How To Properly Wear Orthotics In Shoes

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How To Properly Wear Orthotics In Shoes:

  1. Always take out (cut out) the arches which come already in shoes. Wear orthotics only in a flat shoe.
  2. Dr. Scholl’s FLAT cushions (no arches) may be worn UNDERNEATH your orthotics to give you a cushiony bounce on each step.  This should be very comfortable.  Stack two or three to add more bounce;  however the more cushions you add,  the less balance/alignment may be the effect. Watch your feet closely;  take out the cushions if your ankles start to turn inward or outward too much.
  3. If your ankles are still turning inward/outward (and/or you also want to use cushions under your orthotics),  then purchase a pair of new shoes with a high ankle support (work boots with laces,  hiking boots or high ankled tennis shoes will do the job).
  4. It is IMPORTANT to always pay attention to how tight your shoes are while wearing orthotics. It is best to stretch-out your old shoes with newspaper at night if it feels too tight to use orthotics. If shoes are too tight,  you can actually create more problems than solve!  Always wear shoes which are loose enough for your toes to be able to move around in the shoe comfortably,  not crammed.
  5. If you have worn-out the soles on your shoes before you purchased orthotics,  then BUY NEW SHOES! DO NOT WEAR SHOES ALREADY WORN-OUT ON ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER.
  6. You can wear your orthotics for ANY activity and in ALL types of shoes,  as long as your feet AND your orthotics are fitting COMFORTABLY!  If you experience any discomfort,  do NOT wear the same shoe with the same discomfort for a long period of time or you will regret it!
  7. If you want to use sandals,  place Velcro underneath to keep them in place (Velcro is available at fabric stores).  For women,  you can also wear your orthotics inside your stockings.

At Brenet Medical we are proud to offer our clients and patience only be best of care. At home or in office service, early AM to late PM. All services are provided by licensed specialists who’s only goal is to help you feel better!

Call us today for a free consultation –1.800.398.0780 or email health@brenetmedical.com

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Orthotics Wearing Schedule

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Orthotics Wearing Schedule

Please read these instructions carefully so that you will have a safe and comfortable adjustment into your new orthotics*.
——————————–
Day 1:  15 min – 1 hour;  or until sore anywhere (within 1 hour)
Day 2: 15 min-2 hours or until sore anywhere (within 2 hours)
Day 3: 2-4 hours (or until sore within 4 hours)
Day 4: 2-4 hours (or until sore)
Day 5: 2-4 hours (or until sore)
Day 6: 2-4 hours (or until sore)
Day 7: 2-4 hours (or until sore)
——————————–
Week 2: 4-6 hours or until sore anywhere on your body
Week 3: 6-8 hours
Week 4: gradually increase the time until all day
——————————–
* Orthotics may be worn several times a day,  but only after long periods of rest and not more than the recommended hours each interval each day.

Wearing Instructions: Custom Made Orthotics

  1. Orthotics are NOT like ordinary shoes.  Instead,  they are more like putting braces on your teeth!  In this,  you will feel soreness/pain during the initial break-in period.  This is NORMAL. In fact,  if there is no soreness or pain after the first week,  the orthotics are not having to do much work and your feet are in fairly good shape already!  Follow the wearing plan regardless.
  2. Please be patient during the first few weeks.
    1. Do NOT forget the orthotics are under your feet.
    2. Do NOT continue wearing the orthotics all day long.
    3. Do NOT run,  or use orthotics during
      strenuous activity.
    4. When first starting to use them in sports or strenuous activities later on after the initial break-in period,  there may also be an adjustment period again.  Use with CAUTION.
  3. Take your orthotics off when your feet (or body) are getting too sore.  Wait till later in the day or the next day to put them on again.  There is no rush.  Follow the wearing plan if you can,  but change it if you must to accommodate your soreness or pain.  You will adjust eventually,  so don’t worry.
  4. A lump underneath the arch (kind of like a golf ball) or itching sensation under the arch may be felt for a while.  This is NORMAL.  This is your third arch which is NOT put in ordinary shoes.  This third arch sensation should disappear gradually between 21 – 28 days;  flat or high arched feet between 45 – 120 days.
  5. One foot may feel more comfortable than the other for a while.  This is also NORMAL. This is due to the condition of adjustment of one foot over the other during the initial stages.  A difference does NOT mean you have the wrong size orthotics under your feet.  All sizes are carefully custom-fit by technicians to match your feet.  Adjustments should NOT be necessary during the first 3 months of wearing orthotics.  A review for adjustment will be more acceptable once your complaint appears constant and annoying past 3 months.

