Tarsal Tunnel syndrome is an irritation of the posterior tibial nerve that runs along the inside of the foot. People who are flat-footed usually complain of this condition. Signs and symptoms of tarsal tunnel can include heel pain or tingling and numbness on the bottom of the foot. Orthotics can help raise the medial arch and decreased pressure placed on that nerve. Call Burlington Orthotic Centre today at 905-331-4391 to book your appointment today if you’re experiencing this type of pain.
heel pain
Plantar Fasciitis
Ever had that feeling when you step out of bed take your first step and you get that sharp stabbing pain in your heel? And then you hobble on the ball of your foot for a few steps and then as you get going the pain kind of goes away you forget about it? You sit down at work or you’re watching TV at home and you stand up again and bam there’s that pain again. Quite common, it’s called plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis is that pain that starts at initiation of movement. More commonly you’ll see it first step out of bed in the morning. So think about it – you’re lying in bed you’re all relaxed your foot is all relaxed. You wake up you step out of bed and the first step you take you crank into your arch. Ouch, you feel that stabbing pain in your heel like someone’s just driving a knife right into it.
Please make sure if you have plantar fasciitis you are not stepping barefoot, wear a sandal or indoor shoes.
The fascia at the bottom of your foot is what’s getting stretched. That’s what’s causing the pain.
There’s lots of things we can do to help with plantar fasciitis. If you wear an orthotic please make sure you wear it all the time because this arch support is going to help support your arch and prevent the fascia from tearing. Please don’t be barefeet make sure you wear a sandal inside your house especially if you have hard floors. Call Burlington Orthotic Centre today at 905-331-4391 to discuss your heel pain.
Tip Toe Walking
As a child I can recall walking down the street with my mom, my older brother a few meters ahead of us. As we walked my mom instructed “heel, toe, heel, toe”. She was concerned because although he was nearing his teen years my brother was still a frequent tiptoe walker. This was a practice he’d retained from childhood and I was starting to model his behaviour.
Tip Toe walking is commonplace until approximately the age of three years old. After such time a normal heel to toe gait pattern typically emerges. Toe walking that continues past this age can lead to tight Achilles tendons, which perpetuates the toe walking. Young children can also be distracted while walking and, in addition to tripping and veering; toe walking can be a hazard of this behaviour. However, it can also be a symptom of a more serious condition such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. Typically these cases also present with additional symptoms and milestone delays. If there is ever a concern about a more serious cause seek the advice of your pediatrician or family physician.
It is important for parents to outfit children in supportive footwear that fits correctly and sometimes a helpful “heel, toe” reminder can aid their normal gait development. If you are concerned about your child’s toe walking ask one of our Canadian Certified Pedorthist for their guidance.
Orthopedic Flip Flops? Really?
Yes, really! there is such a thing as orthopedic flip flops, and no, they are NOT UGLY! We see so many cases of heel pain and knee pain through the summer and into the fall. Winter forces us to wear boots and shoes, which are usually quite supportive. Transitioning into flip flops and lightweight summer shoes can be a major cause of heel and knee pain. When the Sole rep first walked into the clinic to show us the flip flops, we were very skeptical. Then we tried them on and were instantly impressed. My fit test was to wear them for a whole day! So , I took them to Disney with me and wore it while trekking around Epcot Centre with the kids. People looked at me like I was insane, walking around Disney with flip flops! And they were amazing to wear at the airport too where they make you take your shoes off! While you can never replace the support of a running shoe for example, I think the Sole flips are the best supportive flip flop I have ever worn. I own 4 pair – in different colours of course! 2 are for indoor use on my hardwood floors and the other 2 are to wear outside. At $85 and various colour options for men and women, it’s a great investment. Call us at 905.331.4391 to book an appointment with a clinician to try on a pair today. www.burlingtonorthotics.com