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Our youngest 3 out trick or treating. A duck, a cat, and a tiger… apparently?

Foot FAQ/Fact Friday

Q: Foot Tips for Halloween

A: It is that time of year again! Time to get dressed up for Halloween trick-or-treating, parades, and parties! Below are a few tips and tricks to keep your feet comfortable during these events.

- Consider shoes with support to avoid stress and strain on your feet. Bring slippers or indoor shoes to a party if need be!
- Choose proper fitting footwear. Avoid small and narrow (witch like) shoes. These are spooky for your feet! No one needs pesky calluses and corns to slow you down.
- If it is cold out, dress up your child’s boots/footwear with printed pictures or shoe covers to match their desired costume theme.

Happy Halloween!

It’s Friday night and the kids are all pumped for the Pumpkin Prowl!!! If you are out tonight with the kids, don’t forget to stop by!

At the Railway City Road Races today! Stop by to enter a draw to win a pair of orthotics!

A sprained ankle occurs when you roll, twist or turn your ankle in an awkward way. This can stretch or tear the ligaments that help hold your ankle bones together.

Treatment goals are to reduce pain and swelling, promote healing, and restore function. For severe injuries, you may be referred to a specialist, such as an orthopedic surgeon, or a sports medicine physician.

Use the R.I.C.E. method for the first 2-3 days:

💥Rest. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort.
🧊Ice. Use an ice pack immediately for 15 to 20 mins and repeat every 2-3 hrs while awake. If you have vascular disease, diabetes or decreased sensation, talk with your MD before applying ice.
💥Compression. Compress the ankle with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops. Don't hinder circulation by wrapping too tightly. Begin wrapping at the end farthest from your heart.
💥Elevation. Elevate your ankle above heart level, especially at night. Gravity helps reduce swelling by draining excess fluid.

In most cases, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen will manage the pain.

Walking might be painful so you may need crutches til the pain subsides. Your MD may recommend an elastic bandage, sports tape or an ankle brace for stabilization. For severe sprains, you may need to immobilize with a cast or walking boot while it heals.

Once the pain and swelling subside, you can begin exercises to restore range of motion, strength, flexibility and stability. Your MD or physio will explain the appropriate method and progression. Balance and stability training helps to retrain the ankle muscles to work together and help prevent recurrent sprains. These exercises may involve balance challenges, such as standing on one leg🦩

If you sprained your ankle while exercising or participating in a sport, talk to your MD about when you can resume your activity. Your MD or physio may want you to perform particular activity and movement tests to determine how well your ankle functions for the sports you play⛹️‍♀️🚴‍♂️🤸‍♀️

Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury of the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone.

The pain associated with Achilles tendinitis typically begins as a mild ache in the back of the leg or above the heel after running or other sports activity. Episodes of more-severe pain may occur after prolonged running, stair climbing or sprinting.

You might also experience tenderness or stiffness, especially in the morning, which usually improves with mild activity.

Tendinitis usually responds well to self-care measures. But if your signs and symptoms are severe or persistent, your may consider other treatment options including;
-Over the counter or prescription anti inflammatory medications (oral or topical)
-A physio/athletic therapist often prescribe specific stretching and strengthening exercises to promote healing and strengthening of the Achilles tendon and its supporting structures.
A special type of strengthening called "eccentric" strengthening, involving a slow let down of a weight after raising it, has been found to be especially helpful for persistent Achilles problems.
-Orthotic devices. A shoe insert or wedge that slightly elevates your heel can relieve strain on the tendon and provide a cushion that lessens the amount of force exerted on your Achilles tendon. This may also be achieved by certain ankle braces
-Injections. Cortisone is not highly recommended in this situation due to the potential risk of tendon weakening. PRP (platelet Rick plasma) is a safe and effective alternative therapy for injection.

For any of your Achilles tendinitis needs come see us at ASMC!
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If you have flat feet, also known as pes planus, you will have a very low arch or no arch at all, meaning one or both of your feet press flat on the ground. Flat feet can be congenital (you're born with it) or can develop over time.

Cavus foot is the exact opposite of a flat foot and occurs when the arch is higher than normal. It's also known as pes cavus and much like flat foot, it can cause a number of issues including pain in the foot, hips, knees, and low back.

In both situations, the foot is not being held in neutral and this causes abnormal load through the foot and lower limb and often result in pain and inflammation in the feet, ankles, knees and back.

An easy way to tell what foot type you are is to look at your footprints. Flat feet will have a solid footprint while a high arch foot will have a hollowed out mid-foot or, in extreme cases, no mid-foot. Let us know in the comments what foot type you have!

If you have either of the above issues we can help you. Our Pedorthist hand makes your orthotics locally to help with your foot pain related to the above conditions.
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Foot FAQ/Fact Friday

Q: What is metatarsalgia?

A: Metatarsalgia is a condition that is categorized by pain in the ball of the foot. Metatarsalgia is actually a condition that encompasses multiple different diagnoses. Each diagnosis within metatarsalgia has a different area of pain, but it all relates to pain at the ball of the foot.

Metatarsalgia pain can vary with a dull ache, numbness, tingling, and/or a sharp stabbing pain. Some describe the feeling of a stone in your shoe.

