Tips and advice from podiatrists

Obesity is a growing problem in the world population, currently affecting 34% of Canadian adults. While it is common knowledge that this condition often leads to high blood pressure and circulatory problems, the mechanical difficulties experienced by overweight people sometimes go unnoticed. Still, the joints of the legs and feet must support the extra weight.…

Diabetes affects more than 1 in 10 Quebecers, according to the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec. It is known to cause an array of problems like blindness and kidney disease, but diabetes is also responsible for half of all non-traumatic amputations. Before reaching such serious complications, however, other conditions of the soles of…

It is rare for a child to need orthotic insoles before the age of 3. In fact, due to the fact that the structures of the feet are not yet developed, it is difficult to determine if there are any issues with them. However, if your child is of walking age and has difficulty doing…

Foot orthoses must be kept effective in all situations, as they are akin to extensions of your feet. Typically, orthotics should last you about 5-10 years. However, the lifespan of an orthotic insole depends on several factors, for instance: its quality and care. Read on to learn 3 elements that can have an impact on…

You can run, jump, climb and swim with them. That’s right, we’re talking about your feet! They are complex structures, but what are they truly made of? Here's your chance to learn more about the anatomy of the foot. The different types of feet There are 3 types of feet: the Greek foot, the Egyptian…

Your foot’s arch is supported by a fibrous membrane called the plantar aponeurosis or plantar fascia. This membrane can become inflamed and even partially ruptured if it is subjected to excessive or uneven stress. This is known as plantar fasciitis. Nowadays, it is among the most common causes of heel pain in Canada. If left…

Still a relatively obscure phenomenon, the discomfort caused by growing pains can be difficult to decipher. And yet, it is inevitable, because growth is an integral part of normal child development. Read on to learn 4 common myths associated with growing pains in children. Myth 1: Growing pains occur at any time of the day …

A sprained ankle is a widespread injury and most people will be affected by it at some point in their lives. The majority of ankle sprains are mild, thus they can usually be treated in the comfort of your own home. Here is how you do this. Distinguish between sprain types For starters, you must…

The bunion, or hallux valgus, is a problem that is more common in women, manifesting as a deviation and deformation of the big toe. This deformation of the foot can cause pain and difficulty in comfortably wearing shoes over time. While the bunion can begin as nothing more than a cosmetic problem, it may eventually…

While they are both popular tools for making custom foot orthoses, 2D and 3D scanning techniques are nonetheless quite different. 2D imaging offers a very detailed representation of the sole of your foot. In turn, 3D scanning allows you to know your whole plantar morphology and effectively detect any anomalies. Only this impression technique lets…

Growing pains usually manifest in leg aches that often occur during the night. This pain can start as early as age 3, in certain cases. They can also affect other parts of the lower limbs, such as the knees, ankles or feet. This type of pain is generally caused by: A suboptimal growth rate (e.g.…

Runners commonly experience sports injuries. It is estimated that more than 50% of them will suffer at least one injury while running. Poor preparation, inappropriate shoes, violent impacts, inadequate technique... There is no shortage of reasons why running enthusiasts can struggle with an injury that causes pain in their feet! The majority of sports injuries…

Custom orthotics are adaptable to a variety of situations. Technological advances, in particular, have made it possible for podiatrists to offer foot orthoses that are specifically designed for sports. Learn more about sports orthotics to get the best out of them in your everyday life. Can you play sports with foot orthoses? Foot orthoses for athletes:…

Both are associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV), but the common wart and plantar wart appear in different locations. The first is more likely to occur in visible places, while the second is more concealed and usually grows beneath the foot’s sole. But are there any real differences between these two types of warts aside…

Most medical professionals will tell you that good musculoskeletal health directly depends on your feet. But who should you trust with the delicate task of treating foot pain? After all, there are various medical professionals who have the skills to identify what is wrong with your physical condition. Let's take a look at who offers…

Have you perhaps noticed a bump on the top of your feet, and it’s getting bigger and bigger? Are your feet getting increasingly stiffer, to the point where it’s becoming difficult to put on your shoes without pain? All of these could hint at the presence of a cavus foot. At first, this type of…

Do you regularly do a sport like running, walking, or skiing? Then you probably know that a great deal of your performance directly depends on your feet. However, your feet may have special conditions that make it difficult to perform your athletic activities. Such is the case of flat feet. This downward sagging of the…

The feet are rarely perceived to be the cause of joint pain. However, even a minor plantar deformity can affect your posture and undermine your daily comfort. Flat feet are one of the foot deformities that can cause lasting problems later in life. When pain claims your joints and you begin experiencing a lack of…

Joint pain, posture problems, osteoarthritis in the knee, or an irregular arch of the foot are often at the root of more problems than you may have expected. But how does one end up with either a flat foot or a cavus foot? How do these differ from a normal foot? Let's take a look…

Whether you’re a runner, skier, or avid walker, healthy feet are instrumental to ensuring the best athletic performance. But when you’re dealing with a deformity like the cavus foot, it affects the entirety of your body. Cavus foot is characterized by a rigid and very pronounced arch. However, even if it changes your foot’s grip…