Looking for a sweet smelling Holiday Season? Someone on your list has smelly feet? The Steri-Shoe will help them and you! The patented SteriShoe ultraviolet shoe sanitizer is the only product that safely and effectively sanitizes the inside of shoes by using germicidal ultraviolet (UVC) light. There is no other shoe sanitizer that has been awarded a Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association or that has a clinical study published in a peer reviewed medical journal. Each human foot has more than 250,000 sweat glands and sweats up to eight ounces per day. Sweat and heat from feet cause shoes to become breeding grounds for the bacteria and fungi that cause athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, and shoe odor. The SteriShoe sanitizer safely and effectively kills these microorganisms in your shoes, so your feet have a clean place to enjoy the day. Call us for more information 613 258 5508.

Toe Menders: Toe Menders™ have been designed to help align your toes back to their original shape. Simcan’s Toe Menders™ help to separate and stretch your toes with soft spongy cords of cushioned acrylic. Wearing Toe Menders™ for just a few hours at the end of the day or overnight can help alleviate sore and painful feet. Great for people with hammer toes, bunions or corns on the toes. Now available at Body and Sole $15+tax per pair. Call us for more information. 613 258 5508

Bunion Socks - Now available at Body and Sole! These socks usually retail for $27 per pair, but for a limited time Body and Sole has a special stocking stuffer price of $19.99 +tax! Sockwell Revolution Moderate Compression Bunion Relief Over-the-Calf Socks help tired feet feel better with graduated support and bunion protection Choose these over-the-calf socks to revitalize tired feet and legs. Moderate graduated compression helps stimulate circulation up the leg. Plus, these socks are great for those with bunions. A split toe design encourages separation between the big toe and second toe, while cushioning helps protect the area around the bunion. Graduated Support Level: Moderate 15–20mm / Hg.

Need new orthotics? Most health plans run calendar year. If you have not had new orthotics in 2015, you may still have a few weeks to utilize your insurance. If you have had orthotics from us in the last 2 years you can call to order a second pair and take advantage of our second pair special rate. If you are a new patient or it has been more than 2 years since foot impressions were taken, call us to book for reassessment and current foot impressions. 613 258 5508. Your feet have to last a lifetime, let us help you take care of them!

Stocking Stuffer Socks for the Savvy Shopper! A sneak preview! Have you been looking for the best sock suitable for people with sensitive feet or diabetes? We think we may have found it! Sockwell’s Relaxed Fit/Diabetes-Friendly Series of socks may just be the perfect sock. They are made in the USA from luxurious cashmere and bamboo fibres sourced in Canada and the U.S. They come in a variety of designer patterns and several styles for men and women. They have a seamless toe closure, and the natural fibres control moisture and odor, as well as help regulate temperature. Sockwell also make a unique bunion cushioning sock and comfortable, fashionable compression socks. Flying anywhere this winter? Make sure you have your anti-embolism socks! We can measure you for a perfect fit. The Staff at Body and Sole all tried these socks at the CFPM conference we attended last week, and are eagerly awaiting our first shipment due early next week! Body and Sole is your one-stop for all your foot care needs. Our Foot Specialists can diagnose and treat your foot problems and provide you with any additional foot care products, custom made foot orthotics and footwear necessary for your condition. You don’t have to live with foot pain, corns, warts or ugly toenails! Drop by Body and Sole at 212 Van Buren in Kemptville, Ontario, Canada. for more information and to see our socks and orthotic-friendly footwear. To book an appointment call us at 613 258 5508!

Need new orthotics? Most health plans run calendar year. If you have not had new orthotics in 2015, you may still have a few weeks to utilize your insurance. If you have had orthotics from us in the last 2 years you can call to order a second pair and take advantage of our second pair special rate. If you are a new patient or it has been more than 2 years since foot impressions were taken, call us to book for reassessment and current foot impressions. 613 258 5508. Your feet have to last a lifetime, let us help you take care of them!

