Everything You Need To Know About High Arched Feet

August 27, 2019

Most people know that a flat foot has its mechanical flaws, but less people are aware that high arched feet come with their own flaws, as well. A foot with a high arch is a common structural abnormality that can be difficult to live with. In this article, we will discuss:

The structure of high arched feet
Risks of having high arched feet
Managing high arched feet

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What are High Arched Feet?

Classified as a foot with an arch that is raised more than normal, high arched feet lead to excessive pressure on the ball and the heel of the foot. A bone or neurological condition can cause a very high foot arch, as well as genetics. While less common than flat feet, they can be highly inconvenient, and it is wise to consider both proactive and reactive Foot care when dealing with high arched feet. Of course, you will not be able to do much to change the high arch, but you shouldn’t ignore it.

Symptoms Of High Arched Feet:

Underpronation(feet roll excessively outward while walking or running)
Heel pain
Pain in the ball of the foot
Ankle pain

High Arched Feet Also Have an Increased Risk of The Following Pathologies:

Ankle sprains
Plantar fasciitis (heel pain, arch pain)
Calluses and Corns
Clawed digits (curling of the toes)
Metatarsalgia (pain at the ball of the foot)

Is There Anything You Can do About High Arched Feet?

There are things you can do to manage the pain that comes with having high arched feet. You can invest in proper footwear, and you will also benefit from seeking guidance from a qualified Foot specialist. It may seem like something you just have to “put up with,” but it is important to give it some attention so it doesn’t cause further problems.

The right footwear choices and a well-fitted pair of Custom foot orthotics can do a great deal in relieving pain and discomfort, as well as improve overall foot function. While proper footwear is the most important thing to consider, consistent self-care can also go a long way. There are foot stretches, such as toe curls and calf stretches, that you can incorporate into your daily routine that will help ease your foot pain.

When choosing footwear for a high arched foot, look for shoes that provide adequate cushioning and shock absorption. A contoured footbed/arch support, as well as a sole made of a dense foam, will likely do the trick. Over the counter Insoles may also help to redistribute the pressures along the bottoms of your feet as well as provide extra cushioning. Special additions such as heel cushions, arch pads, offloading pads, shock-absorbing top layers, and postings may be added as needed and as recommended by the prescribing health care professional.

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All under one roof! Our team is trained to handle any and all your foot health concerns. From mild, to critical, we cover all sides of the foot needs spectrum. Call us to ask about actionable steps towards your solution today!