A collapsed arch at the ball of the foot commonly leads to metatarsalgia pain. Your Canadian Certified Pedorthist can help to assess and deal with this kind of pain!

To find a Pedorthist near you, visit https://www.pedorthic.ca/

Foot FAQ/Fact Friday

Q: Who has the largest feet?

A: If we speak of the currently living, Jeison Orlando Rodríguez Hernández holds the record. He is a man in his early 20's and lives in Venezuela. His shoe size is a US size 26 and he is 7 foot 3 inches tall. He reports that he has needed custom made shoes since he was a teenager.

By comparison, Shaquille O'Neal has a size 22 shoe. A female reporter was able to put her size 5 sandal sideways in his shoe.

A man named Robert Wadlow holds the all-time record for the largest shoe size. He was also the tallest man at 8 foot 11 inches and had a US shoe size of 37 AA.

Having large feet is certainly an inconvenience. Shoes are not commonly available at stores and may need to be custom made.

There are health conditions that cause people to have larger feet. Acromegaly is one example that Andre the Giant had. It affects growth hormone production and can lead to arthritis. He weighed over 500 lbs and his shoe size was a 24.

While you may not have feet the size of these people, you can get help from your local Canadian Certified Pedorthist to help you find shoes that are comfortable and keep you active.

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Spread love today! Whether it's your spouse, kids, family, friends, pets or simply smiling at a stranger, we hope you are spreading love and kindness today! Happy Valentine's Day from the entire ASMC team!

Text, call, or email Brad today! 519-619-6197, or [email protected]

Home | Step Above Health and Orthotics Pedorthic Assessments, Orthotics, Compression Socks, Health Consulting, Footwear, Onsite Lab, Manufacturing Orthotics, St, Thomas

When you have 4 daughters and one of them finally shows interest in hockey…priceless!

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Foot FAQ/Fact Friday

Q: Back to school foot tips for kids 🍎

A: Back to school is a perfect time to check kids footwear to make sure they are fitting properly and feeling comfortable!

To start, the toes should not be hitting the end of the shoe. Make sure there is about a thumb width from the end of the longest toe to the end of the shoe. Although you may be changing shoes before they are wearing down, it’s still important to be aware of signs that a shoe has worn down. Holes in shoes are a good indication that your kids shoes are wearing down. Also, take a look for creasing on the sole or grip wearing down on the shoe bottom.

To keep the shoes in good shape for longer, undo the laces or unfasten the velcro when taking the shoes off. This keeps the heel from collapsing in and prevents unneeded breakdown. When wearing the shoe, make sure it is secured tightly to prevent heel slippage.

If your kids feet are growing, the beginning of the school year is a good time to get them checked. Talk to your local Canadian Certified Pedorthist for more information about your kids feet! You can find one at https://pedorthic.ca/.

Ditch the flip flops and bust out your runners. Never a better time to get some Orthotics or replace your aging pairs. All Custom Orthotics starting at $350.00.
stepabovehealth.ca text or call 519-619-6197

What teachers should know about their feet before going back to school It’s the most wonderful time of the year. (At least for some) This article is for those who will now be going back to school, namely, our educators. It’s time to educate themselves about their feet. Standing for long periods or generally being on your feet more can cause issues for many, and the...

Have you ever wondered why my toes claw? Have you ever seen a claw toe? When toes get bent into a claw-like shape, they are called claw toes. There are multiple reasons to develop this condition; however, it is treatable. In our latest article, read more about the stages of claw toe, how they grow, and how best you can care for them. https://pedorthic.ca/why-do-i-have-claw-toes/

Happy Canada Day! What are you up to this long weekend? 🇨🇦
Brad will be manufacturing 9 pairs of custom orthotics and spending time with the new baby and family.

Foot FAQ/Fact Friday

Q: Can I wear my orthotics in sandals? 🩴🌞

A: Yes, you can wear orthotics in sandals, but not all sandals will accommodate them.

First, it’s important to remember that a sandal will not provide as much support as a full shoe. This is because even with a supportive sandal, the top part of the shoe (upper) is missing. This part helps to center and hold the foot in the proper position. Having support in a sandal is not as effective if there is less material holding you in the shoe.

With that being said, there are better choices of supportive sandals out there which may do the trick depending on the issues you’re having. Birkenstock is a popular brand with built-in support, but it is not the only brand out there.

There are other brands and models that have removable footbeds. If you want to wear your own orthotics during the summer these would be your best choice.

Also, a great deal of support can come from the heel counter on the back of footwear. This is the solid piece around the heel to hold it in place. If your issues require this extra support and stability, there are sandals available that have this feature.

If you have an orthotic to put into your sandals, it may need to be trimmed or adjusted slightly to fit nicely.

A Canadian Certified Pedorthist can be very helpful in explaining your options. They have the knowledge to help you select the proper brands for your feet and if necessary, the knowledge and equipment to adapt your orthotics properly to fit your sandals. To find a Pedorthist near your, visit https://www.pedorthic.ca/.

