Do you ever experience achy and tired legs? Do you ever have leg swelling, a feeling of leg heaviness, or restless legs? If so, you might be suffering from what is called CVI, or Chronic Venous Insufficiency.

What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency? It is a condition that occurs when the veins in the lower extremities become weak and no longer allow adequate blood flow back to the heart. There are many reasons why this can happen. Advanced age, obesity, pregnancy, sitting or standing for long periods of time, smoking, lack of exercise, shoes (high heels), height or even a family history of this condition can all contribute to a person having CVI.

Veins are under no pressure and must rely on valves and pressure from muscle contractions to control blood flow back to the heart. When the vein valves become weak or damaged, blood will flow away from the heart back to the feet, leading to pooling of blood and fluid in the ankles and feet. You may notice enlarged, twisted and often hard veins that “pop” out of the legs. These are called varicose veins, and can lead to pain, swelling and even ulcers if left untreated.

Treatment options may vary depending on the reason for the condition and should always be discussed with your healthcare professional. Here are a few tips that can be effective in managing the symptoms:

1. Stay active: You do not need expensive equipment or a gym membership, simply strolling around the block can be extremely beneficial. It helps to keep that blood pumping.
2. Elevate your legs: Having your legs above your heart (laying with your feet propped up on a pillow) allows gravity to help blood flow back towards your heart despite leaky, weak veins.
3. Avoid long periods of standing/sitting: Flex and extend your legs, feet and ankles every 30 minutes, or walk around if possible. This keeps blood flowing and does not allow for it to pool in your ankles or feet.
4. Swimming: This eliminates the effects of gravity and allows the blood to flow back to the heart, plus the kicking of the legs helps to contract the muscles of the calf, which pushes the blood towards the heart.
5. Wear compression garments: Compression socks are specifically designed to improve blood flow by applying gentle, consistent pressure. The greatest amount of compression is at the ankle and the least is at the top of the garment. Finding the right fit is key. For medical grade compression you will need to be measured by a certified fitter to ensure that the sock is not too snug, but not too loose either. The sock should fit snug, feeling supportive yet comfortable. Like a gentle hug for your legs.

Come See Us!

At BioPed, we are all about empowering you to Do More in life. That is why we offer a range of compression leg garments and other foot care products to support your journey. So, whether you are chasing after your kids, crushing it at work, or exploring new adventures, don’t underestimate the power of a good pair of compression socks. Your legs will thank you, and who knows, you might find yourself doing more than ever before!

Nothing is more important to your feet than a pair of shoes. Your feet are what keep you moving through life, from working that 12-hour shift to scoring the game-winning goal. Your feet are with you every step of the way. With foot care, one often overlooked thing is the significance of wearing properly fitted shoes. Today, we will dig into why choosing a properly fitted shoe is paramount to maintaining good foot health.

Proper Support

The right pair of shoes goes beyond providing comfort; it provides proper support. Whether your ankles roll in or roll out, a shoe can help to control them and make your feet more efficient at managing the pressure you put through them. The best part is that the effects of properly supported feet do not stop there but can be felt throughout your entire body! A well-fitted shoe can help to distribute your body weight, reducing pressure throughout the rest of your body. A poorly fitted shoe can do the complete opposite.

Can Footwear Cause Bunions?

The short answer is yes! Improperly fitted footwear is often regarded as the leading cause of foot deformities as we age. Shoe width, length, and toe box depth are often the main culprits. If your feet do not have room inside your shoe, there will be excessive pressure placed on your toes, which can cause them to move in less than desirable directions—often inwards towards each other! As a result, conditions like bunions, hammer toes, corns and calluses can be caused.

They can even help with circulation!

Proper blood circulation is crucial for overall well-being, and this applies to the feet as well. Shoes that are too tight may impede blood flow, leading to sensations of numbness, tingling, and coldness. Choosing well-fitted shoes facilitates unrestricted blood circulation, not only benefitting foot health but also contributing to overall body health as well.

But what do I look for in a properly fitted shoe?

