PAC Blog
What is a pedorthic assessment?
Pedorthic assessments are one of the most important aspects of my work and a considerable portion of my weekly clinic time is devoted to them. Many patients come to my clinic with persistent and unexplained foot, ankle, knee, hip or back pain. A complete and thorough pedorthic assessment enables me to determine if the pain they are experiencing is related to poor foot structure or biomechanics. At the end of the assessment, I am able to clearly explain their medical condition to them and to recommend an individualized treatment plan [...]
Numb, tingling or painful feet should not be ignored
If you’re experiencing foot numbness, loss of feeling or stabbing/burning pain in your hands and feet, you may have peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy – damage to the peripheral nerves outside of your brain and spinal cord – is a condition Canadian Certified Pedorthists see frequently as it can have a significant impact on the health of your feet, mobility, as well as lead to foot numbness and nerve pain. Individuals who have foot numbness or peripheral neuropathy are at increased risk of falling as the lack of sensation, loss of [...]
High heels should be an employee’s choice
In October, Ontario MPP Cristina Martins introduced a private member’s bill to prevent employers in Ontario from requiring workers to wear unsafe footwear (specifically high heels) to work. Ms. Martins says high heels should not be a requirement of an employee’s uniform or dress code; it should be employees’ not employers’ choice whether they wear them. Earlier this year, British Columbia adopted similar legislation banning mandatory high heels at work. I applaud Ms. Martins and British Columbia for taking these important steps. High heels can cause foot, back and knee injuries [...]
Looking for a rewarding career in healthcare?
If you’re studying kinesiology or health sciences and are interested in pursuing a rewarding career in healthcare with excellent employment prospects, I highly recommend you consider becoming a Canadian Certified Pedorthist. My days are interesting and varied and I have a great work/life balance. This short video will give you a taste of a career as a Canadian Certified Pedorthist. Canadian Certified Pedorthists are orthotic and orthopedic footwear experts. Trained in the assessment of lower limb anatomy and muscle and joint function, we work alongside physicians and other healthcare providers [...]
Don’t let a fall change your life
As a healthcare professional who regularly works with elderly patients I am keenly aware of the negative effect of falls; on numerous occasions, I have seen a fall change the quality of an individual’s life. […]
Pedorthic Terminology
When I consult with patients I always encourage them to stop me at any point if I say something they don’t understand. This is important, as pedorthic treatment is most successful when patients have a clear understanding of my assessment and recommended treatment. Despite my encouragement, some patients are still reluctant to tell me when they need further explanation. […]
Transitioning from Indoor to Outdoor Training
Winter has much of Canada in its cold snowy grips, forcing many of us to train indoors. Although most people are keen to get back outside as soon as the weather improves, it can be difficult to transition from indoor to outdoor training. Here are some tips to ensure you enjoy a seamless, injury-free transition back outside as soon as the weather allows. […]
New Soles
Have your shoes done too much work? Do you have a pair of shoes you can’t imagine parting with? Have you had them for years and worn them for every special occasion? Are they your go-to, every day, favourites or are they a lucky pair of athletic shoes that helped you win an important championship? Whether it is comfort, style or emotional attachment many people have at least one pair of shoes they wear all the time. As footwear specialists, Canadian Certified Pedorthists recommend shoes be replaced every 8-10 months [...]
Recently Diagnosed with Diabetes?
If you or a family member have recently been diagnosed with diabetes, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed by the adjustments you have to make to stay healthy. The good news is you don’t have to stop doing your favourite activities. On the contrary, an active lifestyle is important to staying healthy. However, diabetes can have a serious impact on the well-being of your feet so you need to stay on top of all foot-related issues to prevent small concerns from becoming serious problems. […]
Foot orthotics can improve your hockey game
For many of us, winter means hockey. Whether you play on a neighbourhood team or are a member of a competitive league, you probably have two goals: to perform your best and to remain injury free. Many hockey players understand the role good quality, professionally-fitted skates play in game performance and injury prevention. However, do you know that custom foot orthotics, designed specifically to fit inside your skates, can have an even greater influence on your game and reduce your risk of injury? […]
Wet feet are bad for your health but they don’t cause colds
Can you get sick from wet feet? As a child, when I played outside during the winter, my mother always used to tell me to come inside if my feet and hands got wet as she was concerned I would catch a cold. This common, parental advice, might have you wonder if you can you get sick from wet feet. Although colds are caused by viruses, not cold, wet feet, my mother was right to make me come inside to dry off. Today, as a Canadian Certified Pedorthist, I advise [...]
Surviving the holiday season in high style
Holiday parties are all about sparkle and for many women that means cocktail dresses, bling and an elegant pair of high heels. Unfortunately, what looks great in the evening, often doesn’t feel good in the morning, especially when it comes to high heels. As a Canadian Certified Pedorthist, I’ve treated patients with foot, back and knee injuries that have stemmed from high heels and I often get asked if it’s possible to wear high heels to a party without suffering the following day and beyond. High heels cause pain because [...]