PAC Blog

Ankle sprains are a common injury people have. A "sprain" is more a mechanism of injury rather than a diagnosis. Sprains are common with athletic activity, but they can happen to anyone. Most commonly, they occur when the ankle is put into inversion (bending the foot inwards) and plantarflexion (stretching the foot down). Sprains are more common among athletes involved in sports like basketball and Volleyball. It is important to pay attention and avoid them when possible because ankle injuries may permanently affect the short and/or long term. Sprains are [...]

As the hot summer weather approaches, thoughts of “what summer sandals would be best for me?” is a good question to ask yourself. You may find that your feet are not comfortable in sandals, but your feet get too hot in running shoes all day. Sandal options can become overwhelming and stressful for many. As Pedorthist, we hear this statement yearly, trying to keep many moving in comfort throughout these hot summer months.  Many sandals on the market offer orthopedic features and great support to suit most foot types. However, [...]

48 year old male, working as a farmer, presents to their Primary Care Provider with bilateral forefoot pain with the sensation of stepping on a stone, localized under the 2nd metatarsal head. They are then diagnosed with: 2nd MPJ capsulitis. The patient was referred to a Canadian Certified Pedorthist for evaluation and treatment. https://pedorthic.ca/find-a-pedorthist/ The Pedorthist conducts an extensive history and assessment including range of motion testing, gait analysis, and footwear evaluation. The Pedorthist finds: ROM/ Non Weight Bearing Evaluation Heavy callusing under metatarsal heads and heels. Callusing worse under [...]

When most people think of orthotics, they envision a senior with existing foot problems or an injured athlete. While seniors and athletes benefit from orthotics, they are not the only people who can benefit from them. Patients of all ages can benefit from custom orthotics to support their arch, treat various foot conditions, combat general foot pain, and prevent future injuries. If you're asking yourself, "does my child need orthotics?" a pedorthist can help. Custom orthotics benefit children in particular, acting as a sturdy and supportive foundation for their developing [...]

The best sandals are ones that fit and feel like your best lace up footwear. For summer footwear freedom for our toes and breathability for hot weather is where it's at. To duplicate the benefit of laces in shoes an adjustable Velcro strap over the top of the foot is best. Combined with an adjustable back heel strap provides a stable and secure fit for your ankles and feet. Flip flop sandals (with a strap between the big and second toe) are not advisable for long periods of wear. If [...]

It is possible to have sandals for people who have bunions. There are some simple pieces of advice to find something that will work for you. Sole The sole needs to be wide enough to support the whole foot. There should be no part of the foot hanging over the sole. The sole should not have too high a heel. The net heel height should be less than 2 inches. That is to say that the heel should be less than 2 inches taller than the ball of the foot. [...]

Plantar fasciitis is one of the more common conditions we see in the clinic. To avoid plantar fasciitis this summer, make sure you are aware and educated about the problems you’re having with your feet. Stop thinking your issues are just part of life and be aware that they are, for the most part, preventable or at least treatable. The fact that you have issues every summer tells you something right away. That there is something seasonal going on with your feet. What could it be? Every spring, activity levels [...]

If you have received a prescription for orthopaedic shoes from your doctor, you might be wondering what it is, and if insurance will cover this kind of expense. Unfortunately for many years coverage for orthopaedic shoes was looked on as a yearly allowance for free shoes, which was not its intended purpose. The benefit was supposed to be for those who had justifiable foot issues. Granted, people who spend a lot of time on their feet tend to develop pain, but does this justify orthopaedic shoes? Types of Shoes There [...]

The right shoe makes all the difference for your exercise goals and comfort while working towards them.  There are plenty of theories on what is best for your workout, but the best approach is to do what is right for YOU! Comfort is going to be the most important factor as you approach your workouts. There are many beliefs of the type of shoes for working out, but ultimately use the right shoe for your foot and your activity. Running shoes, walking shoes, weightlifting shoes, cross-trainers, the list goes on [...]

A bunion is a bony bump that occurs on the big toe joint. It may appear by itself or along with a deviation of the big toe towards the next toe. Because the bone sticks out, it may be red and sore itself. A hallux valgus is the deviation of the big toe, which may or may not be present with a bunion. The hallux valgus can lead to a bunion formation because it can stress the joint and create the bunion. Bunion Causes Causes of a bunion and hallux [...]