If you’ve been wearing the same pair of orthotics for a few years and have started to notice new aches in your feet, knees, or lower back, you’re not imagining it. One of the most common questions patients ask at Foot Care Whitby is: “Can old orthotics cause foot pain?” The short answer is yes — worn or aging orthotics can absolutely contribute to discomfort. But the more important question is why this happens and how to know when it’s time for a reassessment.   Why Orthotics Don’t Last Forever Custom orthotics are medical devices designed to support your unique foot structure, improve alignment, and reduce stress on bones and soft tissues. But like any device used daily, they experience wear and tear. Over time, orthotics can lose their effectiveness due to: Material compression — cushioning layers flatten and lose shock absorption Shell fatigue — the corrective structure softens or deforms Daily wear and friction Changes in your b...

A recent study published in the Scandanvian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports found that the following simple strength-training exercise provides more relief than traditional stretching of the #plantarfascia: Stand barefoot with your sore foot on a step, a box or even a thick book, with a rolled-up towel placed under your toes and your heel hanging over the step’s back edge. Lift your other leg off the floor, bent slightly at the knee. Slowly raise your sore heel, count 3 seconds, pause for 2, then lower for 3 seconds. Do three sets of 8 to 12 repetitions every other day. http://ow.ly/HE8AJ Whitby Family Footcare

It has been a long winter in southern Ontario. Most people have limited their walking outside due to snow and ice on sidewalks and roads. The good news is most of the snow and ice has melted from the sidewalks making it safer to walk without slipping. The bad news is that first spring walk or run might lead to heel pain. Plantar fasciitis usually comes on gradually, but can occur suddenly and be severe. It can affect both feet, but often occurs in only one foot at a time.  Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. The pain is caused by inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of your foot that connects your heel bone to your toes. Plantar fasciitis causes stabbing or burning pain that is usually worse in the morning because the fascia tightens overnight. The pain usually decreases as your foot limbers up, but it may return after standing for a long time or after getting up from a seated position. If plantar fasciitis is not dealt with quickly it can bec...