Tag Archives: foot care

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.

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.