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March 27, 2023

Understanding Plantar Fasciitis: Symptoms and Treatment

Do you experience heel pain when you walk or stand? Is the pain exceptionally sharp in the mornings or evenings? You might have a foot injury called plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in the heel and bottom of the foot. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes, becomes strained or injured. This can cause tiny tears in the fascia, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. In this blog post, we explore what is plantar fasciitis, its common symptoms, and treatment options. What is plantar fasciitis? Plantar fasciitis is pain or soreness in the heel and sole. It occurs when the band of tissue between your heel and toes on the underside of the foot - called the plantar fascia - becomes inflamed or irritated. The plantar fascia absorbs shock and supports the arch of the foot. Small tears can occur in the tissue when it is repeatedly strained, leading to inflammation and pain. This condition is common in athletes, runners, and people who stand for long periods. Most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis Plantar fasciitis symptoms includes: Sharp or stabbing pain in the heel or arch of the foot, especially in the morning or after periods of rest. Pain that worsens with weight-bearing activity or standing for long periods. Stiffness or aching in the bottom of the foot. Swelling or redness in the heel or arch. The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is a pain in the heel or arch of the foot. You may experience pain in the surrounding areas due to plantar fasciitis, but discomfort is typically in the underside of the midfoot. Pain can be more intense during certain times of the day. You may experience plantar pain, even a sharp stabbing sensation, in the morning and evening. Next, let's tackle effective treatment methods for plantar fasciitis to help you recover from this foot condition as soon as possible. Plantar fasciitis treatment methods Plantar fasciitis treatment depends on the severity and longevity of the pain. Try the following treatment methods to see what works best for you. RICE: Rest, Icing, Compression, and Elevation The "RICE" method is a commonly recommended treatment for minor injuries, including sprains, strains, and bruises. RICE stands for: Rest: Reduce and avoid activities that exacerbate the pain, and rest the foot as much as possible. Resting may include taking a few days off exercise or wearing more supportive shoes around the house to strengthen your feet. Ice: Use cold therapy by applying an ice pack or dipping your feet in an ice bath or tub for 15-20 minutes to reduce inflammation and pain. Compression: Compression sleeves can help reduce swelling and improve blood flow to the feet and legs. You can also choose to wear a splint at night to stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon while sleeping. Elevation: Lifting your feet above your heart by elevating your legs and feet can reduce swelling. The RICE method works best in the first 48 to 72 hours after injury or aggravation, but can be effective throughout the treatment stage. Afterward, you may gradually move the affected area and do gentle exercises to help you recover. Shockwave therapy Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive medical treatment that leverages sound waves to kickstart healing. A handheld device delivers the waves on the underside of the foot. The high-energy sound waves stimulate the growth of blood vessels and encourage better blood flow to the affected area. Greater blood flow can help reduce pain and inflammation and promote tissue regeneration. Shockwave therapy requires a series of sessions. Each session last 10-15 minutes, and the number of sessions varies based on the severity of the injury. Did you know Feet