Walk In's are welcome
111-A Great Northern Rd.
Sault Ste. Marie, ON.
P6B 4Y9

Common Foot Ailments

      Typical foot problems can include ingrown toenails, metatarsalgia, bunions, morton neuroma, heel pain and arch problems. Many people find relief with custom orthotics, insoles, splints and various cushions or supports. Also, having a comfortable pair of therapeutic shoes can make all the difference in the world.

Feet First Modification

      The foot is made up of a complex interaction of bones, ligaments, and muscles. These structures help the foot alternate between being a mobile, flexible adaptor and a stable rigid lever. The foot is broken down into two functional parts, the forefoot and the rearfoot. Overall, the foot functions in three primary ways:

1. provides a stable platform of support
2. attenuates impact upon loading
3. assists in efficient forward propulsion of the body.

When we walk there is a load placed on the foot and the leg. The human foot has a definite, although varying capacity to accept weight before injury results. The amount of weight tolerated before injury occurs varies with the time course of loading and the individual ability to dissipate the loading force. By modifications of footwear, it is possible to change the load delivered to the body at foot strike and thus decrease injury. Shoewear and orthotics may play an important role in maintaining normal foot function.

The prescription of inserts or orthotics, as well as shoewear or modification of shoewear has three important functions. The first function is to provide protection to the foot and ankle. The second it to help prevent injury by either decreasing the stress on the leg. This is thought to occur through improved impact absorption or attempting to improve the alignment of the leg through compensation for malalingnment.

The third possible function is enhancement of performance. In order for proper function the foot variation must be identified. People tend to have either a flat foot (pes planus) or a high arch foot (pes cavus). Regardless of the variation, the shoe must fit the foot and not vice versa.