Plantar fasciitis happens when a thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes irritated. This tissue, called the plantar fascia, supports the arch of your foot and helps absorb pressure when you stand. It runs from the front of your heel all the way to your toes, and it acts like a spring for your body. When too much strain is placed on it over time, it can become overused and pain can develop in the heel or arch.

Plantar Fasciitis Can Affect Everyday Life

Plantar fasciitis pain is often described as:

• Sharp pain in the heel when taking the first few steps in the morning
• Discomfort after standing for long periods
• Pain that gets worse after activity or exercise
• Tightness in the arch or bottom of the foot
• Soreness that can spread into the ankle or calf, from compensating

Several factors can increase the risk of plantar fasciitis, including:

• Flat feet or high arches
• Unsupportive or poorly fitting footwear
• Standing or walking for long hours
• Sudden increases in exercise or activity
• Tight calf muscles
• Extra pressure on the feet from weight gain or pregnancy

Ignoring the pain can sometimes make symptoms worse. That is why it is important to address the cause of the problem early.

How Custom Foot Orthotics Can Help

Custom Foot Orthotics are designed to support the feet based on your unique shape, movement, and pressure patterns. Unlike over-the-counter insoles, custom orthotics are made specifically for your feet.

For plantar fasciitis, orthotics help by:

• Supporting the arch of the foot
• Reducing strain on the plantar fascia
• Improving foot alignment during walking
• Redistributing pressure away from painful areas
• Providing extra cushioning under the heel
• Helping reduce fatigue in the feet and legs

Custom orthotics are often most effective when combined with other treatments, such as:

• Stretching the calves and plantar fascia
• Wearing supportive shoes
• Reducing activities that aggravate the pain
• Strengthening the muscles in the feet and lower legs

The Role of a Canadian Certified Pedorthist

A Canadian Certified Pedorthist is trained to assess how your feet move and how that movement may be contributing to pain.

During an assessment, they will:

• Review your symptoms and medical history
• Examine the structure of your feet
• Assess how you walk and stand
• Look at footwear for signs of uneven wear
• Recommend supportive shoes or footwear changes
• Determine whether custom orthotics may be appropriate
• Suggest complimentary items and therapies

If orthotics are recommended, they are designed and built based on your specific needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Tips to Help Prevent Plantar Fasciitis

Even after pain improves, it is important to continue supporting your feet to help prevent symptoms from returning.

Helpful prevention tips include:

• Wear supportive footwear indoors and outdoors
• Replace worn-out shoes regularly
• Stretch the calves and feet daily
• Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces
• Increase activity levels gradually
• Maintain good foot support during exercise
• Address foot pain early before it worsens

Plantar fasciitis can be frustrating, but it is often manageable with the right support. Custom orthotics, supportive footwear, stretching, and professional assessment can all play a role in reducing pain and improving comfort. Taking early action by seeing a Canadian Certified Pedorthist will help you stay active and avoid more persistent foot problems in the future.

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Understanding Arthritis

Arthritis is not just one condition; it’s a group of disorders that cause joint inflammation, stiffness, and pain. The most common types that can affect the feet include:

1. Osteoarthritis (OA): Commonly called “wear-and-tear” arthritis where cartilage breaks down over time.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disease that attacks joint linings.
3. Gout: Caused by uric acid crystal buildup, often starting in the big toe.
4. Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Joint damage after injury, leading to premature arthritis.
5. Psoriatic Arthritis: Linked with psoriasis, often affecting toes and ankles.

How Arthritis Manifests in the Feet

While the signs and symptoms of arthritis are complex, there are often many common ways these conditions will present. Look for the following in your feet:

• Joint stiffness either in the morning or as you begin exercise.
• Pain and swelling around toes, arches, heels, or ankles.
• Deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, or collapsed arches.
• Limited range of motion that makes it harder to walk or balance.
• Tenderness and redness often seen with gout or inflammatory arthritis.
• Difficulty finding shoes that fit due to swelling or deformities.

How Custom Orthotics Help with Arthritis Foot Pain

Custom orthotics are designed to reduce and offload pressure in the foot, encourage proper alignment in the feet and legs, and make walking and standing easier. Specifically, they can help in many ways:

• Shock absorption cushions painful joints, reducing impact on feet and ankles.
• Redistributing pressure prevents excess stress on arthritic or swollen joints.
• Stability and alignment of foot mechanics eases strain on knees, hips, and lower back.
• Reduced friction minimizes irritation that can worsen deformities like bunions or hammertoes.
• Accommodations for deformities such as custom padding or cut-outs relieve pressure on sensitive spots.
• Heel or arch support helps control motion that may aggravate arthritis pain.