First Clinic offers shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis? Book an appointment online or call us at (416) 769-3338. Stretching exercises Stretching exercises can help relieve the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Specifically, stretching the plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon can effectively treat heel and arch pain. Here are some stretching exercises that may help with plantar fasciitis: Calf stretch. Stand facing a wall with your hands on the wall at shoulder height. Step back with one foot and keep it straight, with the heel on the floor. Lean forward with the other foot, keeping both heels on the floor until you feel a stretch in your calf. Plantar fascia stretch. Sit in a chair with one foot on your opposite knee. Grab the base of your toes with one hand and your heel with the other. Gently pull your toes back toward your shin until you feel a stretch in the arch of your foot. Towel stretch. Sit on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you. Place a towel around the ball of your foot and hold both ends of the towel with your hands. Pull the towel toward your body until you feel a stretch in your calf and the bottom of your foot. Generally, we recommend holding stretches for 20-30 seconds and switching sides. You should feel a light stretch and shouldn't strain the movement, or you risk overextending your muscles. Orthotics Custom orthotics are shoe inserts that fit your feet and address biomechanical issues that may contribute to plantar fasciitis. Custom orthotics can help curb plantar fasciitis by doing the following: Reduce pressure on the plantar fascia by redistributing pressure away from the plantar fascia, which can help reduce pain and inflammation. Correct foot mechanics, including flat feet or collapsed arches. Provide cushioning and support. Improve overall foot function by addressing underlying biomechanical issues and providing support and cushioning to the foot. It's important to note that custom orthotics are not a one-size-fits-all solution and may not be appropriate for everyone with plantar fasciitis. Consult a chiropodist to determine if custom orthotics are right for you. Taping Taping isn't just for athletes. Elastic therapeutic taping techniques can limit unwanted movements that increase strain on the plantar fascia. Taping can act as a lock on your feet to reduce overextending any aggravated muscles in your feet. Research finds that "in the short-term, taping is beneficial in treating plantar fasciitis. The best evidence exists for low-dye taping and calcaneal taping." The tape provides stability and structure to the muscle group. Our chiropodists at Feet First Clinic can tape your feet and toes to help treat plantar fasciitis. Self-massage Self-massage can be a helpful way to relieve some of the pain and discomfort associated with plantar fasciitis. Here are some techniques you can try at home: Ball roll. Sit on a chair and place a tennis or massage ball under your foot. Roll your foot back and forth over the ball, applying pressure to the arch of your foot. Thumb press. Sit on a chair and cross one leg over the other. Place your thumb on the arch of your foot and press firmly, moving your thumb in a circular motion. You can also use your other fingers to help support your foot and apply additional pressure. Toe stretch. Sit on a chair and cross one leg over the other. Grab your toes with one hand and gently pull them back toward your shin until you feel a stretch in the arch of your foot. Hold for a few seconds and release. Heel squeeze. Sit on a chair and place a small hand towel on the floor before you. Place your heel on the towel and squeeze your heel toward your toes, scrunching the towel. A chiropodist can recommend additional exercises for you or demonstrate how to do these self-massage techniques to do them properly on your own.