How does Diabetes affect the Feet? November is diabetes awareness month in Canada. At Body and Sole Foot Care Clinic our new patients often tell us that they know they have to look after their feet when the have diabetes, but they don’t know why. Having diabetes doubles the risk for foot disease. In fact, about 30 percent of people with diabetes who are older than 40 develop medical problems with their feet. The good news is that with good blood sugar control and good foot care and footwear, many foot problems can be treated early or avoided all together. So just how does diabetes affect the feet? Chronically elevated glucose levels can damage the nervous system, the wiring that transmits signals from the brain throughout the body. The nervous system works the other way, too: It detects information about the environment and how it affects the body through the five senses. Damaged nerves, or neuropathy, can lead to an array of physical problems and disabilities anywhere in the body, but nerve and circulation symptoms often show in the feet (and lower legs) first. Annoying and painful symptoms can occur when the brain can't successfully send messages to the feet. Common complaints are; numbness, tingling, pain and other strange sensations. But the even greater threat posed by diabetic neuropathy happens when the feet can't send information to the brain because they've become numb from overexposure to blood sugar. With neuropathy, cuts, bumps, and other injuries that once would have made you wince or howl in pain will go unnoticed when your feet lose their feeling. An injury neglected because you are unable to feel it can quickly become infected and develop into a sore or ulcer. Diabetes can also cause poor blood circulation. Like the heart's arteries, blood vessels anywhere else in the body can become stiff and narrowed. In fact, 1 in 3 people with diabetes who are older than 50 has clogged arteries in the legs, a condition known as peripheral artery disease, also called peripheral vascular disease. Narrowed arteries diminish blood flow to the lower legs and feet, which can cause pain if you're walking long distances. Poor blood supply also makes the skin dry and fragile and the nails thicker. The loss of blood flow to the feet can prevent wounds and sores from getting the oxygen and nutrients they need to heal. So while occasional bumps, blisters, or cuts are trivial medical concerns for most people, for diabetes patients these minor injuries can turn serious in a hurry. Left ignored and untreated, minor sores on the skin of the foot can turn into severe problems with potentially devastating consequences - namely, ulcers, gangrene and amputation. The Canadian Diabetes Association recommends everyone with diabetes has a foot assessment yearly. Your family doctor, endocrinologist or foot specialist may do this. If you have not had the circulation and sensation in your feet checked in the last year, make sure you ask for this at your doctor’s office, or call us at Body and Sole to make an appointment for Diabetes Foot Screening. Our services are covered by most extended health plans. Your first visit will include a full assessment and any treatment needed. We will also advise you on foot care and footwear. Call for an appointment, 613 258 5508.

Blister Prevention - Let's Talk Socks!

Sweaty Socks: Research Finds Some Socks Better than Others Findings could help athletes and diabetics Contact: Jennifer Faddis Sr. Information Specialist 573-882-6217 faddisj@missouri.edu COLUMBIA, Mo. - A painful blister is often the by-product of a sweaty sock. But, that is not the only reason a team of University of Missouri-Columbia biological engineering students decided to put athletic socks to the test to find out what constitutes a good sock versus a bad one. Knowing which socks are best could be meaningful information for diabetics with serious circulation problems and people who wear prosthetic devices. The team started by developing a device to test 10 popular brands of athletic socks. The testing device uses a stepper motor to tilt a Plexiglas form that holds the sock material against a platform at a set pressure. The device calculates the point at which the material slips against the platform, which reveals its coefficient of friction (COF). Blisters are more likely to develop the higher the COF where the sock and shoe meet. Moisture makes the problem worse; that's why tests were conducted in a humidity chamber. "We found that 100 percent cotton socks were usually the worst especially when a person started to sweat," said Robert Mooney, MU biological engineering student. The team also found that money doesn't matter. The higher priced socks did not test any better than the inexpensive brands. The material that composed the sock is the key. All cotton performed poorly while nylon faired much better. The benefits of the research are not aimed solely at athletes. The students said the research can help diabetics and those who wear prosthetic devises. The team is hopeful their device could help develop standards for use in sock manufacturing. "This is about helping diabetics who have circulation problems and figuring out where they need specific materials in their socks," said Lisa Huhman, biological engineering student at Mizzou. "We find out where diabetics have skin trauma and target those areas. This isn't just about helping athletes prevent blisters." "If I were a jogger or a runner looking for a pair of socks, I would look for a pair that had different compositions of materials in different parts of the sock," Huhman said. "I would not want a sock that was overall cotton. I might look for a sock that had some of those synthetic materials that were proven to be better." On the Net: University of Missouri

