Custom-made orthotics are medical devices that insert into your footwear and are designed specifically for you. They are used to properly align one’s foot while using them, or accommodate for lesions and abnormalities. Orthotics encourage your feet to function within proper limits, which allows forces to be dispersed and effective transferred through your body.
Do you need orthotics? Orthotics are seen in people as young as 3 years old to 100 (or more!). Orthotics can benefit people suffering from a wide variety of conditions. They have been proven to benefit patients suffering from symptoms related to plantar fasciitis, heel pain, bunions, hallux limitus, neuromas, clawed toes, corns, calluses, intoeing, outtoeing, diabetes, shin splints, arthritis, ankle pain, knee, hip pain, low back pain, sciatica, patellofemoral syndrome and many others. Orthotics can also be beneficial as a preventative measure. Don’t want to develop heel pain? Want to significantly reduce the onset time of a bunion? These are just two of many examples of how orthotics can help before trouble arrives.
Your custom-made orthotics are just that. They are unique and designed specifically for your feet. Whether you need them for use in a running shoe, casual shoe, dress shoe, safety boot, athletic footwear or orthopaedic shoe, each prescription is designed with your intended use in mind. In addition, modifications and additions to your orthotic will be incorporated on an individual basis depending on you unique needs.
With recent advancements in technology, we are now able to not only perform assessments mobile, but also capture the necessary 3 dimensional scan of your foot to produce your orthotics. By having an in home or office assessment and fitting, you can take the leg work out of making an appointment, avoid sitting in traffic, and free up your valuable time.
Stop putting off getting the footcare you need because of the time and inconvenience of going to your foot care specialist. Forget about parking, traffic and cold weather. At GTA Chiropody we come to you and provide our services in the comfort of your home or office.
Back to TopThe plantar fascia is a ligament that connects our heel bone to our toes. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of this tissue resulting in heel pain. It is one of the most common foot ailments and can have a significant impact on one’s life. It is caused by improper biomechanics, predisposed in certain foot types and more common in overweight patients, runners, and those in unsupportive footwear. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include a throbbing pain of various intensities on the bottom of your heel that is most likely worst when you take your first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. Each case of heel pain is different, and each should be treated by recognizing the aggrevating factors and addressing them. Treatment options vary from proper footwear, therapeutic taping, rest and physio, custom-fitted orthotics and corticosteroid injections. Contact us today to see which treatment options are best for you.
Back to TopAchilles Tendonitis is an inflammation of the achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the back your heel. It is a common overuse injury which is mainly seen in athletes. This condition is best treated at the onset of injury. There are many aetiologies to this pain, so it is recommended you consult with our experienced Chiropodists to develop the appropriate treatment plan.
Back to TopHeel spurs are the typically the result of the plantar fascia stretching and pulling on the heel. This causes the insertion point on the heel to react to this increase in pressure by producing more bone, thus resulting in a spur. Treatment is aimed at treating the underlying condition, thus alleviating the symptoms.
Back to TopAthlete’s Foot is a contagious fungal infection. It is most commonly contracted in moist, warm communal areas such as swimming pools, locker rooms and showers. Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot are commonly, but not always, a red rash associated with itching and burning. This can progress to dry and flakey skin that encompasses most of the foot. Fungus can, and often does, spread to the toenails (and vice versa), making it important to treat as early as possible.
Back to TopFungal Nails, also known as Onychomycosis, is a common condition seen in the general population. The nail bed is easily invaded by fungus, which offers almost a protective housing for it to live and grow. Nails respond by growing thick and crumbly making them difficult to treat on your own. Toenail fungus also can spread to surrounding skin and potentially lead to a secondary bacterial infection, or tinea pedis/athlete’s foot. It’s recommended you have your toenail fungus assessed and treated to ensure you maintain your healthy toenails.
Back to TopIngrown toenails, also known as onychocryptosis, are a condition which the corner of the nail grows into the surrounding flesh, resulting in extreme discomfort. The result is often redness, inflammation, tenderness with the possibility of it becoming infected. It is extremely important that you do not try any self treatment as you can make the condition much worse. Causes of ingrown toenails are: improper cutting of nail, trauma, ill-fitting footwear and improper biomechanics. Treatment consists of having a Chiropodist removing the spicule and properly cutting your nails. Some cases involve having some, or all of the nail removed, with the option of making it permanent to ensure the nail doesn't grow back. Conservative treatments can be done in the comfort of your own home, but due to infection controls and sterility, minor surgeries will be performed at an associated clinic. Contact us for your examination to see how we can alleviate the nuisance of an ingrown toenail.
Back to TopWarts, also known as verrucae, are a virus cause by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can occur all over the body, but quite commonly on the feet. It is a small growth that typically resembles a small cauliflower, however many different visual variations exist. Warts are contagious and are typically contracted from communal areas such as gyms and pools. The most common reasons people seek treatment for warts are that they are painful and unsightly. Typically, most warts will resolve with time; however, warts tend to be more stubborn on our feet and become more difficult to treat the longer they have been present for. Different treatment options include topical medications, cryotherapy, laser and minor surgery. Book your appointment today to discuss your best treatment option.
