Canadian Certified Pedorthists – C. Ped (C) – urge Canadians living with diabetes to make footcare a daily priority. An estimated 2.3 million Canadians currently live with diabetes and 14 – 24 per cent of those are at risk of developing a foot ulcer that will result in the amputation of a foot or leg. Long term complications in people with diabetes frequently manifest in foot problems such as infections and ulcerations that can lead to amputation. In fact, foot problems are the leading cause of hospitalization for Canadians living with diabetes. Most foot problems diagnosed in people with diabetes could have been avoided through daily footcare and proper shoe selection. Many people with diabetes have reduced circulation or sensation...
Conditions of the lesser toes can be caused by internal or external factors. Lesser toes refer to all of the toes (2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th) except the big toe. Causes of possible lesser toe conditions: Improper and/or ill-fitting footwear Neuromuscular factors Peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes or leprosy Rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis Trauma Muscle imbalance Types of lesser toe conditions and symptoms include: Claw Toe Deformity– deformity where both the 1st and 2nd joints within the toes are permanently flexed. Pain in the ball of the foot and painful corns may occur on top of flexed joints or underneath the tip of the toe Hammer Toe Deformity– deformity where only the 1st toe joint is flexed. An irritation or corn...
Achilles tendinopathy is an injury to the Achilles tendon just above the heel on the back of the leg. This condition may be due to abnormal or excessive strain on the tendon from poor shock absorption or excessive foot pronation. Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and possible nodule formation along the Achilles tendon or where it is attached to the back of the calcaneus (heel) Stiffness may be present after sitting or resting Pedorthic treatment may include: Foot and lower limb exam Custom-made foot orthotic or over-the-counter device Recommendation of appropriate and proper-fitting footwear Modification of footwear Pedorthic Pointers for Patients To prevent and alleviate heel pain, Canadian Certified Pedorthists recommend: Carefully and slowly increasing activity to allow the tissues of the...
Arthritis is a common disease that can affect the joints, skin and various internal organs of the body. Although, often thought to be a disease for the elderly, the majority of the 4.5 million Canadians currently living with arthritis are under 65 years old. When arthritis affects the feet, a consultation with a Canadian Certified Pedorthist – C. Ped (C) – can be helpful. Canadian Certified Pedorthists help patients retain and enhance mobility through proper footcare, suitable footwear selections and/or custom-made foot orthotics, if appropriate. Pedorthic Pointers for Patients To alleviate the pain caused by arthritis, Canadian Certified Pedorthists recommend selecting footwear featuring: Rigid rocker soles (the curve at the toe area of a shoe) to decrease stress on the ball...
