pain.  There are a variety of factors that can cause stress to the fascia such as flat arches (overpronation), tight calf muscles, poor footwear, overuse, and sudden increase in weight.

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include a sharp pain in the heel that can travel towards the arch of the foot.  Pain persists with every step of the foot.   As the fascia is pulled away from the heel bone, the body reacts by filling in the space with new bone, which can lead to a heel spur.  A heel spur can be detected via x-ray and can be treated in the same way as plantar fasciitis.

Treatment options:

Many of the treatment options for plantar fasciitis consist of conservative therapy.  Short-term treatment includes stretching and icing of the fascia, proper footwear, padding and strapping, and oral ibuprofen or any other anti-inflammatory.  If none of these treatment options are working, physical therapy can be implemented.  Finally for a long-term treatment and preventative solution, orthotics can be prescribed.  Orthotics will help to re-create the arch and reduce stress on the fascia.  Surgical options are available, however not very common.

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

Custom orthotics for all feet

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Winter is in full swing and like many people you may only now be realizing that your seasonal footgear is not as comfortable as you remember it. The multitude of boots and shoes you are switching into depending on the weather are designed for fashion and function before comfort but there are custom orthotic solutions in Cambridge and Milton to make all your footwear fit like a dream.

Most stores that sell footgear also sell inserts for their shoes but custom orthotics are a step ahead of those products. While one-size-fits-all inserts might give a little extra cushion to your step, a custom solution created at Ontario Foot and Orthotics will be designed and manufactured to fit your feet perfectly. They can correct underlying problems with your feet that might be causing you pain or putting stress on your body.

Call and set up an appointment for an in-depth analysis. Staff will meet with you to administer a biomechanical assessment of your feet and walking style as well as create a plaster cast of your foot. Once the cause of your discomfort has been discovered, customized orthotics can be created that will not only fit your feet comfortably, but actually work towards correcting the misalignments that are causing stress and pain in your feet and body.

No matter what your job, age or level of activity, customized orthotics can help you get through the cold weather safely and with comfort. Treat yourself and treat your feet to an appointment with Ontario Foot and Orthotics. Call us at 519-623-3000 in Cambridge or 905-878-6479 in Milton or visit www.ontariofoot.ca for more info.

Over-the-counter shoe inserts vs. custom prescription orthotics

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When you have discomfort in your feet, it’s only natural to look for solutions. Some will try over-the-counter (OTC) foot inserts to try and get relief, while others seek professional advice from a foot care specialist and get a custom solution, prescription orthotics.

A store bought insert/insole usually provides cushioning, or has pre-moulded arch support and can assist in correcting foot structure. However, despite relieving mild to moderate discomforts, such inserts can increase foot problems as they wear down, so it is important to replace them regularly. What has also been commonly found is that each of your feet can be unique from each other, so each may have different support requirements. So how is it possible that a standard OTC foot insert solves different problems uniquely appearing in each foot? Keep in mind that if there is inadequate support, other problems can develop.

The best route to take is to see your registered foot care specialist. A chiropodist will assess the needs of each of your feet and recommend a custom solution that also suits your lifestyle, work requirements and the type of exercise that you enjoy the most. Your chiropodist may recommend either non-custom inserts, or prescription orthotics. It would depend on your unique needs and your budget. Prescription foot orthotics are covered by most extended health insurance benefit plans and best solve your foot problem for a long term solution.

In addition to obtaining the proper supportive orthotics, your chiropodist will also make preventive suggestions to optimize your foot health. This may include advice on which style of shoe best fits your feet, foot care instructions, sports medicine and much more.

For more information, or to arrange an assessment, contact Ontario Foot and Orthotics at 519-623-3000 in Cambridge or 905-878-6479 in Milton. Visit us at www.ontariofoot.ca.

Take action against bunions on your feet, avoid future pain

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It happened to your mother and now it’s happening to you…bunions. A bunion is a condition that affects the bones and joints of the great toe. It appears as a bony prominence on the inside margin of your forefoot, which can get red, swollen and painful. It stands out in the painful grimace on your face by the end of the work day. Or it stands out in the way you alter your walking style to reduce the discomfort felt in your foot. It also stands out in how you avoid standing for too long, or avoid going to the mall, since there’s so much walking at the mall.