Glad you asked! Properly fitted shoes are easy to find; you just need to know the questions to ask. When looking for shoes that fit properly, you want to look for a few key things:

• No pressure points anywhere. You shouldn’t need to break in a shoe. If you feel like you must, chances are it isn’t the right shoe for you.
• Get your shoe size measured with a Brannock device. Often, we are wearing shoes that fit too tight both lengthwise and widthwise. The rule of thumb for length is a fingernail’s width of extra space at the toes. For width, you shouldn’t feel any squeezing.
• Secured heel. When the shoe is fully laced up to the proper tightness, there should be no slipping at the heel. Extra movement here could mean blisters later.
• Deals are great, but happy feet are more important. As irresistible as the deal is, never go smaller or larger to save more.

Come See Us!

Don’t let lower limb pain caused by improper footwear get in the way of doing the things you want to do. Please book an appointment with us today! At BioPed Footcare, no matter the occasion, we can find the right shoe for you. With our on-site lab, there is nothing we can’t do! Meet with one of BioPed’s lower limb clinicians to see how you can keep your feet and legs healthy!

Do your legs ever feel achy, tired, fatigued, heavy or swollen? If they do, you may have a condition known as chronic venous insufficiency and you could benefit from compression therapy.  If the veins in your legs have difficulty moving deoxygenated blood back up to the heart and lungs to be reoxygenated again, it can result in swelling and pooling of blood in the legs, ankles, and feet.

Compression therapy is effective at reducing swelling in the legs and feet and preventing more serious complications such as skin irritation, blisters, or even skin breakdown. Compression is available in knee high, thigh high and full pantyhose lengths.  It mimics the action of the muscles in the leg, creating an upwards squeezing effect.

Getting the right fit is key!  For maximum comfort and to achieve the best results from your compression therapy, it’s important to choose the correct compression level, length, and material.  Being measured by a certified fitter at BioPed Footcare is crucial to finding the right solution for your needs.

Compression level

The compression level is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is a “gradient” system, meaning the compression is highest or tightest at the ankle and gradually becomes less as it goes up the leg.  Compression is available in a variety of compression strengths.

15-20 mmHg is not considered medical grade but can help improve circulation without being too tight.

20-30 mmHg is considered medical grade and is ideal for those looking for more support and for those who have early signs of varicose or spider veins.

30-40 mmHg & 40-50 mmHg strengths are intended for more severe conditions such as blood clots, significant edema, and painful varicose veins.

Length

Not all legs are created equal!  Depending on the natural shape of your leg, choosing an appropriate length is important for comfort and fit.  Knee high compression socks are ideal for swelling around the ankle and they are meant to end below the knee.  If your legs are larger close to your knees, it may be beneficial to wear thigh or waist high compression for more of a comfortable fit. Thigh high compression socks are best for issues with swelling in the leg as they cover the entire leg.  Pantyhose/waist high compression are helpful in moving swelling out of the lower and upper legs, through the hips.

Material

Compression in opaque materials provide excellent compression and are more durable than sheer materials. Sheer materials are lightweight and cool but can snag easier than thicker materials and may not be as strong in their compression. Natural fibres such as cotton or wool can control heat and moisture but are typically only available in lower compression levels.

Come See Us!

If you have swelling in your lower limbs or if you’re not sure if compression therapy is right for you, give your local BioPed a call to find out more!  BioPed’s lower limb clinicians will assess and measure for proper fit, style, and material. Consider compression as part of your day-to-day to ensure your blood flow remains healthy and your swelling remains minimal.

The foot is a complex system consisting of 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 ligaments, tendons, and muscles. The foot is subdivided into the rearfoot, midfoot, and forefoot. The arches in our feet can collapse or fall if its structures do not work and move as they should. When arches collapse, the feet appear flatter especially when standing. Flat feet tend to point away from the midline of the body and have excessive pronation when walking as compared to feet with high arches.

Functionally, the arch of the foot is like an arched bridge. The centre section must be strong enough to bear weight. If one or both ends anchored on either side are weak, the middle section will become compromised. All parts of our feet must be properly grounded to properly support the arch. At BioPed, our lower limb clinicians will analyze your entire foot to determine how much and where support is needed.

