Foot & Lower Limb Problems

Note: If you are experiencing pain, it is best to consult your family physician to explore the cause.

Metatarsalgia is a general term describing forefoot pain. This typically occurs over time (chronic pain), but can sometimes be described as a sudden onset of pain in the forefoot (acute pain). The pain can be caused by a number of things including:

  • inflammation at the ball of the foot
  • sudden change of activity or irritation to the area
  • fat pad deterioration
  • arthritis
  • high arches
  • foot deformities

Signs and Symptoms:

  • will typically get worse with activity
  • sometimes paired with a shooting pain into the toes or a numbing of the toes

How Can We Help?

Proper fitting shoes

  • this is the number one cause of metatarsalgia
  • orthopaedic footwear with a wide, deep toe box that are properly shaped to fit your feet will typically relieve symptoms and prevent them from recurring

Activity specific shoes

  • wearing shoes that properly support your feet based on your level and type of activity, for example, walking shoes for long walks

Over the counter or specialty devices

  • metatarsal pads to take pressure off the ball of the foot
  • orthoses with a metatarsal pad built in

Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue stretching across the bottom of the foot. Plantar Fasciitis is often the result of the following:

  • poor alignment and or mechanics of the lower limb
  • trauma to the plantar fascia region
  • weight gain
  • changes in activity

Signs and Symptoms:

  • heel or arch pain after sitting or resting for a long period of time, typically most painful during the first few steps in the morning
  • tight calf muscles

How Can We Help?

Custom Made Foot Orthoses

  • a customized arch support which aligns the foot in its neutral position, taking the strain off the plantar fascia tendon

Off-the-Shelf Foot Orthoses

  • a general arch support which also works toward aligning the foot in its neutral position, taking the strain off the plantar fascia

Splints and Other Assistive Devices

  • night splints are used to prevent the plantar fascia from tightening over night
  • gel heel cups provide shock absorption at the heel and give the heel a slight heel raise to reduce strain

Stretching and Activity Modification

  • there are usually specific stretches or activity suggestions that a pedorthist can recommend in order to assist with the relief of symptoms associated with plantar fasciitis

There are many types of Arthritis:

  • osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear of cartilage or trauma to a joint
  • inflammatory arthritis includes Rheumatoid arthritis or Gout

Signs and Symptoms:

  • redness
  • swelling and inflammation
  • pain in joints

How Can We Help?

Proper Footwear/Modified Footwear

  • modified orthopaedic footwear - often certain features in a shoe are recommended for those with arthritis. A pedorthist can help you look for the proper shoe, or modify your existing footwear to include these features
  • orthoses - if necessary for lower limb alignment
  • orthoses support the joints and help ease the pain

Diabetes is characterized as an inability to produce adequate amounts of insulin.

Diabetic Foot Ailments:

  • ulcers - break in the skin leaving the foot vulnerable to infection
  • peripheral Neuropathy - lack of feeling in feet caused by a gradual loss of nerve function
  • decrease in Circulation - because of the lack of adequate circulation small wounds do not heal rapidly

How Can We Help?

  • a Canadian Certified Pedorthist can help select proper footwear to avoid rubbing and blistering, which can lead to ulcers
  • orthoses can provide a soft, smooth base of support, accommodating for the many ailments encompassing diabetes