Each year more than 1.2 million Canadians are sidelined from their favourite sport due to a sports-related injury that may have been prevented through proper fitting footwear and shoe selection. To reduce the risk of a sports-related injury and alleviate pain if one occurs: Consult a local Canadian Certified Pedorthist at Fit Right Orthotics for a biomechanical exam. Your Pedorthist will ensure you are wearing the right type of footwear for your sport, it fits properly, and it provides the correct support for your foot type. If your Pedorthist finds biomechanical faults, custom-made foot orthotics may help prevent an injury. Over-the-counter devices often help prevent simple cases of over pronation and can assist with healing following an injury. Slowly and carefully increase your activity level to allow...
Heel pain is one the most common problems seen by Canadian Certified Pedorthists. Causes include: Poor foot mechanics Being overweight Low activity levels Improper footwear Aging Unfavourable ground conditions Common Heel Conditions Plantar Fasciitis One of the most common heel problems seen by Canadian Certified Pedorthists, plantar fasciitis is the inflammation and irritation of the plantar fascia (a thick fibrous tissue that extends from the heel to the toes, supporting the arch). Poor foot posture or excessive ankle motion during walking can strain the plantar fascia resulting in small tears and increased tension where the fascia attaches to the calcaneus (heel). Symptoms: Pain and swelling (inflammation) at the beginning of the arch or bottom of the heel Often the pain is...
Pathomechanics is a clinically-used term to describe abnormal movements that cause pain or dysfunction in an individual. Two conditions Canadian Certified Pedorthists commonly see in the feet are overpronation and under pronation (or supination). Overpronation Overpronation is a condition in which the foot rolls excessively down and inward. The arch may elongate and collapse (or ‘fall’) and the heel will lean inward. Overpronation should not be confused with pronation. Pronation is a normal motion of the foot during weight bearing, allowing the foot to absorb shock as it contacts the ground. Common conditions seen with overpronation: Heel pain or plantar fasciitis Achilles tendinopathy Hallus valgus and/or bunions Patellofemoral pain syndrome Iliotibial band pain syndrome Low back pain Shin splints Stress fractures in the...
Metatarsalgia is a term used to describe a group of forefoot conditions that cause pain, burning or discomfort under the ball of the foot or in the metatarsal bones. Each foot has five metatarsal bones that run from the arch of your foot to your toe joints. Key symptoms of metatarsalgia include: Pain and/or burning sensation in the ball of your foot when standing, walking or running, which improve when you rest Sharp or shooting pain in your toes Numbness or tingling in your toes Causes of Metatarsalgia: Intense activities Foot trauma Certain foot types such as high arches Foot deformities Arthritis Fat pad deterioration (a thinning of the protective fat pads that cushion the balls of the foot) Bunions Excessive...
Footwear with orthopaedic features offers many benefits, however sometimes shoes may need to be modified to better support and accommodate individual needs. The types of footwear modifications a Canadian Certified Pedorthist – C. Ped (C) can complete range from simple to complex and include: Stretching:to improve the fit of a shoe Bubble patches:to increase the room in the shoe and reduce the pressure on sensitive areas Sole splits:to increase the width of the sole up to 3/8″ Excavations:to reduce the pressure on sensitive areas Reinforcements:to strengthen an area and reduce premature wear Flares and buttresses:to strengthen the shoe, widen the base of support and stop the foot from distorting the shoe Rocker soles:to relieve pain in the ball of the foot, aggressively offload certain...
