<![CDATA[Custom Made Orthotics in LaSalle, Windsor & Lakeshore; Compression Stockings, Orthopedic Footwear, On-Site Lab

<![CDATA[Custom Made Orthotics in LaSalle, Windsor & Lakeshore; Compression Stockings, Orthopedic Footwear, On-Site Lab - Info]]>Mon, 06 May 2024 02:46:32 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[Footwear Terminology and Insurance coverage]]>Sat, 13 Feb 2021 23:50:20 GMThttp://personalbestorthotics.com/blog/footwear-terminology-and-insurance-coverage

‘Do I have shoe coverage?’ Is a question I am frequently asked as a Pedorthist by my clients or perspective clients. The answer is almost never a clear yes or no. Insurance companies can be somewhat vague when it comes to divulging information regarding footwear coverage. I find myself answering shoe coverage questions first with an explanation of footwear terminology.

Frequently used footwear terminology:
Off-the-shelf Footwear: Footwear that is mass produced and available for purchase in a variety of retail/shoe stores.

Custom Made Footwear: Footwear that is made from scratch using raw materials, built from a cast taken of the feet. These shoes are typically reserved for those with a severe foot deformity causing difficulty fitting into off-the-shelf footwear comfortably/properly. Theses shoes cost in the thousands of dollars.

Orthopaedic Footwear: Off-the-shelf footwear with additional features such as extra depth, extra wide widths, firm heel counter, torsional stability, removable footbed, etc. These shoes cost hundreds of dollars. They are available for purchase in specialty/orthopaedic shoe stores.

Orthotic Footwear: A made up term. Orthopaedic footwear is not sold with an orthotic device built into them. In fact, even custom-made shoes have a removable custom orthotic insert. Orthotics and footwear are two separate items.

Even when an insurance policy has orthopaedic footwear coverage, they may only cover certain brands or types of shoes. Additionally, footwear deemed acceptable by one insurance company may not be accepted by another. Submitting a quote to your insurance company is the most reliable way to get an answer regarding footwear coverage.

Grace Bakker, C Ped. (C)

]]><![CDATA[Lasalle office open by appointment only]]>Mon, 18 May 2020 13:03:02 GMThttp://personalbestorthotics.com/blog/lasalle-office-open-by-appointment-only

The LaSalle office is open by appointment only. Appointments are available for orthotic assessments, footwear modifications, compression measurements, shoe fitting, orthotic adjustments, and orthotic pick-up appointments.

When possible, ordered items may be delivered right to your home or available for curbside pickup to minimize foot traffic within the clinic.

After every appointment, the floor, chairs, pens and other high contact surfaces will be disinfected. Hand sanitizer is readily available throughout the clinic. A mask or face covering is required to be worn at all times within the clinic.

Sincerely,
Grace Bakker, C. Ped (C)

]]><![CDATA[TEMPORARY Office Closure due to COVID-19]]>Fri, 20 Mar 2020 18:53:04 GMThttp://personalbestorthotics.com/blog/temporary-office-closure-due-to-covid-19

The College of Pedorthists of Canada has recommended that Pedorthists suspend all non-essential pedorthic services until further notice.
Due to this recommendation, Personal Best Orthotics and Footwear will be closed temporarily.
I will continue to work from home. Phone calls and emails will still be answered and messages left will be returned. I may still book in appointments for those who require custom made orthotics, need to be measured for compression stockings, need adjustments to their custom made orthotics, need a professional footwear assessment/shoe fitting etc..
In addition, I will be making personal deliveries of shoes for those who know what size they need.

Sincerely,
Grace Bakker, C. Ped (C)
Canadian Certified Pedorthist

]]><![CDATA[Take your first step toward pain relief and call us today.]]>Thu, 04 Apr 2019 01:20:52 GMThttp://personalbestorthotics.com/blog/take-your-first-step-toward-pain-relief-and-call-us-today

]]><![CDATA[Do not ignore foot or leg pain in CHILDREN]]>Fri, 30 Nov 2018 11:46:26 GMThttp://personalbestorthotics.com/blog/do-not-ignore-foot-or-leg-pain-in-childrenDoes your child complain of foot or leg pain, trip/fall often, legs fatigue easily, or are you are concerned about their foot or leg positioning?
These signs & symptoms should not be ignored. Schedule a biomechanical and gait assessment at Personal Best Orthotics to find out what is happening, why, and how best to treat the cause of the issue.

]]><![CDATA[Shoes, Sandals, Slippers, Boots and More]]>Tue, 10 Jul 2018 21:50:43 GMThttp://personalbestorthotics.com/blog/in-stock-footwear-on-saleProfessional Shoe Fitting

Brooks Running shoes, Sole flip-flops, Biotime, Drew and Apex orthopaedic footwear available in stock or special order. Contact us and book your professional shoe fitting today!

]]><![CDATA[Plantar Fasciitis: the number one cause of heel pain]]>Sun, 24 Jun 2018 12:54:36 GMThttp://personalbestorthotics.com/blog/plantar-fasciitis-the-number-one-cause-of-heel-pain

When discussing the common ailments of the foot, Plantar Fasciitis is notoriously well known. In fact about 10% of the population has had or will experience Plantar Fasciitis in their lifetime. "What causes it?" and "how do you get rid of the pain?" are the questions that anyone with plantar fasciitis wants the answers to.