2nd & 3rd Months:

  1. Aching on your feet,  or other parts of your body may still be felt even past three months. This is very NORMAL.  Remember,   your whole body is being affected toward a new,  healthier alignment,  so please be patient.  Muscles,  tendons and ligaments take a long time to adjust.
  2. When a repetitive ache continues past 3 months,  try this technique:  Take the orthotics OUT for about 3 to 5 days.  Any aching should reduce significantly or even disappear.  Later,  put the orthotics back in.  The ache should come back with less intensity this time.  Repeat this process many times over until your soreness goes away (this way you are allowing your feet/body time to adjust).

At Brenet Medical we are proud to offer our clients and patience only be best of care. At home or in office service, early AM to late PM. All services are provided by licensed specialists who’s only goal is to help you feel better!

Call us today for a free consultation – 1.800.398.0780,  647.847.6488 or email health@brenetmedical.com

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Foot Orthotics… Your Questions Answered

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Foot orthotics have been used for decades in the treatment of various different foot problems. Since the mid 1980’s they have become increasingly important in the treatment of various sports related injuries where overuse of muscles, tendons and ligaments occur.

Conditions such as shin splints, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, knee pain, bunions, corns, calluses and a host of other foot problems, leg, knee and postural complaints have all been known to improve with the use of orthotic appliances.

So, why are custom orthotics used for so many different conditions?
To answer this question, you must first understand that functional foot orthotics are primarily used to alter the forces exerted on the foot in an effort to alleviate pain or overuse injuries. This is very different to a simple arch support. An arch support will simply support the arch. A functional orthotic uses specific modifications to apply specific forces to different parts of the foot in an effort to alleviate pain and/or improve postural control.

When damaging forces on the foot and leg begin to cause pain, many overuse problems may start to occur. These symptoms of overuse can include pain or discomfort in the feet or legs. Sometimes symptoms will occur in the hip and the lower back or spine.

Foot orthotics can help to control these damaging forces and prevent many of these symptoms.

How long must you wear orthotics?
If foot orthotics have been prescribed for you then generally they will be needed indefinitely. This is because foot orthotics are similar to eye glasses or false teeth… they only work while you are wearing them.

As you get older foot posture can improve with continual wear of your orthotics. Orthotics should be checked for accuracy and excessive ‘wear and tear’ every six to twelve months.

What type of orthotic should I wear?
There are various different types of materials used to produce different types of orthoses. Softer materials include EVA (Ethylvinylacetate) while firmer more durable materials can include polypropylene among many others.

The choice of material will depend on your foot type, your initial problem, your footwear and your level of activity.

How long do orthotics last?
Orthotics can last anywhere from six months to many years. Once more there are many factors that will affect wear and tear which is why regular reviews for accuracy are so important. Orthotics, just like shoes, do wear out and do need replacing from time to time.

At what age should you commence using foot orthotics?
Foot orthotics may be used in children as young as three years of age, however, this is rarely necessary. Most children have relatively “flat feet” as a normal variant and should develop a normal arch by the age of seven. Children should be assessed as early as possible to ensure normal development occurs.

Orthotics are often used as treatment intervention when a child’s foot posture is not within its normal range. This intervention frequently helps to eliminate common childhood foot and leg problems including growing pains, aching feet and legs and poor co-ordination.

What is the difference between foot orthotics, insoles and arch supports?
Terms such as foot supports, arch supports, insoles and foot beds are all loose terms used to describe various different types of supports used for the feet. True foot orthotics are prescription devices which are prescribed for your particular complaint, foot and body type.

At Brenet Medical we are proud to offer our clients and patience only be best of care. At home or in office service, early AM to late PM. All services are provided by licensed specialists who’s only goal is to help you feel better!

Call us today for a free consultation – 1.800.398.0780,  647.847.6488 or email health@brenetmedical.com

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Anti-Embolism Compression Stockings & Compression Classes

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Visit Brenet Medical for compression stocking Toronto, Markham, Etobicoke.

