PAC Blog
Seniors’ Month: A Recap
In case you missed it, June was Seniors’ Month here at the Pedorthic Association of Canada! This month we shared information on the topic of aging and footcare. Here’s a recap of the what we shared this month: ~~~~~~~~~~ Pilates is an excellent activity for most seniors. If you’ve never tried Pilates this article will help you get started https://www.verywellfit.com/is-pilates-good-exercise-for-seniors-2704632 ~~~~~~~~~~ Here are 8 reasons why you need to pay more attention to your feet as you age #aging #footcare https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-aging-affects-your-feet-1337806 ~~~~~~~~~~ You've earned your retirement. Don't let a fall [...]
4 Common Conditions Associated with Aging Feet (and How a Canadian Certified Pedorthist Can Help)
Estimates suggest that, on average, if you live to the age of 80 years old you will have taken enough steps to walk the Trans-Canada Highway between Victoria, British Columbia and St. John’s, Newfoundland over 20 times! That is a lot of ground covered on a pair of feet that must get us through a lifetime. If you knew how many steps you would be taking in your life, would you care for your feet a little better than you are now? Maybe you already have a concern about your [...]
Meet a Pedorthist – Kerrie Boelsterli-Bailey
Kerrie Boelsterli-Bailey, C. Ped (C) After graduating from Wilfrid Laurier University 2010, Kerrie Boelsterli-Bailey was working as a Kinesiologist, but something was missing. She recalls, “It just wasn’t really stimulating enough—I wasn’t part of treatment as much as I wanted to be. I knew I had to go back to school.” “One day I was on Facebook and I saw an ad for Pedorthics and I clicked on it,” Kerrie says. This prompted her to begin researching the profession more deeply, speaking with local pedorthists and specialists. Kerrie is a [...]
June: A Focus on Seniors
June is Seniors’ Month and Canadian Certified Pedorthists - C. Ped (C) - across Canada are ready to deliver top tips and advice on how to help your feet age gracefully. Here are some facts about seniors and footcare to start off the month: According to the 2016 Census the population of seniors now outnumber children in Canada 5.9 million to 5.8 million. It is anticipated that the scale will continue to be tipped for years to come. Though frequency of health problems rises with increase in age, over half [...]
Foot Health Awareness Month: A Recap
In case you missed it, May was Foot Health Awareness Month here at the Pedorthic Association of Canada! This month we shared information on the topic of footcare and health. Here’s a recap of the information we shared this month: ~~~~~~~~~~ Foot orthotics and orthopaedic shoes are widely available – you have probably noticed signs for them in stores in your community or on online shopping sites. To make sure you are getting the best care possible for your feet and lower limbs ask your family doctor for a referral [...]
Managing your Diabetes: What Role Can a Pedorthist Play?
It is estimated that around 11 million Canadians currently live with diabetes or prediabetes. This is a significant percentage of the population, which means that chances are, you likely know someone affected by the disease. Long-term complications in people with diabetes frequently manifest in foot problems such as infections and ulcerations. In fact, foot problems are the leading cause of hospitalization for Canadians living with diabetes. Between 14 and 24 per cent of those living with diabetes are at risk of developing a foot ulcer that could result in the [...]
Pedorthics and Arthritis: Debunking Common Myths
As Pedorthists, we see patients with all types of medical issues that affect the foot and ankle. Arthritis is one such condition that can create chronic pain and cause problems with walking, standing and balance. Although arthritis is common, affecting about 20 percent of Canadians over age 12, it is not a generally well understood condition. Many myths about arthritis exist, but it’s important to set the record straight so patients can be well informed about their health. Here are some common myths that many Pedorthists have encountered in our [...]
Meet a Pedorthist – Kevin Fraser
Kevin Fraser, C. Ped Tech (C), C. Ped (C) When Kevin Fraser was growing up in Shelburne, Ontario, hockey was a big part of his life and it eventually led him to a career in pedorthics. He grew up playing hockey and at the age of 17 sustained a tendon rupture in his left ankle that required surgical repair, followed by extensive physiotherapy and the use of an ankle-foot orthosis. This was his introduction to orthotics and the pedorthic profession. Kevin received his bachelor’s degree in Health and Society at [...]
Foot Health Awareness Month
May is our favourite month as it is Foot Health Awareness Month! A 2014 study revealed that nearly 75% of people over the age of 18 have experienced foot pain. Nearly half of those surveyed said they would be more active if they could get rid of the foot pain, yet only a third of them said they had talked to a healthcare professional about their pain. Canadian Certified Pedorthists hear again and again from patients that they delayed booking an appointment because they thought the pain was something they [...]
Meet a Pedorthist – Jordanna Jones
Jordanna Jones, C. Ped (C) Jordanna Jones had goals of becoming a physiotherapist – but those plans changed when her guidance counselor suggested volunteering with a pedorthist at the University of Western Ontario (UWO). “I went into kinesiology at Western, planning on a physiotherapy career,” explains Jordanna. “But as I went through school and volunteered with physios, I wanted to look at other options.” When she received her placement with a Certified Pedorthist, she realized that the pedorthic profession was the perfect fit. Jordanna received her pedorthic certification in 2005 [...]
Meet a Pedorthist – Kathrine Simpson
Kathrine Simpson, C. Ped (C) Kathrine Simpson never thought she would open her own clinic. In fact, she says she would have laughed at the thought. The Pedorthist and business owner started her career as a young adult, volunteering with special needs children at a children's centre in Windsor. That is where she discovered hydrotherapy and rehabilitation. Kathrine first graduated with an honour’s degree in Human Kinetics from the University Of Windsor. Upon graduating, she worked as a registered kinesiologist at Windsor Regional Hospital – largely in hydrotherapy. It was [...]
Chronic Foot & Ankle Pain: Can a Pedorthist Help?
Are you someone who experiences chronic pain in your feet or ankles? Perhaps the pain is a result of an injury, or perhaps the cause of the pain is unknown to you. Either way, it’s a good idea to visit your local pedorthist to see what can be done to alleviate your pain and help you to resume an active healthy lifestyle. I have seen many clients over the years with chronic foot and/or lower limb pain. They come to see me in the hopes that I can do something [...]