March 20, 2023

Foot Arch Pain: Causes and Treatment

Are you experiencing foot arch pain? You’re not alone. The arches of our feet support our weight when we're upright, providing a critical function for the body. Your arch also influences how you move, making it essential to keep them healthy and supported. But, sometimes, pain can creep up. We're here to help. This blog post outlines how foot arch pain develops and how to nip foot arch discomfort early to prevent long-term effects. What is foot arch pain? Foot arch pain can be a subtle or intense discomfort in the curved, raised area along the bottom of the foot (the arch). The arch is the midpoint of the foot between the ball and the heel of the foot. It comprises bones, ligaments, and tendons in the foot, which support the body's weight and help absorb shock during walking and other activities. A person's arch is unique. The height and shape of the arch vary from person to person. Genetics, age, and the type of shoes a person wears all play a role in the arch's shape. Foot arch pain is a common source of discomfort and may occur for various reasons. You may experience pain in different parts of the arch: the medial arch (inside edge), the lateral arch (outer edge), and the transverse arch (middle). Next, we get into the causes of foot arch pain. What causes foot arch pain? Foot arch pain can be acute or chronic, typically stemming from inflammation. Pain can also range from a dull soreness to an intense sensation. Below, we outline the various causes of foot arch pain. Overuse or repetitive stress Foot arch pain can be simply the result of doing too much in too short a period. Repeated stress or overuse of the feet can lead to inflammation and pain in the arches. Overuse is especially prevalent in sports, with running, jumping, or even standing for long periods (like at work or if you stand at your desk while working from home). Flat feet Flat feet occur when the arch comes in complete contact with the ground due to weakened tendons and ligaments that can no longer hold up the arch. While flat feet may not always cause problems, individuals with fallen arches may require treatment such as supportive shoes or custom orthotics to alleviate symptoms and prevent further damage. Plantar fasciitis Plantar fasciitis affects the bottom of the foot and causes heel pain. This foot condition occurs when the band of tissue between your heel and toes becomes irritated. Plantar fasciitis can happen for various reasons, such as overuse, repetitive strain, or injury to the foot. People who are overweight, have flat feet or high arches, or engage in activities that stress the feet, such as running or standing for long periods, are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis. You may experience pain and stiffness in the heel or arch of the foot, especially in the morning or after walking, running, or standing. Arthritis Arthritis describes conditions that cause inflammation and damage to the joints. Various forms of arthritis can lead to arch pain. Types of arthritis that cause arch pain include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. Injury You may experience foot arch pain because of past trauma or injury. Conditions like sprains, strains, or falls can cause arch pain due to acute muscle damage, ligament, and tendon damage. Now that you know the various causes of arch pain, let's get into treatment methods. How can foot arch pain be treated? Foot arch pain treatment can sometimes be frustrating due to our reliance on our arch. Staying off our feet to reduce stress on the arch can be challenging, but fortunately, there are several effective treatment options for foot arch pain. Depending on the intensity of the pain, you may choose a DIY treatment method. If your arch pain is persistent or severe, we recommend seeing a foot specialist to discuss treatment options and create a treatment plan. Rest and ice A mix of rest and ice is an effective treatment method for foot arch pain. First, temporarily reduce impactful activities and allow your feet to rest. Supplement rest with icing to keep swelling and inflammation down. (You can even use a frozen water bottle as an icy massage tool by rolling your feet on the bottle.) Then, when you feel like you're on the upswing, ease slowly back into physical activity. Avoid returning to strenuous activity to allow your body to readjust from rest to being active. Stretching Stretching exercises can help improve flexibility and relieve tension in the arches. Here are a few effective stretching and strengthening exercises for arch pain: Place a towel on the floor, and grab the towel with your toes pulling it towards you. Grasp your toes (while seated), and scrunch them towards you to feel a stretch in your arch. Lean against a wall with your arms extended, and move your hips forward to stretch your calves. Shockwave Therapy This non-invasive innovative treatment delivers high-energy sound wave pulses to the affected area. Shockwave therapy triggers your body’s natural healing response to repair the damaged tissue in the arch area and reduce pain. Shockwave therapy is scientifically proven to be a highly effective treatment for chronic arch pain caused by plantar fasciitis. It is an excellent supplement to other treatments like orthotics and supportive footwear. Orthotics Custom-made orthotics can provide additional support and cushioning to the arches, which can help reduce pain and discomfort. Orthotics work to correct or accommodate biomechanical abnormalities, foot deformities, and other conditions to improve your gait and manage pain. The purpose of orthotics is to redistribute the force and pressure placed on our muscles and joints when we move. Equal distribution across your feet means fewer aches and pains as your muscles work better in tandem instead of select groups overworking. Supportive footwear Shoes with good arch support can alleviate arch pain, much like orthotics can. Wearing the proper footwear for your feet and the purpose is the least we can do for our feet. Supportive footwear acts to provide both the correct cushioning and Physical therapy Physical therapy can help improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the feet and ankles. Keeping your feet strong and balanced is vital to proper arch support. Over time, the tendons and ligaments of the arch tend to weaken. Physical therapy can help combat age and fallen arches. Medications You may supplement the above treatment methods with over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce inflammation. Consult a doctor if you have intense pain or have questions about dosage or the recommended medication.

