Tag Archives: orthotics in Milton

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.

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.

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

Haglund’s deformity

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Haglund’s deformity is a bony growth/enlargement of the back of the heel bone.  It can be painful and cause swelling and inflammation of the back of the heel.  This is also known as “pump bump” as it is common in women who wear pumps.

There are various causes of Haglund’s deformity.  These include a high arch, tight Achilles tendon, and walking on the outside of your feet.  Wearing shoes with a firm rigid back can also contribute to a Haglund’s deformity.  The most common types of footwear include pumps and hockey/figure skates.

The most common symptom of Haglund’s deformity is the enlarged bone growth on the back of the heel.  It can also cause blistering of the heels from the shoes rubbing against the bump.  In cases of extreme rubbing against the bump, the back of the heel can become red, inflamed, and tender to touch.

There are multiple treatment options for Haglund’s deformity.  These include:

  • Orthotics– Custom made orthotics can be prescribed to change the position of the foot that will help reduce the amount of rubbing of the shoes against the back of the heel.
  • Footwear– Footwear that does not have a rigid back can help reduce the amount of friction on the back of the heel.  Also, shoes that have a wider heel counter to accommodate the enlarged bone.
  • Immobilization-If the area is really inflamed, a walking boot or soft cast can be used to immobilize the area until it heals.
  • Surgery-If no conservative treatments are effective then surgical options are available.

Prevention of Haglund’s deformity includes wearing shoes that have a soft heel counter, wearing custom-made orthotics to correct foot type that could lead to a Haglund’s deformity, and stretching of the Achilles tendon.

For more information on Haglund’s deformity, or to book an assessment, contact Ontario Foot and Orthotics at (905)878-6479 or visit us online at www.ontariofoot.ca.

 

What to Do When You Have Foot Pain

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Ontario Foot & Orthotics can help you with all of your orthotic needs including orthotics in Milton.

Your feet are one of the worst parts of your body to experience pain. You can’t walk, run, do housework, go shopping or do anything else without being in a great deal of pain. If your foot pain is chronic, it can be debilitating. Here are some tips to help you minimize or eliminate your foot pain so that you can get back to enjoying your life:

  • Identify the Source. When trying to identify what is causing your foot pain, you can usually find the answer in the details. Foot pain can be caused by injuries, infections, toe nail issues, callouses, bunions, plantar fasciitis, and numerous other sources. To determine where your pain is coming from, write down all of the information you can. Where are you experiencing the pain? What type of pain is it? What were you doing when you experienced the pain? How long did it last? Is your foot swollen? What shoes were you wearing? All of this information will help to identify the source and solve the problem.
  • Stay off it! Pain is your body’s way of telling you to cut it out. At the very least, your feet need a rest from whatever you are doing. Often pushing through pain will lead to more pain or even injuries.
  • Pamper your feet. We expect a lot from our feet, and most of us do very little to take care of them. Set aside some time to give your feet a little tender loving care. Soak your feet and remove any callouses. Always keep your feet clean and dry. Pay special attention to the socks and shoes that you wear, and take any foot pain very seriously.
  • See a professional. If your foot pain is intense or chronic, then you should see a professional. Ontario Foot & Orthotics, which is a foot clinic in Milton is a good place to start. Our staff is comprised of two registered Chiropodists experienced in all aspects of foot care. Call us to book an appointment.

How to Find the Best Shoes for Your Feet

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Ontario Foot & Orthotics are here to help you take care of your feet. We provide orthopaedic shoes in Milton, orthotics in Milton, and we also have a chiropodist in Milton.

How do you feel about shoe shopping? For some it’s a minor addiction. For others, especially those with foot pain, it can be an agonizing task. Since your feet are with you for life, it makes sense to choose shoes that provide them with adequate support. Here are some tips that will help you find shoes that your feet will love:

Have a salesperson measure your feet. Did you know that the size of your feet changes with age? Did you also know that your feet are bigger later in the day due to swelling? It is important that you have a salesperson measure your feet each time you buy new shoes and that you go shoe shopping in the afternoon or evening. If one of your feet is slightly bigger than the other, go with the bigger size.

Walk around in the shoes before you buy them. Before selecting a pair of shoes, wear them around the store. Wiggle your toes and make sure that there is enough space for them. Are they too narrow? Do they pinch at all? Does either foot feel compressed? The idea of ‘breaking in’ your shoes is a myth; if they don’t fit you in the store, don’t buy them.

Pay attention to the soles of your shoes. The soles of your shoes are also very important. Are the soles thick enough to protect your feet if you step on a sharp object? Do they provide enough cushioning? How do the shoes feel on different surfaces? The level support that you get from your shoes will make a huge difference in how your feet feel at the end of the day.

Save the fancy shoes for special occasions. The problem with all of this is that practical shoes simply don’t go with some of your gorgeous outfits! Don’t despair! You can still wear those knock-out heels when you go out or your flip flops to the beach; they just shouldn’t be your everyday shoes.

We should all make an effort to take care of our feet and buying the right shoes is a great place to start. If you experience pain in your feet or you want to learn how to take care of them better, call us! We can help!