Do you suffer from heel pain, pain in your big toe joint or have been told that you have a neuroma? Cortisone injections may be a great option to relieve your pain and discomfort!

Cortisone shots are commonly used to treat inflammation and pain in the shoulders, back, hands, hips, and knees. Did you know they can also be used for the feet?  A cortisone shot is an injection of a medicine that treats inflammation and relieves pain. It is a manufactured corticosteroid that closely resembles the naturally occurring hormone in our body known as cortisol. Corticosteroids are not to be mistaken for anabolic steroids which are widely frowned upon in sports due to their performance enhancing ability.

How does cortisone treat inflammation and pain?

If you suffer from heel pain or plantar fasciitis, pain in your big toe joint or have been diagnosed with a neuroma, a cortisone injection may be a viable treatment option for you! All three of these ailments can be successfully treated with a cortisone shot with the same mechanism of action – it decreases inflammation and offers a localized relief from pain. This is accomplished by delivering the cortisone directly to the site of concern by injection. In doing this, it works faster and more effectively than an oral anti-inflammatory, such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Taking a pill to treat pain in the foot isn’t always successful because it must travel throughout the body with only a fraction of it actually reaching the foot. Cortisone injections are usually a mixture of the corticosteroid medication and a local anesthetic. The local anesthetic offers immediate pain relief, numbing the area for a few hours afterwards.

Is a cortisone injection right for you?

A cortisone injection can significantly reduce localized inflammation anywhere between 6 weeks to 6 months. It is a great adjunct to other treatments like custom foot orthotics, as it allows damaged tissue to heal.  Most people are good candidates for a cortisone injection into the foot, except for children, those with an allergy to cortisone or local anesthetic, or if they’re already taking corticosteroids to treat another issue.

There are minor risks with these injections, such as infection, bruising, numbness, a temporary increase in blood glucose levels in people who have diabetes and plantar fascial/tendon rupture. A cortisone “flare” is a possibility but only results in an increase in pain and inflammation for approximately 48 hours following the treatment. If this happens, rest, ice and elevation can help.

It’s important to remember, after a cortisone injection, rest is best! It’s a good idea to try to stay off your foot for 24 hours following an injection and refrain from strenuous activity and exercise for a few days. Resting is crucial to achieving an effective reduction in inflammation and pain. If another cortisone shot is needed to offer relief, you must wait at least 6 weeks after your last one. Generally, a maximum of 3-4 injections per year is advised and considered safe.

Come See Us!

If you are unsure as to whether cortisone is safe for you, it is best to ask your primary care professional or one of BioPed’s lower limb clinicians. Cortisone injections are offered at select BioPed clinics where Chiropody services are provided. To find your nearest location, or to request an appointment today, visit www.bioped.com/locations.  We are here to help!

Your ankles play a crucial role in your daily life, providing the foundation for your mobility and connecting your feet to the rest of your body. Whether we’re walking, running, or standing, our ankles bear the brunt of our body weight. So, when those seemingly sturdy joints start to ache, it can be both concerning and challenging to live with. Let’s take a closer look at understanding what might be going on with your ankles, and importantly, what to do about it.

Overuse and Strain

Ankle pain often stems from a common culprit—overuse. If you’ve recently pushed yourself through intense physical activity, amped up your exercise routine, or spent extended hours on your feet, your ankles might be sending out signals for a break. After these types of activities, it’s important to give your joints some well-deserved rest. Elevate your feet and consider applying ice to ease inflammation. Before diving into work or other activities, take a moment to apply heat and stretch your ankles. This warms them up and helps alleviate any stiffness.

Improper Footwear

The shoes we wear play a significant role in the health of our ankles. Both poorly fitting and unsupportive footwear can lead to various lower limb issues, including ankle pain. High heels, worn-out work boots, or shoes that lack proper arch support can allow your feet and ankles to twist too much to the inside or too far to the outside, straining your ankle joints and the tissues around them. Prioritizing comfortable, supportive shoes that provide stability for your feet is one of the best ways to reduce ankle pain.

Sprains and Strains

Accidents are a part of life, and ankle injuries are a common outcome. Sprains and strains happen when the ligaments and tendons around the ankle undergo stretching or tearing. If you’ve recently suffered such an injury, it’s advisable to use the P.O.L.I.C.E. method: Protect, Optimally Load, Ice, Compress, and Elevate. Using ankle braces can be very helpful in safeguarding and appropriately loading the injured tissue, allowing mobility without exacerbating the damage. For more severe cases, seeking professional medical advice becomes essential to ensure proper care and recovery.

 Arthritis

Ankle pain can be a sign of arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions cause inflammation in the joints, leading to pain and stiffness. If arthritis is a concern, seeking guidance from a healthcare professional is necessary to receive an accurate diagnosis. They can offer insights into managing your symptoms and provide advice on enhancing joint well-being. Early intervention and tailored care can significantly improve your quality of life despite arthritis-related challenges.

