Biomechanics is the study of structure, function, and motion in a biological system, such as the feet. One area of biomechanics that chiropodists can help with is your gait or walking pattern. Many people are unaware of individual differences in how their feet move when they walk or run. By knowing more about your own unique gait, you may be better able to find foot care practices, shoes, and orthotics that suit the needs of your feet. Generally speaking, a person’s gait is often classified based on the foot’s motion while walking or running. An over pronated gait, common in people with flat feet, refers to a walking pattern where the feet roll too far outwards. An under pronated gait refers to a walking pattern where the feet roll too far inwards. A neutral gait refers to a normal walking pattern. To learn more about foot biomechanics, please consult with a chiropodist. 

The biomechanics of your feet play an important role in your foot health. To learn more, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Foot biomechanics refers to the study of the structure, function, and motion of the feet. The feet and ankles are a complex system consisting of many bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons that work together to move your feet. Understanding the unique biomechanics of your own feet can help you and your chiropodist make informed decisions about your foot health care. This includes decisions about the best preventive measures to avoid foot pain, the best treatment options for various foot problems, and finding the best shoes for your feet. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Scarborough, ON . 

Dry, cracked heels are not only annoying to look at, but they can also be very uncomfortable or even painful. In some cases, cracks can be so deep that they bleed and are at risk of becoming infected, especially if you have diabetes or are immunocompromised. Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, can be caused by various factors. These include lifestyle factors, such as prolonged standing, wearing unsupportive or open-back shoes, not moisturizing the feet, and taking excessively hot showers, and environmental factors, such as living in a cold and dry climate. Underlying medical conditions can also cause dry skin and heel fissures. These include eczema, psoriasis, palmoplantar keratoderma, and juvenile plantar dermatosis. If you suffer from dry, cracked heels, it is suggested that you seek the care of a chiropodist. 

Dry, cracked heels are more than a cosmetic inconvenience. For many people, they are uncomfortable, deep, painful, and may even bleed. If you suffer from cracked heels, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Causes

• Prolonged standing
• Wearing open-back shoes
• Wearing shoes that don’t cushion the heels
• Living in a cold or dry climate
• Taking long, hot showers
• Not moisturizing the heels
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Palmoplantar keratoderma
• Juvenile plantar dermatosis

Treatments

• Soaking the feet
• Exfoliating with a pumice stone
• Moisturizing the heels
• Wearing closed-back shoes that cushion heels
• Avoiding prolonged standing
• Taking warm, rather than hot, showers
• Treating underlying skin conditions 

While milder cases of cracked heels can be treated at home, some patients present with deep, painful, bleeding heel fissures that are at risk of becoming infected and may require medical care. Additionally, patients with diabetes or any other conditions that affect the immune system should be monitored by a chiropodist. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Scarborough, ON . 

In a world where shoe sizes aren't standardized internationally and many shoes on the market are made with only style in mind, it can be difficult to find shoes that fit properly. Your feet gradually swell throughout the day. This means that the best time to shop for shoes is in the evening, as that is when your feet are at their largest. If the shoes you buy fit comfortably when your feet are at their largest, then they will likely fit your feet comfortably throughout the entire day. On the same note, if your feet are two different sizes, you should buy shoes that comfortably fit the larger of your two feet. When trying on shoes, wear the socks that you would normally wear with that type of shoe. Leave a half-inch of space at the front of the shoe (between the end of your longest toe and the end of the front of the shoe) and an eighth inch of space at the back of the shoe (between the back of your heel and the shoe) for a comfortable fit. You should also make sure that the toe area of the shoes is not too tight or narrow. For more tips on finding the right size shoe for you, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Finding the right shoes can be a hassle, however, wearing properly fitted shoes is one of the best things that you can do to prevent future foot problems. For more information about the importance of wearing the right shoe size, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility.

Tips for finding shoes that fit

• Measure your foot - This should be done later in the day when your feet are naturally at their largest. An associate at a shoe store can measure your foot using a Brannock device.
• Wear the right socks - You should be wearing the socks or other hosiery that you intend to wear with the kind of shoe you are looking for. For example, if you are shopping for running shoes, wear the socks that you would normally wear while running.
• Remember these numbers - When trying on shoes, there should be about ½ an inch of space between the end of your longest toe and the end of the front of the shoe, and ⅛ of an inch between the back of your heel and the shoe
• Don’t “break them in” - Any shoes you buy should be immediately comfortable; don’t settle for shoes that you have to “break in" before you can wear them out. 

A chiropodist can help you find the best shoes and orthotics to help maintain the health of your feet. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Scarborough, ON .