PAC Blog
Orthotics Can Restore Activity After a Traumatic Foot Injury
As someone who enjoys cycling, running, skiing and mountain biking, I know how important it is to be able to participate in the sports you love. Since becoming a Canadian Certified Pedorthist I have seen many patients who thought they would no longer be able to continue the physical activities they enjoyed after suffering a major injury. Fortunately, I’ve also seen their surprise and delight when pedorthic treatment got them back in the game. […]
Ask an Expert About Off-the-Shelf Orthotics
If you have ever experienced foot or knee pain you may have been tempted to ease your discomfort by purchasing a foot orthotic from your local pharmacy or sports store. Like store bought reading glasses, these mass produced orthotics may provide the necessary support or cushioning you require to get relief. However, if your store bought orthotic is not easing your lower limb pain, or only providing limited relief, it is time for you to book an appointment with a Canadian Certified Pedorthist. […]
How to Keep Fit and Injury Free
After a tough day at work, many people think there is nothing better than heading out for a run, joining a game of basketball with friends, or hitting the gym for a cardio or spin class. The enjoyment, relaxation and health benefits of recreational sports are well documented and millions of us participate in a variety of sports and fitness activities each day. However, each year more than 1.2 million Canadians are sidelined from their favourite sports activities because of injuries that may have been prevented. Recreational athletes are at [...]
The Way You Walk Says a Lot
A person’s car or clothes may say a lot about them, but experts say the way one walks speaks volumes too. When a patient visits a Canadian Certified Pedorthist for an initial consultation one of the first things the Pedorthist does is a gait assessment. This careful evaluation of how the patient walks is important because gait is one of the main contributing factors to foot and lower limb issues. […]
Is Your Job Killing Your Feet?
Many people who are required to stand all day at work believe achy feet and legs are just part of the job. But sore feet should not be ignored. Long periods of standing can cause muscle and ligament fatigue, which could increase the risk of injury and damage to your bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and other tissues of your feet. […]
If You Are Living With Diabetes Pay Special Attention to Your Feet
An estimated three million Canadians currently live with diabetes [sub]1[/sub] and, although they may not realize it, many of them have reduced sensation (neuropathy) or poor circulation in their feet. Footwear is designed to protect feet but people who cannot feel their feet properly are often unaware that their footwear is causing irritations. If you have poor circulation these small sores can develop into wounds, foot ulcers and serious foot conditions. In fact, 85 percent of all leg amputations (for Canadians living with diabetes) are a result of non-healing foot [...]
Pedorthics – Making a Difference: Modified Footwear Can Be Comfortable and Stylish Too
Pedorthists don’t just make orthotics. Footwear can play a major role in a patients comfort, and modifying them so that they perfectly fit the individual’s foot is an important part of our job. When we think about orthopaedic shoes, many of us immediately think of the comfortable, frumpy shoes found in Grandma’s closet. Fortunately, this widely held stereotype no longer holds true. There are now many stylish options available for patients, which is great, as many patients simply won’t wear a shoe they don’t like. One of my patients is [...]
Vital foot & lower limb saving tips for people living with diabetes
Pedorthic management is vital for people living with Diabetes. Why? Canadian Certified Pedorthists are trained in foot assessments, biomechanical analysis, footwear fittings & modifications. Pedorthists are one of the few footcare professionals educated about footwear and sock choice as well as proper fit for footwear. These skills are essential in helping patients with Diabetes prevent foot issues or help manage existing foot conditions, such as ulceration. […]
De-Feet Metatarsalgia
Some of my patients have described Metatarsalgia – forefoot pain or ball of foot pain – as sharp, shooting, pins and needles, dull, pebble-under-the-foot type pain that returns even after a period of rest. […]
Living with Osteoarthritis: A Patient Profile
Living with arthritis can be tough especially when you are someone who enjoys being active. Just ask Vivian, a 65-year old from Kitchener who suffers from Osteoarthritis of the knee and big toe joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder and typically occurs due to age or wear/tear on joints. For people that enjoy being active the resulting pain associated with the affected joints can make simple activities such as walking and standing troublesome. Vivian enjoyed walking and playing darts with friends. She said her “knees become so sore and [...]
Mark McColman C. Ped (C)
When some pedorthists make their career switch to our wonderful industry, they do so with an eye to their own background. Being an athletic individual and growing up in the environment he did, one cannot be surprised that Mark McColman of Vancouver came into the industry as his ultimate career move. Growing up in Brantford, Mark began working in his father’s sporting goods store at the age of 12. From that early time, Mark learned the value of good customer service, which he would later translate into a career in [...]
Amy Guest C. Ped (C)
As a Kinesiology student, Amy Guest wasn’t aware of the world of pedorthics, but when this PAC member was introduced to the industry, she fell in love right away. After finishing her degree, Amy first went into personal training. Later, however, she craved a new direction; one that she found by hearing a radio advert from longtime PAC executive board member, Linda Deschamps. Amy first joined Linda’s team as a receptionist, but would make her way up through the profession, first becoming an apprentice.“I realized how interesting it was – [...]