Tips and advice from podiatrists

While it is not necessary to buy several pairs of different foot orthoses, it can make your life a lot easier. Having more than one pair of orthotic insoles has benefits for all types of people, from the hard-working athlete to the newly retired. If you still have doubts, read on to learn 4 reasons…

Just like the podiatrist, the orthotist is also responsible for treating a variety of foot problems. However, the podiatrist’s role focuses more on diagnosing and carrying out the treatment while the orthotist’s duties are reserved to one particular step of the process. Their roles may be different, but the podiatrist and orthotist regularly collaborate in…

Aging brings along a number of symptoms, like weakening muscles, blurred vision and a hunched back. In addition to sensory damage, this also affects the musculoskeletal structures of the body, including your feet. As you age along with your body, your feet and legs can give you a hard time. Here are the various effects…

No matter how and where you wear them, high heels should be worn in moderation. One look at an Egyptian-type foot is enough to understand why many plantar and joint pains are attributed to this type of footwear. Do you still have doubts? Here are 4 long-term effects of wearing high heels. An overall change…

Participating in a marathon requires mental and physical preparation alike. After all, it is not every day that you have to cover 42.2 km in one go. While the preparation methods are largely directed at the change of diet, it is necessary not to neglect your feet’s health as well. Here are the different treatments…

Whether it's getting back into shape, excelling, or improving your reflexes, playing a sport is usually very beneficial for you. However, various factors like muscle fatigue or injury can hinder your performance and undermine your athletic activity. Foot orthoses for athletes are a valuable tool to address these types of discomforts, before, during, and after…

As with other medical professionals, the decision to visit a podiatry clinic depends on several conditions. For example, there is the severity of your situation or the need to readjust your foot orthoses. If you choose to consult for your child instead, you may require recurring visits. The same applies if you have a condition…

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:…