Orthotics for Heel Pain: Why They Don’t Always Work Heel pain is a common foot problem which may be mild to severe. Although it is not a threat to health, people who suffer from severe heel pain may not be able to work, exercise or enjoy life because of this disabling condition. The pain typically develops gradually with no evidence of injury in the affected area. In most cases, the pain is felt under the foot, towards the front part of the heel, although some people experience the pain in the center of the heel pad or just behind the heel, where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone. Heel pain is the most common symptom of a condition called plantar fasciitis. The base of the foot is supported by a thick ligament called the plantar fascia, which lies just beneath the skin and extends from the heel to the front part of the foot. The plantar fascia also supports the bones and tissues, which make up the inner arch of the foot. When this ligament is repeatedly strained and damaged, inflammation and pain develop, and the condition is known as plantar fasciitis. It commonly manifests as heel pain which usually gets worse in the morning or when getting up to walk after sitting or driving for a while. What Causes Heel Pain? There are many factors which can cause heel pain. As mentioned above, this symptom is most commonly associated with plantar fasciitis. Faulty foot mechanics are the most common cause of heel pain and plantar fasciitis. Factors that can cause pain and inflammation of the plantar fascia include: • Flat feet – when the arch of the foot collapses the foot is noted to look flat, and this stretches the plantar fascia, causing strain and pulling on the insertion of the ligament on the heel. • Over pronation – when walking, one’s weight usually shifts from the outer to the inner side of the foot, then back to the outer side (normal pronation). When one over pronates the foot, the weight stays in the inner side of the foot, causing excessive strain on the plantar fascia. • Tight calf muscles – weakness and tightness of the calf muscle (the muscle at the back of the leg) can make it difficult for one to bend the foot towards the shin. • Achilles tendon tear or rupture or frequent ankle sprains in the past • Wearing incorrect shoes that have soft soles and provide poor arch support • Nerve problems of the leg and foot • Fracture of the heel bone • Being overweight • Excessive activity involving running and walking or prolonged standing on hard surfaces • Other less common disease conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriasis, osteomyelitis, heel bone fracture What are Foot Orthotics? Orthotic foot devices (orthoses) are the mainstay of conservative treatment for people with plantar fasciitis. These may consist of custom-made or prefabricated (off the shelf) devices that are designed to correct faulty foot mechanics such as the abnormal pronation that causes stress on the plantar fascia. An example of these is a flexible orthotic device with a heel cushion which can disperse some of the pressure placed on one’s weight upon the heel while maintaining support for subsequent propulsion. Prescription orthotic devices usually provide long-term pain relief by reducing excessive stress on the plantar fascia. Studies have shown that foot orthoses can also reduce the collapse of the medial foot arch and reduce the elongation of the foot when it over pronates. To create prescription orthoses, a chiropodist/podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon performs a thorough biomechanical examination, which includes checking the range of motion of the foot joints and assessing the forefoot-to-rearfoot link to be able to correct biomechanical abnormalities. This is followed by proper casting (taking an impression) of the foot to capture the foot deformity and provide biomechanical support. Why Orthotics Don’t Work on All Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain Foot orthotics address only the abnormal biomechanical component of the foot. However, in some patients, there are other factors which may contribute to plantar fasciitis and heel pain which may not be corrected by prescription orthoses. For instance, calf muscle tightness which pulls on the heel can cause stress on the plantar fascia, causing pain which cannot be corrected by orthotic devices alone. Other factors like excessive foot pronation caused by obesity may not be completely corrected by the use of insoles. Heel fracture, nerve entrapment problems, and other diseases conditions like arthritis may need additional treatment, and using orthotic devices alone may lead to poor results. Another reason why orthotics may not work is that one may not be using the type of orthoses suitable for one’s physical and functional characteristics. There are three types of foot orthotics - rigid, semi-rigid, and soft orthoses. Rigid orthotics are made of firm material such as plastic and they must fit snugly to control the feet’s function and to correct anatomical abnormalities which may be causing the pain. Semi-rigid orthotics are made of both soft and hard materials which provide layered support and allow for balance while moving rapidly or playing sports. They are commonly used by athletes. They are also good for people who do not tolerate rigid orthotics, and active people with arthritis. Soft orthotics are typically available in the form of shoe inserts designed to reduce pressure and shock, making walking more comfortable. These are useful for people who spend long hours standing, people with diabetes or obese individuals, and those who suffer from arthritis. Management of Plantar Fasciitis To be able to provide adequate treatment for heel pain secondary to plantar fasciitis, a clear diagnosis must be made and the precipitating factors must be identified. Diagnosis A clinician typically assesses a patient with heel pain by doing a thorough medical history and physical examination with emphasis on the heel and plantar fascia. Findings of a pronated foot architecture and localized swelling of the heel indicate plantar fasciitis. Additional tests to assess function of the foot may be done, such as range of motion tests, tarsal tunnel syndrome test, windless test, and examination of the longitudinal arch angle. Radiographic (X-Ray) examinations are not necessary to diagnose plantar fasciitis although they may be useful ruling out other conditions such as fractures or arthritis, if the clinician is in doubt. In addition, other forms of assessment may be done to evaluate contributing factors that bring about the patient’s symptoms, such as measurement of BMI, tests for diabetes, arthritis, gout, nerve disorders, calf muscle weakness, heel fracture, and others. These factors must be properly addressed to reduce the risk of heel pain and to allow other forms of treatment to work. Treatment Heel pain may range from mild to severe, and foot experts use a tiered management plan in choosing treatment options for plantar fasciitis based on clinical research. Initial forms of therapy typically involve patient-directed treatment options like: • Rest, limiting activities • Stretching exercises for the calf muscles • Avoiding flat shoes and avoiding walking barefoot • Weight loss • Oral or topical anti-inflammatory drugs • Using prefabricated over-the-counter arch support or heel cups • Padding and taping • Laser therapy combined with home physical therapy • Wearing good quality shoes If results with these treatments are unsatisfactory after 6 weeks, clinicians may prescribe: • Night splints – usually prescribed for patients who experience heel pain for more than 6 months • Custom orthotic devices to provide reduction in pain and improvement of function. • Corticosteroid injections • Prescribed physical therapy If these treatments or combinations of therapy still fail to relieve the patient’s symptoms after 6 months, shock-wave therapy may be indicated. Rarely, surgery may be considered to correct anatomical abnormalities. Surgical procedures may involve removal of bone spurs, plantar fascia release, or calf muscle lengthening among others. Unfortunately there is no “quick-fix” for plantar fasciitis. It has been developing over years with stresses from activities and footwear along with individual body mis-alignments. Nor is there a “one size fits all “solution. Everyone is different in how they respond to therapies. To get the best results, is important to comply with the footwear advice, exercises and activity modification suggested by your chiropodist/podiatrist; try to lose weight if you need to and wear your prescribed insoles or orthotics as much as possible. Sometimes the main problem is length of time spent on the feet or activities. If this is work related, it may be difficult to change and lead to a slower healing rate. Similarly, if there is a biomechanical imbalance is due to past injury, deformity or nerve compression, orthotics and other local therapies may have only limited success. There are never any guarantees with the human body! If you have had orthotics in the past and they have not helped, talk to your chiropodist/podiatrist, it may be that they were too rigid/too soft, needed modification, or were not combined with good footwear, exercises and other therapies necessary.

