PAC Blog
Give Dad Sport Specific Shoes for Father’s Day
Many people find Father’s Day one of the most difficult gift buying occasions of the year. The days of giving ties and coffee mugs are long gone and the ever-popular grilling tools and shaving sets are losing their appeal. Finding a thoughtful gift for Dad that he’ll get much enjoyment from is a tough assignment but I have a suggestion. Buy Dad a pair of sports specific shoes. As a Canadian Certified Pedorthist I cannot stress enough the importance of wearing shoes that are designed for your specific sport. Sport [...]
Getting A Rheumatoid Arthritis Sufferer Back On Her Feet
When I was completing my Bachelor of Science at the University of Waterloo I had the opportunity to work with a number of professors and graduate students who were doing biomechanical research. This experience sparked my interest in foot biomechanics, particularly how people adapt to walking on varying terrain and how they modify their techniques when they are injured or in pain. Today, one of the aspects I enjoy most working as a Canadian Certified Pedorthist is assessing abnormalities in patients’ walking cycle and following the evaluation, determining the pedorthic [...]
Don’t Let A Blister Ruin Your Fun
Blisters are miserable. Whether they are on your toes, heels or the soles of your feet nothing can take the enjoyment out of a beautiful hike or relaxing run more than a painful blister. Although many people consider blisters a rite of passage for breaking in a new pair of shoes or a small price to pay for looking glamorous in high heels, blisters are largely avoidable. […]
Winter Footcare Dos and Don’ts
In Canada winter is tough. Frigid temperatures, ice covered roads and paths and endless snow, sleet and wind is tough on cars, houses and even feet. Here are some tips to help you protect your feet during Canada’s toughest season: […]
Foot Friendlier High Heels
Be sensitive about high heels I spend a lot of time educating my patients about footwear that is appropriate for them and dress shoes, especially high heels, are one of the hot topics. I love shoes and I wear high heels but as a foot care professional I know the damage they can cause so I wear them in moderation and I always take into account my individual foot mechanics. When it comes to counseling my patients about dress shoes, I tell them to follow the same advice; be sensitive [...]
Leisure activities can be tipping point
Often the tipping point that brings patients into my clinic for treatment of their foot and lower limb pain is their leisure activity. Not surprisingly when patients learn the activity or sport they do for their physical and mental health has pushed them into an injury state they are frustrated, because what they love to do has helped injure them and also because they have been sidelined from their activity. This was definitely the case with Jennifer, one of the patients I have treated for the last six years. [...]
Kelowna Pedorthist Studying Craft of Custom Boot Making
In 2015, my goal is to write the exam to become a Certified Pedorthic Master Craftsman, which means I will be certified in the craft of custom shoe design and manufacturing. There are only five Pedorthists in Canada with this designation, so becoming the sixth would be a great accomplishment. […]
Finding the best care possible for your feet and lower limbs
Do you think you may benefit from foot orthotics or orthopaedic footwear but don’t know where to go for help? 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. However, orthotics and footwear that are improperly fitted or don’t have the appropriate features for your foot condition will not help you and may even worsen your pain or decrease your mobility. To make sure you are getting the best care possible for your [...]
Does my child need to see a Pedorthist?
Parents of young children often ask me if they should bring their child for a pedorthic assessment. Here’s what I advise. If their child is experiencing pain or is having difficulty walking, running or playing they should book a consultation with a Canadian Certified Pedorthist. However, if their child’s feet appear flat but they don’t have any pain and are a normal active child a pedorthic consultation is not necessary. […]
Achilles tendinitis: a common overuse injury
Do you experience dull pain near the back of your heel or in the back of your leg after your regular run or after playing your favourite sport? When you ramp up your exercise is the pain more severe or prolonged? If so, you may have Achilles tendinitis. […]
Athletes turn to bracing to prevent injuries
I’m an avid baseball player, volleyball player and skier so I completely understand the frustration athletes experience when they are sidelined by an injury. As the owner of a sports orthotics and bracing clinic in White Rock, BC I am fortunate to be able to combine my passion for pedorthics with my love of sports. Each day I help competitive and non-competitive athletes and active people get back to doing what they love. […]
On school days running shoes are best
On September 24 thousands of school children across Canada will run with their classmates in the annual Terry Fox National School Run Day. It’s a great event that sees educators and school children running side by side to raise funds and awareness for cancer research and to remember Canadian hero Terry Fox. […]