March 13, 2023

Effective Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis

Arch pain is among the most common forms of foot discomfort. It can be particularly uncomfortable because of how critical the arch and heel are to the foot. The arch is the supporting foundation of our feet and appropriately resembles the shape of an aqueduct. Given the daily demands of life, it's easy to see how these structures can become overworked and damaged. The most common cause of arch pain and heel pain is a condition called plantar fasciitis. Keep reading to learn about the most effective plantar fasciitis treatments, including shockwave therapy, custom orthotics, and pain management solutions, to help you conquer the pain of plantar fasciitis for good. What's plantar fasciitis? Plantar fasciitis is when you experience pain or discomfort in the heel and underside of the foot - including the arch. Inflammation or irritation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that extends between the heel bone and the arch, triggers plantar fasciitis. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis may include: Pain in the heel or underside of the foot. Pain may peak in the morning or after prolonged periods of standing or walking. Stiffness and tenderness in the foot. Swelling or redness in the foot. Difficulty walking or standing for long periods. What causes plantar fasciitis? Plantar fasciitis is a common condition, especially among athletes and people who spend long periods on their feet. Understanding the source of your plantar fasciitis can help determine the best plantar fasciitis treatments for you. Causes of plantar fasciitis include: Overuse: Repetitive activities that stress the plantar fascia, such as running, jumping, or standing for long periods, can overwork the plantar fascia, leading to inflammation and pain. Lower leg biomechanics: Some foot structures can stress the plantar fascia and increase the risk of plantar fasciitis. Flat feet or high arches, for instance, may cause plantar fasciitis by adding stress to the muscle group. Footwear: Improper footwear that (1) doesn't provide enough arch support, (2) doesn't have enough support or cushioning, or (3) doesn't fit properly can all contribute to plantar fasciitis. Age: Plantar fasciitis is common in people over 40, as the plantar fascia loses elasticity and becomes more prone to injury with age. Medical conditions: Obesity, diabetes, and osteoarthritis can increase the risk of plantar fasciitis. Tight or weak muscles: Tight muscles in the calf or foot can put extra stress on the plantar fascia, leading to inflammation and pain. Weight: Sudden weight gain can add stress to the plantar fascia before your body acclimatizes to the high support requirement. The causes of plantar fasciitis can vary from person to person, and a combination of factors may contribute to the development of the condition. Consulting with a healthcare professional, such as a chiropodist, can help identify the underlying causes of your plantar fasciitis and guide appropriate treatment. What are the effective treatment methods for plantar fasciitis? There are many effective treatments for plantar fasciitis. Depending on the severity of the condition, you can treat the pain and discomfort yourself or be better off seeing a foot specialist. We recommend the following treatments for plantar fasciitis: Rest Avoiding activities that cause pain can help reduce inflammation and allow the plantar fascia to heal. Rest is the number one treatment method for plantar fasciitis as you remove the source cause. You may only need a few days of recovery, but more severe cases may need up to 4-6 weeks. After adequate rest, you may slowly resume physical activity and be on your feet. Ice Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce pain and swelling. You can freeze a water bottle, and rest your foot on top of it while sitting. The cold therapy reduces inflammation. Footwear modifications Wearing supportive shoes or inserts can help reduce stress on the plantar fascia and improve foot biomechanics. You should also remove ill-fitting footwear from your closet. Instead, choose one of our best shoes for plantar fasciitis relief. Physical therapy Physiotherapy and massage therapy effectively treats plantar fasciitis if you prefer not to DIY. At home, you can self-massage by rolling a tennis ball or frozen water bottle under the foot. Self-message strengthens the foot arch muscles and relieves tension in the inflamed plantar fascia. Stretching and strengthening are also critical parts of plantar fasciitis treatment. Towel stretches, calf stretches, tennis ball rolls, and marble pickups can help strengthen the arch and heel. Find out how to effectively do plantar fasciitis exercises here. Shockwave therapy This non-invasive innovative treatment delivers high-energy sound wave pulses to the affected area. It triggers your body's natural healing response to repair the plantar fascia and reduce pain. Shockwave therapy is scientifically proven to be a highly effective treatment for plantar fasciitis pain persisting longer than six months. Custom orthotics Custom orthotics and orthopedic shoes support the arches of your feet and reduce stress on the plantar fascia. Both also encourage proper heel-to-toe gait, which, combined with arch support, can prevent a recurrence. Taping Taping isn't just for sports. Elastic therapeutic taping techniques may prevent unwanted movements that increase strain on the plantar fascia. For example, research finds that “in the short-term, taping is beneficial in treating plantar fasciitis. The best evidence exists for low dye taping and calcaneal taping.” Behind-the-scenes, taping provides stability and structure to the muscle group. Our chiropodists at Feet First Clinic can skillfully and therapeutically tape the feet and toes to treat and prevent a variety of foot conditions and deformities.