Winter Foot Care Though many of us don’t want to think about winter coming, it is good to be prepared with good footwear and foot care habits to keep our feet healthy through the winter. The stores are now full of winter gear, so it’s a good time to shop for the best selection. In particular, kids boots tend to sell out quickly, so now is the time to ensure you find well-fitting, warm boots for your children. Here are some other foot health tips for the winter season:  Winter is skating, skiing and snowboarding season, activities enjoyed by many Canadians. Never ski or snowboard in footwear other than ski boots specifically designed for that purpose. Make sure your boots fit properly; you should be able to wiggle your toes, but the boots should immobilize (grip snugly) the heel, instep, and ball of your foot. You can use orthotics (support devices that go inside shoes) to help control the foot's movement inside ski boots or ice skates. Supportive insoles are particularly helpful for novice skaters who tend to roll in at the ankle. Your foot specialist can advise you of the best insole or orthotic for you.  Committed runners don't need to let the cold stop them. A variety of warm, light-weight, moisture-wicking active wear is available at most running or sporting goods stores helps ensure runners stay warm and dry in bitter temperatures. However, some runners may compensate for icy conditions by altering how their foot strikes the ground, which can lead to injury. Instead of changing your foot-strike pattern, shorten your stride to help maintain stability. And remember, it's more important than ever to warm up and stretch before you begin your run. Cold weather can make you less flexible in winter than you are in summer, so it's important to warm muscles up before running.  Boots are must-have footwear in winter climates, especially when dealing with winter precipitation. Between the waterproof material of the boots themselves and the warm socks you wear to keep toes toasty, you may find your feet sweat a lot if you are active out-doors. Damp, sweaty feet can chill more easily and are more prone to bacterial infections, chillblaines and frost bite. If your feet do tend to sweat inside boots, try to keep feet clean and dry, change socks daily and consider using moisture wicking socks next to the skin and an outer insulating sock. If you sweat excessively your foot specialist can give you some tips and suggest a medication to use on a daily or weekly basis.  Be size smart. It may be tempting to buy pricey specialty footwear (like winter boots or ski boots) for kids in a slightly larger size, thinking they'll be able to get two seasons of wear out of them. But unlike coats that kids can grow into, footwear needs to fit properly right away. Properly fitted skates and boots can help prevent blisters, chafing, and ankle or foot injuries. Likewise, if socks are too small, they can force toes to bunch together, and that friction can cause painful blisters or corns.  Be careful about choosing footwear with good grip on the sole. A slippery sole or high heel can cause a disastrous fall on ice or new snow. Finally—and although this one seems like it should go without saying, it bears spelling out—don't try to tip-toe through winter snow, ice, and cold temperatures in summer-appropriate footwear. Exposing feet to extreme temperatures means risking frostbite and injury. Choose winter footwear that will keep your feet warm, dry, and well-supported. If you have any foot health issues, call Body and Sole for an appointment 613 258 5508. Our Foot Specialists can advise and treat all your foot care problems. We are conveniently located at 212 van Buren in Kemptville.