Flat Feet or High Arches

The natural structure of your feet can sometimes worsen your ankle pain. Conditions like flat feet and high arches can disrupt the distribution of weight and impact the alignment of your ankles. Individuals with high arches often experience stiff feet and heightened strain or pressure on the outside of their ankles. On the other hand, those with flat feet tend to feel increased strain and pressure on the inside of their ankles. Custom foot orthotics can be made to specifically address these issues, reducing your discomfort, and allowing you to continue your activities with much more comfort.

Ankle pain is a common ailment with a variety of potential causes. While some cases can be addressed at home, you may require professional medical attention. If your ankles are hurting and you can’t pinpoint the cause, we are here to help! Understanding the root cause of the pain is the first step towards finding an effective solution and restoring your ankle health. Contact your nearest BioPed today to keep your ankles in top shape and help keep them feeling comfortable and strong for whatever life brings your way!

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!

According to the Arthritis Society of Canada, 1 in 5 Canadians suffer with arthritis. Arthritis comes in several forms, and it can affect every joint in our bodies. It can cause cartilage breakdown within the joint space, resulting in pain as the joint’s bones rub together, and it can cause inflammation of a joint in response to an autoimmune response. There are four main types, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout. Painful and often debilitating, arthritis is a chronic condition that has staying power. It can be managed with medication, exercise, footwear and orthotics custom made for your feet.

The lower limb clinicians at BioPed see people with arthritis in the feet, ankles, knees, hips, and lower back every day. Keep reading to see how custom-made foot orthotics can help ease your arthritic pain and discomfort.

There are two main types of orthotics, accommodative and functional / corrective.

Accommodative orthotics are soft and offer beneficial cushioning, shock absorption and protection as they accommodate painful and sore joints. This type of orthotic may appear slightly bulky because they are fabricated out of materials that have a higher compression or responsive rate in its cushioning. An accommodative orthotic is appropriate when joint correction and repositioning is too painful or not possible due to joint stiffness or deformity, especially arthritis affects the feet, including the toes and ankle.

Functional orthotics are corrective devices that modify the way the foot moves in relation to the leg and ground. In other words, they improve the lower body mechanics and balance weight distribution that may be causing discomfort to offload inappropriate weight bearing that may be exacerbating arthritis. Pain and discomfort in the knees and hips respond well to a functional orthotic. Our bodies are closed kinetic chains when we stand which means what happens in the feet can affect other joints further up the chain. Functional orthotics work by realigning the foot and leg. When the foot and leg are better aligned, there is less wear and tear on the knees, hips and back.  Needed shock absorption can be added with plush top covers and mid layers of the orthotic.

If you’re suffering with arthritis, BioPed is here to help! BioPed Footcare’s lower limb clinicians want to help you live, work, and do more of what you love as comfortably as possible. You can find us online at bioped.com/locations to book an appointment for your arthritis assessment and get you back to doing more of what you love!

Once arthritis develops in the toes, it cannot be reversed. If treated appropriately, the symptoms of toe arthritis can be managed well and can slow down the progression of the arthritic process. There’s no reason for it to stop you from doing the activities you want to do and love!

Common symptoms of arthritis may include:

• Joint stiffness
• Joint inflammation
• Pain and discomfort
• Decreased range of motion or movement of the joint

When treating arthritis, the general rule of thumb applies to all types of arthritis. Treatment is geared to the affected joint and the symptoms experienced. This can be achieved in several ways. Let’s explore how BioPed Footcare can help ease your toe arthritis pain and discomfort!

Bracing

Toe bracing can be a fantastic solution to helping with arthritis in the toes! Depending on the toe affected, bracing works to offload the joint compartment by straightening the toe and relieving pressure in the arthritic area. Alternatively, it could be as simple as wearing in a toe spacer or wedge in between the toes to reduce friction and rubbing.

Shoes

Toe arthritis often causes deformities such as bunions, hammer toes and claw toes. A properly fitted shoe can be the difference between the reduction of pain and the worsening of pain. When shopping for shoes, look for something that supports the foot well and has a deep toe box to accommodate toes. A shallow toe box will put pressure on the toes which can cause arthritis to worsen. A shoe made of leather can be stretched to make more room for bent or curly toes. This will provide relief for painful toes.

Orthotics

Orthotics can be another great solution for toe pain. Foot orthotics are devices worn inside your shoes to help realign the lower limb and make walking more efficient. They can effectively reduce the pressure placed on your toes when you’re on your feet. BioPed’s lower limb clinicians can help in managing the pain and discomfort you may be experiencing. Our Canadian Certified Pedorthists and Registered Chiropodists can modify your orthotics to make walking more comfortable and they can fit them into most footwear giving you long-lasting comfort in the shoes you love.

Come See Us!

If you’re suffering from arthritis or any other lower limb issue, there is always a solution at BioPed Footcare. Whether it’s bracing, orthotics or footwear, we are here to help. We have on-site labs where we fabricate and modify custom foot orthotics. Book an appointment today with one of BioPed’s lower limb clinicians to see how you can keep your toes and lower body healthy!