March 6, 2023

Biomechanical Analysis for Improved Foot and Ankle Function

Our gait, or the way we walk, is like our blueprint. It's unique to every individual. But there are commonalities. Gait reveals a lot about us: gait tells us how we distribute our weight when we walk, the parts of our feet which may experience too much or too little pressure, and areas of compensation. These features factor into our biomechanics – the mechanics of our body's movement. In this article, we'll talk about how a simple biomechanical analysis can help you say goodbye to foot and ankle pain and improve your foot and ankle function. What's a biomechanical analysis? Biomechanical analysis is a helpful tool for identifying and improving foot and ankle function. Biomechanical analysis can explain factors contributing to foot and ankle injuries or dysfunction, and develop interventions to improve function and reduce the risk of injury. A biomechanical analysis also determines our gait and foot type. You may overpronate or supinate, which refers to how far inwards or outwards your ankle rolls when moving. An analysis can also provide details on your foot type: you may have high, medium, or low arches (flat feet). There are three components to a typical biomechanical analysis. Range of motion assessment: A chiropodist examines your range of motion in the major joints of the foot, ankle, hip and knee. They will check how everything in your body is aligned and the symmetry between your body's left and right sides. Generally, a higher range of motion is more ideal as it permits muscles and joints work together in unison equally. Weight-bearing assessment: A chiropodist investigates how your muscles and joints distribute weight through different movements. Gait analysis: A chiropodist carefully examines your gait to see how your feet, joints and muscles move when you walk. They will also examine how you distribute your body weight during each stage of your walking motion. Video analysis may be part of the gait analysis. Video gait analysis equipment records you from different angles while you walk on a treadmill and allows for slow-motion replays to pinpoint exact flaws or trends in your movement. Once a biomechanical assessment is complete, a chiropodist can provide a treatment and prevention plan. How do poor mechanics lead to foot conditions? Abnormalities in your gait can lead to several foot and skin conditions due to uneven weight distribution. Over- or under-pronating (supination) creates a chain reaction in your feet and ankles every time you step by disrupting the proper distribution of weight and impact across your joints and muscles. Over time, specific muscle groups are over (or under) worked, which can cause irritation and, ultimately, pain and discomfort. Common foot and ankle conditions that may stem from poor mechanics include: Bone and heel spurs Blisters Bunions Achilles tendonitis Plantar fasciitis Metatarsalgia Morton's neuroma Capsulitis How can a biomechanical analysis help your feet and ankles? Once a biomechanical analysis is complete, clinicians and researchers can use the information to develop interventions to improve foot and ankle function. Improvements may include: Exercises to strengthen weak muscles Stretching to improve flexibility. Custom foot orthotics or footwear modifications to improve foot alignment. Orthotics are custom shoe inserts specific to your feet. Orthotics aim to correct or accommodate biomechanical abnormalities, foot deformities, and a variety of joint and muscle conditions (i.e., arthritis) to improve your gait and manage pain. They do this by redistributing the force and pressure placed on our muscles and joints when we move. Overall, biomechanical analysis can be a valuable tool for improving foot and ankle function, thereby reducing the risk of injury. By identifying factors contributing to foot and ankle problems and developing targeted interventions, clinicians and researchers can help individuals maintain healthy, pain-free feet and ankles. Who can benefit from a biomechanical analysis? Many people can benefit from a biomechanical analysis to better understand their feet and how they move. A biomechanical analysis can be helpful for those looking to improve their physical performance or function, whether for sports, work, or everyday activities. In addition, those who spend a lot of time on their feet, patients with physical disabilities, and anyone who experiences foot and ankle pain can benefit from a biomechanical assessment.