Preventative Steps for Managing Arthritis in the Feet

Orthotics work best when combined with healthy habits. These can include things like:

• Wearing supportive and accommodative footwear daily to minimize painful pressure irritation on swollen joints.
• Stretching your feet and legs regularly to maintain mobility and flexibility and to improve your circulation.
• Staying active with low-impact exercise (like swimming, cycling, or walking) to maintain joint health and reduce comorbidities.
• Consulting the Arthritis Society for resources, education, and support programs tailored to your medical condition.
• Seeing a Canadian Certified Pedorthist for assessment, ongoing follow up and personalized care.

Why See a Canadian Certified Pedorthist?

Managing arthritis in the feet requires more than just generic insoles. A Canadian Certified Pedorthist is a foot and lower limb specialist who can assess your unique biomechanics, design custom orthotics, and recommend appropriate footwear tailored to your arthritis needs. With a treatment plan made for your specific concerns, you can stay mobile, reduce pain, and protect your joints for the long term.

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We get to know you!

Our foot care team made up of Pedorthists, Care Coordinators, and other staff will warmly welcome you on arrival. You may have already filled out the necessary forms in advance, but if not, you will be given time to complete any information we need to process your appointment. We look forward to learning more about what brought you in and your goals with the assessment and treatment plan.

Assessment

Once ready, your Pedorthist will bring you to a treatment room for your assessment and discuss your primary complaint or reason for referral, so we can learn more about you in person – this includes your lifestyle, hobbies, work, medical history and how we can help you to do more of what you need. We actively listen to ensure we have every detail.

Planning

After hearing your concerns and evaluating your lower extremity mechanics, we formulate a plan of attack to start addressing your main concerns. Whether this is foot pain that stops you from your weekend activities, knee pain that makes it hard to work, or swelling that impacts your day-to-day schedule, we dive in to explain the specifics of why a solution like custom foot orthotics, footwear, bracing or compression can help.

Our Commitment

Although the carefully crafted treatment plan may make plenty of sense to us, we expand further to make sure it is easy to understand and answer any questions you may have. We explain the timeline of what to expect, from our appointment to receiving the care and products, and estimated timelines to recovery as well. We provide honest advice, cost/fee disclosure up front and work closely with insurance providers.

Follow Up

Even when all is said and done, and we have addressed the concern that brought you in – your Pedorthist will continue their care, even when you are not there! We schedule follow-up appointments to ensure your solutions stay working, and ensure your goals and satisfaction are being continually achieved. We provide updates and return referral letters to practitioners such as your family physician or nurse practitioner.

In Conclusion…

The first time for anything can always be scary, but that is why we take pride in offering a caring, honest and trustworthy experience! Our Canadian Certified Pedorthists are highly trained specialists of the lower extremity and provide effective solutions to help you do more. If you are still in the midst of considering BioPed for your appointment, please allow us to demonstrate our world class client experience and book your next session with one of our Pedorthists today.

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Understanding Arthritis

Arthritis is characterized by inflammation of one or more joints, leading to pain and stiffness. The inflammation can result from various causes, including wear and tear, autoimmune responses, and crystal deposits in the joints. Here, we’ll look at the basic physiology of each type and how it affects the lower limbs.

1. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis, often referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time. In the lower limbs, OA commonly affects the knees, hips, and ankles, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joints. This results in inflammation that can damage the joint tissue and cause severe pain and deformity. RA frequently affects the base of toe joints in the feet, causing difficulty in walking and significant discomfort.
3. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is associated with psoriasis, a skin condition. It can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. In the lower limbs, PsA can affect the toes, ankles, and knees, leading to symptoms like “sausage” toes (dactylitis) and heel pain (enthesitis).
4. Gout is caused by the accumulation of urate crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe attacks of pain, redness, and swelling. It commonly affects the big toe but can also impact the knees, ankles, and other joints in the lower limbs.

