PAC Blog
Why Do My Toes Hurt in Shoes?
The smallest bones, joints and muscles in our body are in our toes. When we jump up and side to side, they provide stability and shock absorption when we land, and they stabilize the space between the bones. Toe pain can be caused by the type of footwear worn, the amount of time one spends on their feet, the type of floor or surface one works on, one's age, and one's underlying medical conditions. Read more below for answers to questions like "why do my toes hurt in shoes?" and [...]
Case Study: Metatarsalgia
41 year old female, working as an Educational Assistant, presents with pain during walking on the 1st,3rd and 5th metatarsal heads R>L. She has been a highland dancer for 30 years and has had a previous stress fracture on the left foot more than 5 years prior. Previous treatments: seen by General Physician X-ray taken unremarkable seen by Sports Medicine Doctor MRI taken; was put in an off loading boot for the right foot for 8 weeks minimal effect MRI results indicated edema at the site of the sesamoid of [...]
Safety Tips for Safety Shoes
If you work in safety shoes all day, you probably stand or walk on your feet for long hours in the day. To keep your feet comfortable and pain free by the end of the day, here are some tips to get you through! Proper fit Look for a shoe that fits in the length and the width. A proper fitting shoe will prevent excessive pressure on specific areas of the foot, such as the sides of the foot and at the toes. The proper fit is especially important in [...]
Tips for Working On Your Feet All Day
Do you work on your feet all day and can’t wait to get home, take off your shoes and put your feet up? Although you may feel tired at the end of the day, you may be able to save your feet! Here are a few tips to prevent pain in your feet after working on your feet all day. Proper fit Look for a shoe that fits in the length and the width. A proper fitting shoe will prevent excessive pressure on specific areas of the foot, such as [...]
How Does Pregnancy Affect Your Feet?
When you are pregnant, your world is about to change and so are your feet. Because of the many changes that pregnancy causes, feet may not be the first thing you think about. Foot issues can be common during pregnancy. However an ounce of prevention can prevent months, years or sometimes a lifetime of foot issues. Foot Arch The average weight gain during pregnancy is between 10kg and 12.5kg. The rapid weight gain adds stress to the body, as well as your feet. Because the weight is concentrated on the [...]
Plantar Fasciitis vs Stress Fractures
What is Plantar Fasciitis? Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain encountered by Canadian Certified Pedorthists, affecting one out of every ten people at some point in their lives. The plantar fascia is a fibrous band that runs along the bottom of the foot. It starts at the heel bone and runs through the arch to the toes. Fascia, unlike muscle, has very little elasticity, making it easily irritated, inflamed, overused, or torn. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the fascia at your heel. There [...]
Western University’s post-degree, online pedorthic program training next generation of Canadian Certified Pedorthists
** Application deadline is April 15 for Bachelor of Kinesiology & Science graduates ** WINNIPEG, MB - February 11th, 2022 - The Pedorthic Association of Canada (PAC) is reminding aspiring future members and Canadian Certified Pedorthists that the deadline for Western University’s post-graduate Diploma in Pedorthics is fast approaching. Students who are completing their degrees in kinesiology, science and health sciences are invited to submit their applications for the program by April 15, 2022. “Canadian Certified Pedorthists are a fast growing healthcare profession with a nearly 100% employment rate [...]
When Should I Be Concerned About Heel Pain?
Our feet are incredibly complex; they’re made up of interconnected joints, muscles, bones, and tissues. We rely on our feet to help us with countless activities, from walking around to working out. If you’re experiencing persistent heel pain, it can affect your everyday life. You’re reminded of it each time your feet bear the weight of your body. Suddenly, heel pain gets in the way of your favourite things. You can’t take an afternoon walk or go for a bike ride without nagging pain in your feet. You can develop [...]
Benefits of Compression Socks
What do compressions socks do? There are many benefits of compression socks. They are a helpful solution to optimize blood flow, or circulation, by applying pressure to your lower legs. They can also help improve blood flow from your legs to your heart, reducing discomfort and swelling. Compression socks may be prescribed by your GP if you have varicose veins or other conditions that cause poor blood flow. In addition, they aid in preventing blood clots and reducing pain, fatigue, and swelling. The Advantages of Compression Socks Your [...]
Footwear Tips For Seniors In The Winter
Whether you are a senior, know a senior, or have a loved one who fits that description, here are some thoughts and tips for winter footwear. Now is the time to think about appropriate footwear to keep us, or them, not just comfortable and warm but safe. There are several things to think about when choosing the correct winter footwear. Generally, a waterproof boot will keep us warmer and safer from frostbite because it prevents the foot from getting wet which can increase the chances of frostbite if you are [...]
How To Keep Your Feet Warm and Comfortable in the Winter
How to keep your feet warm in the winter depends on where you are and the temperature around you. Wet and Cold Climates "Southern areas" where the temperature is warmer and the snow is more wet, cause people to go for waterproof winter footwear, even for work attire. Even though it can be a little warmer, when your feet get wet, it is easier for the feet to get cold and the risk of frostbite comes quicker. In the city, ankle or higher shoes with good traction to walk on [...]
Proper Footwear and Support for Winter Activities
The winter weather conditions where you live and are active dictate the choice of footwear you wear. If possible, a set of footwear for different types of snow and ice conditions keeps you be prepared and safe for whatever weather situation happens. The best footwear for any of your winter activities brings together fit, function, reliability and durability to hold up in extreme cold and wet conditions. Ensure the footwear has a stiff heel counter. Squeeze the sides of the heel and push on the very back. Make sure it [...]