March 2, 2023

The Role of Chiropodists in Preventing and Treating Foot Injuries

Many different foot issues fall under the "foot injuries" umbrella. From sprains and broken bones that leave you bedridden to overuse injuries that make your days more painful, it would take a full day to discuss every foot injury in detail! That's why we're aiming to give this article a positive spin by switching the focus to treatment and how a chiropodist can help you. But first, it's important to discern between the two types of injuries and how the type you have will determine your approach to treatment. Today's blog will discuss the following: What are some common foot injuries? Examples of overuse injuries Examples of acute injuries How do chiropodists treat and prevent foot injuries? What Are Some Common Foot Injuries? When discussing foot injury treatment, it's important to distinguish the cause of the injury and whether or not sudden, acute pain is present. Some injuries cause everyday pain flair-ups that can be a real nuisance but aren't enough to make you feel like you must go to the hospital. These are "overuse" injuries because they stem from straining your muscles and joints and withstanding repetitive, mild trauma. These injuries arise when we exert intense physical activity too quickly without proper stretching, exercising and footwear. However, you don't have to be an athlete to succumb to an overuse injury; you can also develop one due to wearing ill-fitting, unsupportive shoes while working on your feet all day. On the other hand, some injuries are sudden and result from a fall or misstep. They can also result from the blunt impact of an object falling on your foot. These are often more debilitating in the days that follow the injury. Examples of Overuse / "Everyday" Foot Injuries Achilles Tendonitis: Occurs due to Achilles tendon inflammation (connects your heel and calf along the back of the foot). Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot (plantar fascia). Often caused by overuse, poor footwear choices and repeated walking on hard surfaces. Morton's Neuroma: Results from the irritation and thickening of the tissues surrounding the nerves that lead to your toes. Patients notice pain in the ball of the foot. Shin splints: Pain along the shin bone caused by overworking muscles, tendons and bone tissues, commonly found in athletes and dancers. Heel spurs: A calcium deposit that causes a bony protrusion underneath the heel bone. They may be painless or cause sporadic heel pain. Capsulitis (big toe or second toe): Joint inflammation in the area where the toe's base meets the foot's ball. Stress Fractures: Tiny cracks in the weight-bearing bones of the lower leg and foot due to overuse and playing sports with excessive jumping and running. Examples of Sudden (Acute) Foot Injuries Ankle sprains Broken bones in the foot due to blunt force trauma Bruises(contusions) Puncture wounds Ruptured tendons How Do Chiropodists Treat and Prevent Foot Injuries? Overuse / Everyday Injuries Treatment and Prevention Chiropodists are known for successfully treating and preventing overuse injuries. They pride themselves on giving patients the tools to manage pain and improve their quality of life. Some of the most effective services include: Custom orthotic fittings Recommending exercises and stretches Shockwave therapy Footwear modification guidance Periodic foot assessments Custom Orthotic Fittings These inserts fit into virtually all of your footwear, help stabilize your feet and ankles, and take the stress off the weight-bearing areas of the feet. They are one of the most multi-purposeful medical devices for foot injury recovery and can aid almost every foot condition. The goal is to use your foot as the blueprint to create the perfect pair of orthotics that keep your foot in the ideal position for healing and pain management. Recommending Exercises and Stretches for Target Muscles, Tendons, Ligaments and Joints Feet First Clinic's Pinterest Board has several options for stretches that help with plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, ankle strengthening, and much more. These routines are also tools you can use to strengthen your foot, protecting you from a future overuse or sudden injury. These stretches and exercises also fit nicely into your foot care regimen! Shockwave Therapy This modern and non-invasive therapy treats soft tissue injuries like Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, Morton's neuroma and muscle strain. After thorough preparation, a chiropodist uses an applicator to deliver energy pulses to the affected areas. It is a quick, pain-free treatment lasting only 5-20 minutes. Footwear Modification Guidance Chiropodists have a keen sense of what shoes to recommend depending on individual needs. A shoe fitting at a foot clinic keeps you from developing an overuse injury and can help in the rehabilitation phase of a more severe injury. Periodic Foot Assessments A foot assessment is like a full body physical that focuses solely on your feet. Likewise, you will need updates on how your overuse or acute injury is recovering and if your progress is continuing along nicely. For those without glaring foot issues, a foot assessment is recommended once per year. If you have a healing injury, you should see your chiropodist for an assessment every six months or less, depending on your situation. Sudden Foot Injuries Treatment and Prevention Now let's get into the more debilitating foot injuries. First and foremost, you shouldn't immediately see your chiropodist after experiencing a blunt form trauma injury, sudden ankle sprain or any other type of acutely painful accident. On the day you sustain such an injury (and the immediate days that follow), you may have to get MRIs or X-ray images in addition to crutches or a physical exam from a physician. You should then practice the R.I.C.E (rest, ice, compression, elevation) method from home while you take it easy and avoid walking. However, chiropodists can help immensely with injury recovery after the acute pain phase passes. Chiropody treatment for ankle injuries like sprains or broken bones in the foot typically occurs during rehabilitation or when the patient has begun healing and needs to regain control of their motion via therapeutic intervention. To learn what treatment methods are available, you can simply revert to our list for overuse injuries. You can also use the preventative measures we've already mentioned, but we have a few additional tips worth noting: Reduce your chances of ankle sprains by focusing on stretches that improve ankle flexibility and strength. Watch your step when walking and playing sports to avoid breaking a bone or sustaining a sprain. Wear shoes that offer extra ankle support to avoid sprains. To prevent accidents at home, wear shoes or orthopaedic slippers indoors and take your time walking while tired or impaired for any reason.