Some of us are born with flat feet, and others acquire flat feet over time. The most common causes of collapsed arches and flat feet include:

• Genetics
• Overuse due to prolonged standing, walking., running or training
• Rapid weight gain
• Ligament, muscle and/or tendon weakness in the foot and lower leg
• Pregnancy, which affects the integrity of ligaments
• Participation in sports or activities that are strenuous
• Wearing unsupportive footwear not geared for a chosen activity
• Previous foot injuries
• Malalignments in the forefoot, midfoot or heel
• Alterations in lower body mechanics, known as pathomechanics

When foot arches collapse, pain and discomfort are often felt in the heel or the arch. Pain and discomfort in the joints of the foot, ankle, knee, hip and even the lower back are commonly associated with flattened arches. If muscles in and around the foot compensate for collapsed arches and flat feet, they can become strained and tired. This may result in conditions, such as bunions and hammer toes.

Treating collapsed arches & flat feet

Treatment options include custom manufactured foot orthotics to help control heel movement and rotation and protect ankle weakness. Our Canadian Certified Pedorthists and Registered Chiropodists conduct comprehensive assessments which includes a foot examination, joint range of motion tests and a gait analysis. At BioPed Footcare, we have onsite orthotic labs where we manufacture and modify your custom orthotic device. Onsite labs give us the ability to make immediate and accurate adjustments to further customize your orthotics. For adults, it may take several adjustments over one to two years, to achieve optimal results.

Stretching and strengthening the muscles in and around the feet can help better support the foot’s structures when walking and moving around. BioPed’s lower limb clinicians can recommend the best exercises for you and your needs.

Properly Fitted Footwear

Footwear is integral to properly supporting the feet. Your BioPed team will recommend appropriate footwear for you, and always ensure a good fit!  If needed, footwear modifications can also be done. We offer a wide range of orthotic-friendly footwear and it’s important to note that the footwear best suited for flatter feet should have a wide stable base or sole providing needed stability.

Come See Us!

Don’t let lower limb pain get in the way of doing the things you love to do. Please book an appointment with us today! At BioPed Footcare, whether its orthotics, footwear or bracing we are here for you. With our on-site lab there is nothing we can’t do! Meet with one of BioPed’s lower limb clinicians to see how you can keep your feet and legs healthy!

It’s that time of year again! The back-to-school rush is in full swing. While we may be preoccupied with the essentials; notebooks, pencils, lunch bags, backpacks and the ever-important first-day look. Back-to-school shoes are an important piece of their wardrobe that should be given more attention to ensure comfort and style all year!

Yes, kids can be rough on their shoes and grow out of them, but properly fitting shoes can solve many causes of foot pain, keeping kids active and happy.

Why is it helpful for kids to have supportive footwear?

You may wonder, with their constant growth and activity – why bother getting them good shoes if they’ll wear them out so quickly? The truth is, kids need supportive footwear for the same reasons we adults do. We need to keep our feet happy, healthy and pain-free. Because of their growth spurts, kids are more prone to lower leg issues and injuries such as shin splints, ankle and knee instability and soreness at the growth plates. Proper fitting shoes can help to negate the pain of these conditions, keeping them pain-free as they grow.

One way we often deal with childhood’s rapid growth is to buy slightly oversized shoes. We hope this will make them last longer. The phrase ‘they’ll grow into them’ is common, but it is not always a good practice.

Children’s shoes that are too big can leave room in the shoe for their feet to slide around, causing blisters to develop. If we wait too long to replace their shoes as they outgrow them…

Toes can curl and grow crooked from being crammed together.

Callusing and corns can form in areas of higher pressure.

Children are active. They wear through footwear quickly with life on the playground. They need more support to prevent injury. More stability on the ground gives children a foundation to run, jump and climb! Therefore, replacing your children’s shoes when they show signs of wear and tear is a necessity.

Now that we looked at why proper fitting and supportive footwear is essential. Let’s look at how to select footwear that meets these criteria in time for back to school.

Do your legs ever feel achy, tired or fatigued, heavy or swollen? If they do, you may have a condition known as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and would benefit from compression therapy.

Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when the veins in the legs have difficulty moving deoxygenated blood back up to the heart and lungs to be reoxygenated once again. This results in swelling and pooling of blood in the legs, ankles, and feet.

