Tag Archives: custom made orthotics

Neuromas

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A neuroma is a pinched nerve, or a nerve tumor that can be very painful. It is a benign growth of nerve tissue that is usually found between the third and fourth toes.

The neuroma is usually painful while walking. The pain is usually isolated to the third and fourth toes but can occur between other toes as well. An individual suffering from a neuroma can find relief once they remove their shoes and massage the area. Women usually develop neuromas more often then men due to ill fitted shoes.

Causes

  • Biomechanical issues such as a flat foot or a very high arch. These foot types cause instability around the joints that can lead to a neuroma.
  • Trauma that damages the nerve causing swelling and inflammation of the nerve.
  • Ill fitting shoes such as high heels that squeeze the toes together and put pressure on the forefoot.

Symptoms

  • Numbness and tingling in the balls of the feet.
  • Pain and swelling in the forefoot and between the toes.
  • Pain in the ball of the foot when weight is placed on the area.

Treatment

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