Back to TopDiabetes Mellitus is a condition in which there is too much glucose (sugar) in the blood. It is caused by the inability of the body to produce insulin (Type 1) or the body’s inability to respond properly to the insulin being produced (Type 2). It is a serious condition that affects many different organs and systems in the body. Ultimately, people with diabetes are at a higher risk of having foot-related issues, and consequently, these issues tend to be more serious. It is highly recommended to have all foot care done by a Chiropodist, including nail care and callus/corn debridement. Additionally, for those without foot issues, it is recommended that you have your feet checked annually by a Foot Specialist to check and monitor for any early signs of potential issues.
Back to TopAs we age, or as health complications affect us, it becomes more difficult to perform all aspects of daily life. Whether it’s a loss of strength, lack of vision or decreased mobility, cutting your toenails and taking care of your feet can be a strenuous task. Let us take the stress out of driving to our office or calling a relative, friend or taxi to make an appointment. In-home care allows you receive the appropriate treatment while removing the hassle. Contact us to book your appointment today.
Back to TopToe deformities are a deviation from the regular anatomy of the toe, or simply put, toes that aren’t straight. These include bunions, hammer toes, retracted and clawed digits, mallet toes, bunionettes and overlapping toes. Factors leading to toe deformities include genetics, poor footwear, improper biomechanics and trauma. Each toe deformity is examined on a case by case basis and treatment options could include changing footwear, padding and toe spacers, custom-fitted orthotics, orthotics, or leaving it alone altogether. Contact us to set up an assessment to determine the cause of your toe deformities, and what options are available to you.
Bunions, medically known as Hallux Abducto Valgus, are a condition characterized by a large bony prominence on the side of the joint of the big toe. Often patients present with pain, swelling, redness in the area, as well as associated lesser toe deformities. One of the most commonly asked questions by patients is “What causes a bunion?” Although there is no straightforward answer, it is usually a combination of genetics, improper footwear, biomechanics, age and injury. Treatment options are focused on the cause of the bunion, which may include changing footwear, orthotics, night splints, pain therapy and in severe cases, surgery. Have your feet assessed to how your bunions can be treated!
Back to TopArthritis comes in all shapes and forms, affecting millions of Canadians every year. The most common types of Arthritis are Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis. Symptoms typically include a dull, achy pain and irregular joint stiffness. Arthritis is a progressive condition and can be treated at all stages. In the foot, the big toe is the most affected area. Custom foot orthotics can slow the progression of arthritis as well as help to alleviate the pain.
Back to TopA Neuroma is an inflamed nerve in the body that can cause severe pain and discomfort. In the foot, we typically see neuromas interdigitally that causes pain to radiate toward to tips of your toes. Most common is the Mortons Neuroma, which is found between the base of the third and fourth digit. There are many forms of treatment varying from conservative, including adjusting footwear and the use of custom-made orthotics, to intermediate, consisting of various injections, to aggressive treatment which involves removing the nerve, called a neurectomy. Contact us today to see what options you have for relieving your neuroma pain.
Back to TopSesamoidities is an inflammation of the sesamoid bones. Sesamoid bones are little bones found near a joint and can be found almost anywhere throughout the body, but are consistently found at the joint of the big toe. Each big toe has 2 sesamoid bones associated with it, and through repetitive stress and strain, an inflammation reaction occurs. This causes symptoms of deep-throbbing pain, especially when in use. People typically predisposed to sesamoiditis are those that spend a lot of time on the balls of their feet, such as dancers, soccer and football players and people with biomechanical faults. Treatment options include activity modification and rest, anti-inlfammatory medications (NSAIDs), proper footwear, taping and custom-fitted orthotics. Contact us today if you are having foot pain an see how we can help!
Back to TopVaricose veins are veins that have become enlarged and often visible as “popping out” of the skin. The purpose of veins is to transfer blood back to your heart after it has been used by your body. Veins contain small valves that prevent the backflow of blood. Over time, these valves can become damaged and cause blood to pool. Also, leg muscles act as a pump pushing the blood back toward our heart, and if these muscles become weak, unused or damaged, blood will also pool in the veins. This increase in pressure can be painful and also cause some blood to leak out of the veins and cause various skin conditions such as eczema and hemosiderin deposits. Varicose veins are often accompanied with swelling of the lower limb. A great treatment option involves compression stockings/elastic support stockings. There are many different options available to you for compression stockings, and to be done properly, they require taking many measurements from the foot as high up to the stomach. Contact us for an assessment and determine if compression stockings are right for you.
Back to TopReady to have GTA Chiropody come to you? That's great! Give us a call or send us an email and we will get back to you as soon as possible!
(416)-797-7865