Blood vessels

We have two types of blood vessels in our bodies, arteries and veins.

Arteries supply our body tissues with oxygen and nutrients to keep them alive. Veins are responsible for returning the blood back to the heart and lungs to be reoxygenated once again.

They have little to no muscle in their walls and rely on the leg muscles to help squeeze the blood upwards. Veins also have one-way valves that prevent the blood from flowing back down with gravity. If the muscles are not actively squeezing the veins or the valves are incompetent, CVI may result.

Chronic venous insufficiency & compression

A number of factors that can contribute to a person developing CVI include:

● Sedentary lifestyle
● Prolonged standing still or sitting
● Increased body weight
● Pregnancy
● Genetic predisposition
● Advancing age

It is important to avoid long periods of standing still or sitting. Try to move more day-to-day by taking breaks when at work or home. If you can , going for a brief walk is an excellent way to get the blood circulating. Shifting your body weight when standing in one spot for a long time is also helpful.

If you must sit for an extended period of time, however, try to elevate your legs instead of keeping them in a dependent position with the feet flat on the ground. This will help facilitate the veins’ ability to return the blood back to the lungs and prevent swelling from accumulating. Always remember, having a more active lifestyle will benefit you in more ways than one.

Compression therapy

You have been enjoying the beautiful summer weather. Kicking off your shoes, walking around the pool or with your toes in the sand at the beach. Life is good.

Summer is a great time to get outside and do more, but have you been taking care of your feet? Do your feet require some end-of-summer care to prepare for fall?

Yes!

Corns and callus are common and can be painful if left untreated. BioPed footcare clinicians treat corns and callus during routine footcare appointments.

What is the difference between a corn and callus? Can corns and calluses be permanently removed? Is the treatment painful? These are just a few of the commonly asked questions we hear from our patients.

Below we explore this topic more and how BioPed can help!

Treatment for corns & callus?

Corns and callus are similar as they are both thickened areas in the first epidermal layer of the skin. When there is repetitive pressure or friction on the skin, the body attempts to create protection by thickening the skin. A callus forms from a shearing force or when the foot and the ground move in opposite directions.

A corn forms when there is a torsional or rotational force during movement such as walking or running. Corns can occur on the bottom of the foot but are also commonly found on the tops or in between the toes. Callus usually appears on the bottom or sole of the foot and around the heels. Both can be painful, but because corns are a “circumscribed” or circular area of callus, they tend to be more painful. This circular formation creates a pinpoint or localized area of callus which has the sensation of wearing a stiletto high heel versus a running shoe.

It is best to seek help from a Registered Chiropodist or Footcare Nurse for treatment as opposed to at-home treatment. They will take a medical history, conduct an exam of your feet, inspect your shoes to make sure they are appropriate and may watch how you walk.

What is the difference between a corn & callus?

Both Registered Chiropodists and Footcare Nurses can remove corns and calluses in the clinic. Typically they use sterile scalpel blades or files. This is done after the skin is cleansed with an antiseptic and a treatment plan is discussed. Once the area of thickened skin is removed or reduced, relief is often felt right away.

Over-the-counter medicated corn pads can be dangerous to use as they contain a medicine called salicylic acid which can damage healthy skin as well as thickened skin. Conditions such as diabetes, poor circulation or numbness in the feet pose a particular risk when using these medicated pads.

Corns and callus can also be caused by the way a person walks. Seeing a BioPed lower limb clinician for a biomechanical assessment and gait analysis can help determine the cause of these painful lesions. Unless the “cause” of these lesions is treated, corns and callus will continue to form. Depending on the outcome of this assessment, custom-made foot orthotics, a change in footwear or even something as simple as wearing a protective toe sleeve to reduce pain and discomfort may be recommended.

BioPed clinics have footcare products to increase comfort and keep corns and callus under control in between footcare appointments. Using a foot file in combination with a moisturizer is recommended.

Compression socks can be a lifesaver for people who sit or stand for long periods of time. Whether you have a condition that causes swelling or not, compression socks can be used to allow you to do more while moving through your busy day.