Foot Care
The foot is a complex structure made up of 26 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments, and 19 muscles and tendons. When you have a problem with your feet, it can affect the health of your entire body, not to mention your lifestyle. Good foot health care is vital to maintaining and enjoying an active lifestyle. While susceptibility to chronic conditions and illnesses that can negatively impact our livelihood may increase with age, adults suffering from foot problems don't have to put up with them. Easy solution can be found if you visit your local orthopedician or podiatrist who can recommend various treatments to alleviate any foot discomfort.
Shoes – Orthopedic
To keep your feet in good health basic hygiene and nail cutting may be all that's needed. But when problems begin to arise with your feet, it's best to seek professional help. Some problems are inherited, and some develop from illnesses in middle age, or even from the pressure of ill-fitting shoes.
The foot is often the first place where symptoms and the initial signs of severe medical conditions such as diabetes, appear. And, if you are diabetic, minor or ordinary foot problems can lead to serious complications. For more information about diabetes, visit the Canadian Diabetes Association’s website.
When dealing with medical problems it is important to choose proper footwear that can help alleviate foot discomfort. There are several options available for elderly needing diabetic shoes and other types of footwear designed to provide support and comfort. The medical shoe industry has made huge leaps and bounds through the commitment to innovation and choice.
Plenty of store front and virtual stores offer the latest technology in the widest variety of styles, sizes, and widths. No matter how big or small your feet, there are so many companies available to help you find the medical shoes you need in the styles and sizes that you want.
Orthopedics / Orthotics
Foot orthotics are used to ensure that the muscles, tendons and bones of the feet and lower legs to functioning at their best. Orthotics can decrease pain, not only in the foot, but in other parts of the body such as the knee, hip and lower back. Choosing to use an orthotic can help to increase joint stability and prevent foot deformaties. Overall, orthotics can improve an individual’s quality of life.
All orthotics are made to comfortably fit the person using them. These devices are particularly effective in relieving foot fatigue and discomfort experienced by older adults, who may have developed arthritis in their feet.There are several different types of orthotics including:
Rigid orthotic devices which control foot function, and are often made from a firm material such as plastic or carbon fiber. This type of orthotic is often used to improve or eliminate pain in the legs, thighs and lower back due to abnormal function of the foot.
Soft orthotic devices help absorb shock, improve balance and take pressure off uncomfortable or sore spots. They are usually made of soft, compressible materials. This type of orthotic is effective for arthritis or deformities where there is a loss of protective fatty tissue on the side of the foot. They are also helpful for people with diabetes.
Semirigid orthotic devices are often used to treat athletes. It allows for dynmaic balance of the foot while running or participating in sports. By guiding the foot through proper functions, it allows the muscles and tendons to perform more efficiently. It is constructed of layers of soft materials, reinforced with more rigid materials.
Proprioceptive stimulation orthotics are an alternative approach to relieving musculoskeletal pain in the feet, legs and back by changing how the feet responds to subtle pressure to the sole of foot.
Podiatrists
Podiatrists are doctors who specialize in preventing, diagnosing and treating foot pain, ankle pain, and foot disorders through medical and surgical interventions. All podiatrists provide a vast range of foot health care from general care to treating infections, nail and skin disorders, sports injuries, fractures and bone deformities.
The skills of podiatrists are in increasing demand because disorders of the foot and ankle are among the most widespread and neglected health problems.[vi] If you need prescription orthotics or relief from bunions, athlete's foot or any other foot-related problems, see your podiatrist first.
Podiatrists also play a critical role in the care, treatment and management of the diabetic, elderly and circulation-impaired. The diagnosis, intervention and treatment by podiatrists may save patients from amputation, help restore mobility or prevent other serious, more costly problems with early detection and appropriate treatment.
More information about the Canadian Podiatric Medical Association.
Maladies of the Foot and How to Treat Them!
Bunions • Corns • Calluses • Athletes Foot • Fungal Nails • Ingrown Toenails • Plantar Fasciitis