What is the Plantar Fascia?

The Plantar Fascia is thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot. It originates at the heel and spans the wholes sole of the foot to the base of the toes. The plantar fascia helps support your arch and aids in shock-absorption.

Signs and Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

People who have Plantar Fasciitis experience sharp pain and/or swelling at the bottom of the heel or arch of the foot. Pain with the first few steps in the morning or first few steps after being seated for a period of time. Pain may subside after the first couple of steps but recurs with prolonged standing or increased time on their feet. As this condition becomes chronic you may find that you alter your gait to avoid pain by raising the heel off the ground or walking on the side of your foot. These compensation patters may relieve the pain temporarily but may lead to hip or knee pain if the cause of the plantar fascia pain is left untreated.

What causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Hyperpronation or hypersupination of the feet or abnormal gait mechanics put added stress on the plantar fascia

Increased risk factor with those who are overweight or wear inadequate footwear
Limited ankle dorsiflexion (ability to bend your ankle up), tight Achilles Tendon or calf muscle

Presence of a leg length discrepancy (one leg is longer than the other)
Long distance running and jumping activities place increased stress on the heel which can predisposed you to this type of injury
Occupations with prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces can damage the plantar fascia
A sudden change in your daily activities, change in footwear or sudden increase in activity level

All these risk factors add mechanical stress to the plantar fascia causing microtrauma or micro tears in the plantar fascia leading to heel and/or arch pain.

Plantar Fasciitis related Heel Pain Teatment.

First step is to find out what caused the plantar fascia to be aggravated to begin with. After completing a through biomechanical and gait analysis, we will be able to determine what biomechanical abnormalities are causing your plantar fascia to be aggravated.
Custom made orthotics can help correct faulty foot mechanics by stabilizing the medial longitudinal arch thereby reducing plantar fascia strain. Added cushion under the heel of the orthotic can help absorb impact at heel strike and raise the heel up reducing Achilles tendon strain. If it is determined that a leg length discrepancy is present a lift may be added directly to the orthotic or if greater than 1/2', the lift can be added to the shoe itself. This is called a footwear modification.
New professionally fit footwear can correct instability caused by inappropriate or worn out footwear. For the first few weeks of treatment it is imperative that you wear shoes at all times when you are on your feet. Shoes with either with built in arch support or those that can accommodate a custom made orthotic must be worn from the moment you get out of bed.
Physiotherapy and/or Massage Therapy is also recommended to address muscular imbalances and stretch out tight musculature of the lower leg.

Grace Bakker, C Ped (C)
Canadian Certified Pedorthist

]]><![CDATA[what do i look for in a running shoe?]]>Sat, 28 Apr 2018 00:30:52 GMThttp://personalbestorthotics.com/blog/what-do-i-look-for-in-a-running-shoe

Spring is finally here! Nice weather means increased activity outdoors and with that the need to re-evaluate your shoes. Shoes are the base of support for your whole body and help to stabilize your feet and knees. Wearing worn down shoes puts yourself at an increased risk of lower body injury. A new pair of running shoes are recommended if they are over 1 year old or you have worn them for 300-400 miles. This means if you are a distance runner/walker or are on your feet the majority of the day, you should be purchasing a new pair of runners about every 6 months.
Once you have determined that you are in need of a new pair of running shoes, the next question is what do I look for in a shoe?

Firm heel counter. The back half of the shoe that surrounds your heel should not be able to collapse in when you push on it from the outside.
Midfoot stability. The shoe should not bend in half or twist in the centre. The arch of your foot does not bend that way so neither should your shoe.
Length of the shoe. There should be about a thumb width of space between the end of the shoe and your longest toe. In many instances your second toe may be your longest toe.
Width of the shoe. When you are standing in the shoes, your forefoot should not spill over the sole of the shoe. If that is the case you may need a shoe with a wider width.
Overall comfort. If a shoe feels too short, tight or causes irritation in a certain area when you are trying them on, do not buy those shoes. A shoe that is too short or tight will lead to blackened toe nails and blisters. Also, don't buy shoes that feel uncomfortable and hope to “break them in”. You wouldn't buy a shirt that way and the same goes for your shoes.

I hope these shoe fitting tips help you with your next running shoe purchase. Several styles of Brooks running shoes are sold at Personal Best Orthotics & Footwear. Drop into the clinic or book a shoe fitting appointment with me. I will be able to help you find the shoes that fit your feet properly and have the correct features for your foot type.

Grace Bakker, C. Ped (C)
Canadian Certified Pedorthist

]]><![CDATA[2018 IVO World Congress]]>Thu, 12 Apr 2018 04:00:00 GMThttp://personalbestorthotics.com/blog/2018-ivo-world-congressHi Everyone,
I will be out of the office from April 12th to the 14th but will be available for phone calls or email inquiries. I will be attending the 2018 IVO World Congress held in Toronto this year. Taking full advantage of every opportunity to increase my knowledge base to help serve you better.
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]]><![CDATA[open for business!]]>Fri, 30 Mar 2018 04:00:00 GMThttp://personalbestorthotics.com/blog/open-for-businessNow taking appointments! Call and book your appointment with us today!

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