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. Read on here to learn more! https://pedorthic.ca/how-can-i-avoid-plantar-fasciitis-this-summer/

Foot FAQ/Fact Friday

Q: What are the best shoes for running outside? 👟

A: When purchasing running shoes, there are several things you need to know.

First, it’s important to know what kind of feet you have. Do you have any foot issues? Do you have a low or high arch? Do you wear orthotics for support? 🦶

Running shoes will have different levels of support depending on your feet. Someone with a low arch may benefit from additional support in a stability running shoe. If you also wear foot orthotics, a running shoe without extra support, called a neutral shoe, would be appropriate in most cases. Those with a high arch usually benefit from this neutral shoe as well.

Next, take a look at where you will be running. Will it be mostly on a track, road or sidewalks, gravel or trail running? What kind of distances will you be running, and what kind of weather? ☀️🌧

A more cushioned shoe may be helpful for harder surfaces, while a harder soled shoe may be great for soft and uneven surfaces. If you plan to run in all kinds of weather, a waterproof running shoe would be a great option to prevent cold and wet feet! 🥶

There are lots of factors to consider when choosing the right shoe! To determine what kind of running shoe and support would be best for you and your feet, talk to your local Canadian Certified Pedorthist. You can find one at https://www.pedorthic.ca/.

Foot FAQ/Fact Friday

Q: What is a heel spur?

A: A heel spur is a bony growth at the heel bone (calcaneus). It typically appears on the bottom-front of the heel, and it can be as long as 12mm.

A heel spur takes months to develop. Calcium deposits build up at the heel in response to strain taken by the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia attaches at the base of the heel bone and extends under the foot to the five toes. Unfortunately, the weakest area of the plantar fascia is the attachment at the heel bone.

Usually, the pain presents and starts as plantar fasciitis and can progress to a heel spur. Like plantar fasciitis, the first 10 to 15 steps out of bed can be the most painful. As more steps are taken after this point, the pain can subside. The same is true after being seated and upon standing. Over days and weeks, the frequency and intensity of pain can increase. The heel spur development becomes longer and harder as the plantar fascia is constantly trying to stay attached and heal when we sleep. When we wake up and stand, the pain cycle starts all over again.

Both high arched (pes cavus) and flat feet (pes planus) foot types are most susceptible to this foot condition. 🦶

Proper shoes and support (custom foot orthotics/over the counter inserts) can be helpful treatment options. A Canadian Certified Pedorthist can help provide you with these treatment options to reduce your pain. You can find a Pedorthist at https://www.pedorthic.ca/.

Foot FAQ/Fact Friday

Q: Can orthotics help with knee pain? 🦵

A: If you are suffering from knee pain, it is important to get to the root of the pain or discomfort you may feel. When considering custom foot orthoses for knee pain, it is important to have a full assessment done. If your knee pain is related to how your feet are moving, custom foot orthotics may be a helpful solution, or part of the solution, to the pain you are enduring.

Certain foot conditions can cause strain on your knees. Excessive pronation, supination, flat feet, severely high arches and ankle fusions are a few conditions that can put undue stress and strain on your knees. Custom orthotics can aid with shock absorption, distribute pressure and transition weight during each step.

It is important to look at how the feet are moving and how it’s affecting the knees. When the feet move, the lower and upper leg will respond, which can create stress and strain to the knee structures. If it is evident that the transition from sitting to standing or walking significantly changes the alignment, custom foot orthotics may aid in offloading the knee joint, in an effort to reduce pain and discomfort.

Talk to your local Canadian Certified Pedorthist if you suspect that your knee pain is coming from your feet. You can find one at https://www.pedorthic.ca/.

Just as shoes come in all shapes and widths, so do orthotics. For an initial set of orthotics, it’s generally best for a versatile, utility like orthotic, but as years pass it’s beneficial to seek more shoe specific orthotics. Making my own orthotics is all about what best suits You!

Foot FAQ/Fact Friday

Q: How many orthotics do I need?

A: The short answer is that it’s completely dependent on YOU.

Factors to consider are the shoes worn, activity level, and willingness or ability to easily change your foot orthotics from shoe to shoe.

If you are in dress shoes at the office during working hours and an athletic shoe on your days off, you may benefit from two separate pairs of orthotics. The reason for this is these two shoes may have different depths, widths and shapes to the shoe that will not allow them to be interchangeable. Many dress shoes do not offer the same real estate as a running shoe, which requires a slimmer and more low-profile foot orthotic.

This also holds true for sports. Skates, track spikes, cycle shoes, soccer and baseball cleats (to name a few) are often unique to the individual based on sizing and sport use. Each shoe may need their own foot orthotic for adequate support and comfort.

Another factor regarding your decision for multiple pairs would be your willingness to move them around to all your footwear. Many patients will acquire multiple pairs over the years. Their newest orthotics are used in the newest/most worn shoe, and the older pairs are moved into secondary shoes. The benefit is that it will prolong the wear and extend the life of each pair of orthotics.

A takeaway note is that each patient and treatment plan is unique, and the need for support is dependent on YOU and your needs. If you have any questions regarding your custom foot orthotics and footwear, reach out to your local Canadian Certified Pedorthist. You can find one at https://www.pedorthic.ca/.