February 23, 2023

The Link Between Foot Health and Overall Wellness

Foot health isn't just important because it keeps the foundation of your body in good condition. There is also a direct link between foot health and overall wellness! Forgetting to practice foot care and foot pain management can trigger a domino effect that leads to other health problems. If you have a nagging sense that your body and mind feel generally "unwell," it could all stem from neglecting to take care of your body's foundation and lower extremities. Here are some of the most common problems associated with poor foot health that we'll discuss today: Back, hip and knee pain Posture and balance Heart health and diabetes Mental health Back, Hip and Knee Pain Our body's joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves need our feet to be in good shape. If they aren't, it can lead to a concerning trickle-down (or trickle-up!) effect that jeopardizes the rest of our body. The most common symptoms of this effect are back pain, hip pain and knee pain. First, your lower back will take a hit if you don't wear shoes with proper shock absorption and arch support. The effects will transfer upwards, resulting in low back pain. People who work long hours without the right footwear often notice this and not know the reason why. Furthermore, if you have frequent foot pain, it will alter your gait. This means you adopt abnormal walking patterns to navigate life with chronic pain, such as using your tip-toes or the outside of the feet to bear weight. The unusual walking pattern causes extra strain on the joints and muscles in your lower body from having to move in ways they weren't designed to move. This kickstarts feelings of pain and tightness in the lower back and knees. Your ankles may also roll slightly inwards or outward while walking. People with flat feet or high arches are at risk of experiencing gait-related back and knee pain. Plantar fasciitis and bunions can also trigger back pain. If you neglect to treat plantar fasciitis, the plantar fascia ligament can become so inflamed that other muscles have to compensate in order to support your weight. This ultimately affects your back. Likewise, bunions cause a misshapen structure in the feet, which can alter your posture and make it difficult to fit into supportive shoes. Modifying movements due to foot pain also takes a toll on your hips. Bilateral foot pain can lead to pain in the corresponding hips, often due to multi-joint arthritis. Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels Heart Health and Diabetes These connections aren't as farfetched as you think! Your heart is responsible for transferring oxygen-enriched blood and nutrients to your lower extremities, so if the heart cannot do this for any reason, your feet can mirror your general heart health and wellness. For example, illnesses like diabetes can be a major sign of extremely restricted blood circulation; foot swelling and numbness can be symptoms of this. Your feet can also show signs of serious heart issues, like heart disease and peripheral artery disease. You may not be able to feel a pulse in your feet, or you may notice excessively shiny skin or hair loss on your toes. Heart failure can also cause foot swelling due to excessive fluid build-up. Plaque accumulation in the arteries can also lead to foot numbness and pain, warning you of peripheral artery disease. Photo by Puwadon Sang-ngern from Pexels Posture and Balance There is a direct correlation between foot and ankle health and posture and balance. According to a study on gait posture published by the National Library of Medicine, poor postural balance in the upright position can pose a greater risk of sudden falls and resulting foot injuries in older people. The study found that improving toe flexor strength via foot stretches and exercises contributes to overall improved postural balance in people over 60. But it could also be the shape of your foot that lets you down. For instance, people with flat feet risk experiencing muscular imbalances in the legs, ankles and hips. Luckily, simple and non-invasive foot clinic services can help people with flat feet curb this problem, such as wearing custom orthotics or shoes that support a flat arch. Mental Health Can't hike on your favourite trails due to foot pain? Or perhaps you simply struggle to get out of the house due to mobility issues. Since our feet keep us moving, there is a clear link between mental and foot health. Time and time again, fitness proves to be helpful to those struggling with mental illness. But without cooperative feet, it can feel impossible to be physically fit, which leads to a sedentary lifestyle. Feeling stuck inside too often can also cause psychological stress and loneliness. Furthermore, the feeling of consistent pain can cause anxiety and depression. It can also work both ways. According to a study in Arthritis Care and Research Vol. 66, chronic foot pain can also be a symptom, or manifestation, of major depression. Photo by Suzy Hazelwood from Pexels

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