Recent Article in the North grenville Times!

Putting their best foot forward Body and Sole Foot Care Clinic reopened last week after a short break for their renovation project. The clinic has expanded to include an additional treatment room. The new room facilitates 25% more appointment openings each week accommodating the growing foot traffic in our community. Both Body and Sole's Chiropodists, Melanie Atkinson and Brian Woo will be increasing their hours and taking on new patients starting in September. "We are delighted to have also added an additional receptionist position to support our expanded clinical hours", says Melanie Atkinson, Body and Sole's founding Chiropodist, "We were impressed by the quality of candidates CSE consulting were able to match us with. Now as well as Nancy's familiar face, our patients will often be greeted by Tina's welcoming smile." Body and Sole have been providing professional foot care and orthotics in North Grenville for five years. Services at the clinic include ingrown toe nail surgery, custom made foot orthotics, diabetes foot assessments and laser therapy along with care of common foot issues such as callus, nail problems, fungus and warts. In addition to professional foot care services, Body and Sole carries a variety of foot care products from cracked heel cream to orthopedic shoes. Chiropodist services are covered by most extended health care plans. New patients can self refer, no doctor's note needed. Don't let embarrassing foot problems or foot pain slow you down, relief is only steps away in Old Town Kemptville! Just call for an appointment 613 258 5508 or stop by the clinic at 212 van Buren street. David Steen - Freelance Journalist

Just lately we have had several people in our clinic who had suffered for many months, sometimes years, with ingrown toenails. If the nail is only mildly ingrown, home remedies can help, but if it lasts longer than a couple of weeks, becomes infected, or keeps reoccurring every few months, you should see a Chiropodist. Sometimes the ingrown nail can be easily solved in the clinic on one visit. Some ingrown nails do need to be surgically removed. The procedure we use is relatively painless, requires very little recovery time, and is covered by most health insurance plan. In most cases only a small amount of nail needs to be removed, leaving you with a normal looking nail once it has healed. Our procedure is 96% successful at stopping the nail from growing in again. See the tips below, and call us for an appointment if you are still struggling with your ingrown nail. http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/nail-care/tips/treat-an-ingrown-nail3.htm

Happy New Year everyone! Lets get you all off on the right foot! Foot pain? Plantar fasciitis? Repetitive ankle sprains? Ugly toe nails? Call us, we can help!