How Orthotics Can Help

Foot orthotics are specially designed shoe inserts that provide support, alignment, and cushioning for the feet. They can play a crucial role in managing arthritis by redistributing pressure, improving joint alignment, and reducing pain. Here’s how orthotics can benefit each type of arthritis:

1. Osteoarthritis: For OA, orthotics can help by:

• Providing cushioning to reduce impact on weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips
• Improving foot alignment to decrease strain on affected joints
• Distributing weight more evenly to alleviate pressure points

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis: In RA, orthotics can:

• Offer support to the arches of the feet, reducing strain on inflamed joints
• Include cushioned pads to alleviate pressure and prevent deformities
• Help maintain proper foot alignment, minimizing pain and discomfort

3. Psoriatic Arthritis: Orthotics for PsA can:

• Provide customized support to accommodate joint swelling and deformities
• Cushion the feet to reduce pain from dactylitis and enthesitis
• Improve overall foot function and mobility

4. Gout: For gout, orthotics can:

• Offer a cushioned environment to protect sensitive joints during flare-ups
• Improve weight distribution to minimize stress on the big toe and other affected areas
• Support the arches to reduce overall foot strain

Custom Foot Orthotics: A Key Piece of the Treatment Plan

Custom foot orthotics are tailored to an individual’s specific foot shape and condition, offering the most effective relief. They can be worn during various activities, including walking, running, and standing for long periods. For those with arthritis, wearing orthotics more “full-time” can help manage symptoms throughout the day. You can consider wearing your custom orthotics during any of the following times:

• During flare-ups of pain and inflammation.
• When engaging in activities that put stress on the joints.
• To improve overall foot function and alignment.

Incorporating Footwear and Bracing

Custom orthotics should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes appropriate footwear and, in some cases, soft or rigid bracing. Proper footwear can enhance the effectiveness of orthotics by providing additional support and stability. Bracing can offer extra support and limit joint movement during severe flare-ups.

If you or someone that you know is suffering with joint pain or has been diagnosed with arthritis, know that we are here to help. Your clinical team at BioPed is eager to help create a tailored treatment plan with custom solutions just for you to suit your needs. Visit us today to get back to doing more of what you love!

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What Are Custom Foot Orthotics?

Custom foot orthotics are specially designed shoe inserts that provide support and comfort tailored to the unique shape and needs of your feet. Unlike over-the-counter insoles, custom orthotics are crafted based on a detailed biomechanical assessment, gait analysis and cast of your feet. This personalized approach ensures optimal support, alignment, and relief from pain.

How Custom Orthotics Help in the Workplace

For individuals who spend a significant amount of time standing or walking, custom orthotics offer several benefits:

• Enhanced Comfort: By providing tailored support, custom orthotics can reduce pressure points and evenly distribute weight, making long hours on your feet more bearable.
• Pain Relief: Many people suffer from conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or bunions. Custom orthotics can help relieve pain and address these issues by correcting abnormal foot mechanics and providing the necessary support.
• Improved Posture and Alignment: Proper foot alignment affects your entire body. Custom orthotics can influence the position of your ankles, knees and hips, reducing strain on these key joints.
• Increased Productivity: When you’re not distracted by foot pain or discomfort, you’re more focused and productive at work.

Styles of Custom Foot Orthotics

Custom orthotics come in various styles to address different needs and conditions:

• Rigid Orthotics: Made from firm materials like plastic or very high-density foam, these are designed to control motion and provide support. They’re ideal for managing conditions like overpronation and flat feet.
• Semi-Rigid Orthotics: Combining support and flexibility, these orthotics are often used for more mild-moderate corrections as well as athletic activities. They can help with issues like plantar fasciitis and shin splints.
• Soft Orthotics: Made from softer cushioned materials, these are designed to absorb shock and accommodate sensitive areas on the foot. They are beneficial for people with diabetes, arthritis, and rigid high arches.

Why See a Canadian Certified Pedorthist?

When it comes to custom orthotics, seeing a Canadian Certified Pedorthist can make a world of a difference. These professionals are highly trained specifically in the assessment, design, manufacturing, and fitting of custom foot orthotics. Here’s why you should consider consulting one:

• Pedorthists conduct a thorough evaluation of your feet, including gait analysis, to determine the exact cause of your discomfort and the best orthotic solution.
• Precision Fit: Using advanced techniques and materials, pedorthists create orthotics that match the precise contours of your feet, ensuring maximum effectiveness and comfort.
• Professional Guidance: A pedorthist can provide valuable advice on footwear, foot care, and exercises to complement your orthotics and improve your overall foot health.

Come See Us!

Custom orthotics can make a significant difference for anyone who spends long hours on their feet at work. If you’re experiencing foot or lower body discomfort, consulting a Canadian Certified Pedorthist at your local BioPed can be your first step towards a more comfortable and productive workday. We make our custom orthotics on-site in our own labs to ensure your orthotics can be crafted and adjusted as quickly as you need, and with the highest standards. Investing in custom orthotics is investing in your well-being and professional performance, so take that step today and experience the difference they can make in your comfort and overall health.

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