These stockings are commonly referred to as T.E.D. hose, which is a registered brand name, although numerous others brands exist. They are used to support the venous and lymphatic drainage of the leg.
Like gradient compression stockings, anti-embolism stockings deliver a distributed amount of compression at the ankle and up the leg. This compression, when combined with the muscle pump effect of the calf, aids in circulating blood and lymph fluid through the legs (in non-ambulatory patients).

Compression wear has also been adopted by the sports science industry. Various garments have been developed to improve the efficiency of muscles by stabilising muscles and improving circulation/ lactic acid removal. Today, compression stockings are available in a wide range of opacities, colors, styles and sizes, making them virtually indistinguishable from regular hosiery or socks.

Compression classes

Compression stockings are constructed using elastic fibers or rubber. These fibers help compress the limb, aiding in circulation.

Compression stockings are offered in different levels of compression. The unit of measure used to classify the pressure of the stockings is mmHg. They are often sold in one of the following pressure ranges:

Support – over-the-counter

  • 10-15 mmHg
  • 15-20 mmHg

With the advice or prescription of a physician or medical professional and proper sizing from a trained fitter:

  • 20-30 mmHg
  • 30-40 mmHg
  • 40-50 mmHg
  • 50+ mmHg

Compression levels used by some manufacturers for custom made, flat knitted products in the US and Europe:

  • 18-21 mmHg
  • 23-32 mmHg
  • 34-46 mmHg
  • >50 mmHg

At Brenet Medical we are proud to offer our clients and patience only be best of care. At home or in office service, early AM to late PM. All services are provided by licensed specialists who’s only goal is to help you feel better!

Call us today for a free consultation –1.800.398.0780 or email health@brenetmedical.com

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Are Orthotic devices right for you?

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I had a patient come into our clinic last week who was experiencing plantar fasciitis. Along with that, she has a long history of knee and hip pain. She has had the diagnosis of some mild osteoarthritis affecting the medial knee.

We did discuss the use of custom orthotic devices to treat her problem, but I am always concerned on whether orthoses will be tolerated by those patients with a history of knee, hip, and back pain. Certainly, in many situations, orthotic devices can help these symptoms but they also can make those symptoms worse.

DR. Jim Gilmore, Podiatrist

At Brenet Medical we are proud to offer our clients and patience only be best of care. At home or in office service, early AM to late PM. All services are provided by licensed specialists who’s only goal is to help you feel better!

Call us today for a free consultation – 1.800.398.0780 or email health@brenetmedical.com

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Why Wear Compression Stockings?

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Today’s compression stockings are made to look great and they can be worn by anyone, at any age and for a variety of reasons.

Compression stockings are useful if:

  • You have ever suffered from tired, achy and/or swollen legs;
  • You suffer from varicose veins or spider veins.
  • You plan on traveling
  • You are pregnant

TRAVELING

Prolonged sitting in a cramped position and high altitudes can both lead to the development of blood clots in the leg. This is commonly referred to as Economy Class Syndrome, or Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVP). DVP can become dangerous if the clots travel to the heart or brain (leading to heart attack or stroke respectively). Compression stockings help to prevent the blood from pooling in your lower legs, decreasing the risk of clotting.

THE WORKPLACE

Are your legs tired, achy and/or swollen at the end of the day? Prolonged standing or sitting allows blood to stagnate in your lower leg, causing soreness and possibly leading to edema (fluid build up). This is referred to as Occupational Edema. Using a compression as low as 8 – 15 mmHg can dramatically help reduce soreness and swelling in the lower leg.

PREGNANCY

It has been estimated that up to 40% of all pregnant women will develop varicose veins during their pregnancy. While pregnant, the body releases hormone to relax the walls of your veins. This is supposed to increase blood flow to the uterus, but as a side effect it can also lead to the development of Varicose Veins. Wearing compression stockings has been shown to help.

VARICOSE VEINS

Varicose veins are gnarled and enlarged veins that are commonly found in the lower leg. In most people they are simply a visual annoyance, but in some they cause aching pain and discomfort and can even lead to serious health complications (such as ulcerations and blood clotting). Varicose veins may affect up to 60% of North Americans. Your risk of developing varicose veins increases with age, obesity, pregnancy and menopause.

Compression stockings can help reduce existing varicose and spider veins and prevent the development of new ones. To find out which compression stockings are right for you call us today at 1.855.377.8307.
At Brenet Medical we are proud to offer our clients and patience only be best of care. At home or in office service, early AM to late PM. All services are provided by licensed specialists who’s only goal is to help you feel better!