It’s a common problem; roughly thirty percent of the population suffers from bunions. Bunions arise due to abnormal foot function, leading to a gradual dislocation of the joint. They can also relate to heredity, different forms of arthritis, narrow-toed shoes and high heels and other foot-related problems. Bunions can also occur on the small toe side, commonly called bunionettes. Either way, they often worsen and may require surgery, unless you take action.

Simple ways to reduce the pain is by applying a cold pack to the area a few times a day, though many resort to pain medications. Choosing shoes with heels less than two inches high helps, as well as wider fitting shoes, though any shoe or slipper lacking proper support can aggravate bunions. The best course of action to resolve the problem that is causing the deformation is to visit your foot care specialist. A qualified chiropodist will assess your particular situation and make corrective suggestions. Some common suggestions from a chiropodist include proper fitting footwear to alleviate pressure, bunion shield pads, or prescription orthotics, which stabilizes the foot and minimizes stresses on the affected joints.

To arrange an assessment, contact Ontario Foot and Orthotics at 905-878-6479 in Milton. Visit us online at www.ontariofoot.ca.

Chiropodists provide solutions for your foot pain.

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Have your feet ever ached? Of course, it’s the most common complaint Chiropodists hear in the office, when people come for a professional foot check-up. Tired feet and mild aches are quite common by the end of a long day at work, or after long shopping excursions, or after a good long walk. However, what if your foot aches and pains are regular, or even daily, or quite intense? That’s when it’s time to visit a professional for a full foot assessment.

If you experience pain while walking on hardwood or ceramic floors you may want to visit a Chiropodist. They treat patients with all types of foot problems, which cause a range of pains in the feet. There are many different solutions that they will recommend, based on the foot assessments they perform.

In some cases, the solution may involve using a different type of shoe. Perhaps the answer may be using orthotics – a custom insert to suit your foot structure and function. The foot pain may be due to an in-grown toe nail, an infection, chronic ankle sprains, or inflamed tissues. Whatever the cause, Ontario Foot and Orthotics will do their job to properly assess, treat, manage and resolve the source of your foot pain.

For more information, or to book an assessment, contact Ontario Foot and Orthotics at one of our two locations: 519-623-3000 (Cambridge), 905-878-6479 (Milton). Or visit us online at www.ontariofoot.ca.

Orthotics can help improve your quality of life.

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If you’re spending more than 6 hours a day on your feet and end the day with sore, achy feet and pain that extends up to your legs and lower back, you may be a candidate for orthotics or orthopaedic shoes.

Strictly speaking, an orthotic is a device that supports or corrects the functioning of a part of your body. They can range from a brace on your leg to a shoe insole. An orthotic performs a number of functions including:

• Restricting or assisting movement generally or in a specific direction

• Reducing weight bearing forces in a certain area for a particular purpose

• Rehabilitating from fractures after the removal of a cast

• Or, simply correcting the shape of the body to provide easier movement and reduce pain.

The chiropodists – foot doctors – at Ontario Foot & Orthotics recommend orthotics or orthopaedic shoes for a number of foot ailments or strains such as high, fallen arches, or flat feet. These types of conditions if left untreated can lead to biomechanical issues.

But even tired and achy feet can benefit from orthotics. For those who spend the entire work day on their feet – usually more than 6 hours a day, it using orthotics can increase comfort, reduce pain and generally improve your quality of life. Imagine returning home from work without sore and achy feet – by- passing the footbath and enjoying the rest of your evening.

Sometimes, it’s not a matter of just insoles, but orthopaedic shoes may be required. Fortunately, these days you can purchase orthopaedic shoes in a variety of sizes, shapes and colours that doesn’t put unneeded stress on your feet.

The chiropodists at Ontario Foot & Orthotics are pleased to answer your questions and help you discover if you’re a candidate for orthotic insoles or shoes. Most orthotics are covered by a variety of insurance plans. Visit us online 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.