Call us today for a free consultation – 1.800.398.0780 or email health@brenetmedical.com

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How To Clean Your Orthotics & Long Term Advice

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How To Clean Your Orthotics

  1. Wash in warm water with dish soap or detergent,  rinse and dry with a towel.  You may also soak them in bleach to restore their whiteness.  Do NOT place them in a washing machine or dryer!

 

Answering the following questions can help determine if you need orthotics?

  • Do you have foot problems like bunions, corns, flat feet, hammer toes, painful feet, achilles tendonitis, shin splints, knee pain, hip pain,or back pain?
  • Have you had any prior injuries (sprains, fractures) or surgeries to your feet?
  • Do you stand or walk on a hard surface more than 4-6 hours per day?
  • Do your shoes wear unevenly?
  • Do you walk in a “toe-out” manner?
  • Do you have bowed legs or knock knees?
  • Do you have one leg shorter than the other?
  • Do you run and/or play sports regularly?

Wear Patterns

  • Take a look at the heels of a pair of shoes. Is the wear pattern even? Is one heel more worn than the other?
  • Take a look at the forefoot portion of the sole of the shoe. Is the wear pattern even? Is the upper portion of the forefoot worn more on either the big toe side or the little toe side?
  • Is the toe box excessively worn out or worn unevenly?
  • Is the heel area excessively worn out or worn unevenly?

Observe your shoes for uneven wear patterns, which may indicate improper gait or other biomechanical problems. Is the wear pattern even between shoes? Major causes of asymmetrical wear are limb-length discrepancies and excessive pronation. The wrong shoe type can cause abnormal wear patterns. Look at different types of shoes you wear. If the abnormal wear pattern is consistent, then it is usually a biomechanical flaw. If only one style of shoes has abnormal wear, then look at the shoe with the abnormal wear for differences from all the other shoes. For running shoes, does the wear match the mileage? If the mileage appears to be low and the wear great, look for problems in the shoe.

If the upper looks like it is hanging over the outside of the shoe, it may indicate that the last (shape) of the shoe is too curved for the shape of the foot. If the upper looks like it is hanging over the inside of the shoe, it may be that the foot pronates too much or the foot may be too curved for the shoe. Abnormal wear through at the toe box means the shoe is sized too small. If the heel counter is tipped to the inside it usually means pronation. If there is excessive wear on the inside of the heel counter, it is frequently due to excessive heel motion within the counter indicating that the counter is too big for the heel.

See Footwear: Shoe wear patterns offer clues to injury and prevention.

Custom Fitted Orthotics v. Shoe Inserts
The term “orthotic” can refer to almost any device which is worn inside a shoe. Shoe Inserts can be inserted into a patient’s shoe easily and can provide support to the foot. These range from rubber or silicone heel cups to full-length shock absorbing inserts. Some have good arch support, while others are completely flat. Some even contain magnets or fluid-filled sacs. These inserts are usually inexpensive, but but do not last longer than 1 year. The can be difficult to fit the non-standard size or asymmetrical foot and do not do a very good job of correcting specific problems.

Custom orthotics are casted for each foot. A wide range of materials are available and can be chosen based on need. Specific corrections can be made for the individual’s problem. These orthotics can last several years.

Evaluating Your Present Orthotics
If you currently wear orthotics, be sure that your devices fit the criteria below:

  • Your orthotics should be comfortable and add little extra weight to your shoes.
  • Your orthotics should relieve the symptoms which they were meant to relieve.
  • You should want to wear your orthotics (Orthotics tend not to work very well when sitting in your gym bag).
  • Your orthotics should fit easily into your shoes. This assumes that you are wearing the proper shoes for your feet.

If your orthotics do not fit the above criteria, follow-up with the practitioner who made them or consult a practitioner who has expertise in biomechanics and orthotics.

Common errors

  • First, you must wear a good shoe with orthotics! As I have told many patients, you cannot put a Porsche engine in a Hyundai and expect it to run like a Porsche!
  • Pull out the insert that comes with the shoe and then put in the orthotic.
  • You must wear the orthotic in all your shoes.

 

At Brenet Medical we are proud to offer our clients and patience only be best of care. At home or in office service, early AM to late PM. All services are provided by licensed specialists who’s only goal is to help you feel better!

Call us today for a free consultation – 1.800.398.0780 or email health@brenetmedical.com