Are Your Feet on the Naughty Foot Pain List? December 2015

The A, B, Cs of Foot Pain Did You Know? Only a small percentage of the population is born with foot problems. It’s neglect, lack of awareness and ill-fitting shoes that create preventable problems. Types of Pain:

• Arthritis and Joint Pain. In an article published by the Arthritis Foundation, author Emily Delzell agrees, “When your feet hurt, it’s hard to think about anything else, and everyday activities that involve standing or walking for more than a few minutes can become too daunting to attempt. Making good shoe choices can prevent problems, but for many of those who are already suffering, orthotics – shoe inserts designed to ease foot pain and correct structural issues – may provide much-needed relief.”

• Agonizing Bunions. Bunions are enlargements of bone on the first toe joint. Some of the causes may be footwear, disease, genetics or overpronation (flat feet). Bunions are a progressive deformity. The area will often become painful and red. Controlling excess pronation can often take pressure off the first toe joint and help to relieve the pain, but it will not change the size of the enlargement. An orthotic can stop or slow down the progression of the deformity, but only surgery can remove the excess bone. Effective shoe lacing techniques can also help to relieve pressure.

• Heel, Arch, Knee or Foot Pain. Often when a person experiences heel, arch, knee or foot pain it is associated with complications of poor foot function. A comprehensive examination and assessment by a licensed Chiropodist or Podiatrist will pinpoint the origin of your pain and what options will help alleviate it.

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• Heel Spurs. This is a painful condition caused by calcium deposits on the base of the heel

putting pressure on other areas of the feet. High impact sports that strain the arch and throw off the natural balance of the foot, like squash and running are the most common causes. Even quick weight gain can be the culprit.

• Ingrown Toenails. The edge of the toenail being driven into the toe by shoes (or boots) that are too tight can result in a painful ingrown toenail. The nail cuts into the side of the toe, creating a shooting pain as it puts pressure on the nerves.

• Plantar fasciitis (Heel Pain). Commonly known as heel pain, plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the dense band of tissue called the plantar fascia that extends from the bottom of the heel bone to the base of the toes (ball of the foot).

• Sports Related. Common sports injuries include stress fractures, sprains, bursitis, metatarsalgia, heel spur syndrome, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, tendinitis, runner’s knee, and hamstring injuries. Other foot problems which can impact sports participation can be; ingrown toenails, bleeding under the nail, blisters and onychomycosis (fungal infection).

• Workplace Athletes. A large number of people are exposed to injuries due to prolonged periods of standing and walking in the workplace.

The best treatment plan for any foot problem is prevention. Take care of your feet, see your Chiropodist for routine footcare regularly and follow these simple recommendations:

• Bathe your feet daily and dry them thoroughly. • Check your feet frequently for corns, calluses and cracks. • Keep your feet warm. • Trim your toenails straight across, slightly longer than the end of the toe. • Wear proper fitting footwear considering both length and width.

At the first sign of a problem (pain or discomfort) see your Chiropodist. Don’t wait until symptoms become severe.

Ready for the Big Event? It's Coming (again)... Wrap up your holiday shopping with these nifty gift ideas from the friendly footcare folks at the Werkman Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Come by and see us!

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Deck the Halls with Shoes and Slippers...

Dr. Comfort

Dr. Comfort is among the leading providers of diabetic footwear. Dr. Comfort recognizes the need for STYLE, COMFORT and QUALITY in the therapeutic shoe industry. Today, Dr. Comfort’s family of comfort footwear line includes diabetic shoes, prescription and non-prescription inserts, diabetic socks, slippers, sandals and compression hosiery. Browse the Dr. Comfort line of products. Worried that your gift recipient won’t like your choice? Try a Gift Certificate! Available in every denomination! Biotime

Whether you’re on the go or relaxing and watching the snow, Biotime offer a variety of stylish boots, shoes, and slippers for men and women. Browse the Biotime 2015 Fall/Winter Collection.

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Custom Birkenstocks The Birkenstock tradition of quality craftsmanship goes back more than 225 years. Crafted in Germany, Birkenstocks are created using only premium products and materials. And now you can have a custom Birkenstock foot-bed made to the shape of your feet!

Hesitant about making a custom purchase? No problem! Gift Certificates can be redeemed for all of our products and services.

Stocking Stuffers They’ll Love You For! Stuck for stuffers? Oh, we've got you covered! Enjoy these gift ideas that keep on giving all year long! Remember to treat yourself too! From footcare products to socks and compression hosiery, there is something for everyone!

It's the Annual Dr.'s REMEDY® Holiday Giveaway Celebrate the season with Dr.’s REMEDY® Enriched Nail Polish and our annual Holiday Giveaway! For every two bottles of Dr.’s REMEDY® Enriched Nail Polish (base, colour, or top coat) purchased from now until December 31, 2015, you’ll receive Dr.’s REMEDY® Nail Polish Remover absolutely FREE!

Buy three bottles (base, colour, or top coat) and we’ll give you the fourth bottle free! Stock up today! There are oodles of new colours. Try them on here. Dr.’s REMEDY® Enriched Nail Polish is the only over the counter enriched polish, created by doctors, designed to be free from harmful toxins found in most commercial nail polish (DBP, Toluene and Formaldehyde). Use Dr.’s REMEDY® as a healthy alternative to commercial nail polish, and especially if you suffer from nail fungus, brittle, discoloured nails, have an allergy to chemicals in commercial nail polish, or are pregnant.

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goSeamless Diabetic Socks

• Non-binding ribbed top • Seamless "comfort toe" • Full cushion sock • Wicks away moisture • Reduces shearing and friction • Anti-microbial protection

Footcare Products to Go! We have an extensive variety of footcare products for home care, including:

• specialty items for toes (toe spacers, separators, gel tubing, hammer toe crest, and toe loops)

• creams, gels, lotions, and topicals • braces & splints • Amerigel natural skin and wound care products

Shop them here! Pop by the Clinic to pick them up. We are conveniently located on the northwest corner of Cornwall Road and Maple Grove.

Gift Certificates The perfect fit every time! Not sure about size, colour, or style preference? Give the gift that lasts all year long. Footcare products and services from the professionals at Werkman Chiropody.

Give Them a Squeeze with SIGVARIS Compression Socks and Hosiery SIGVARIS is recognized as a global industry leader in the area of compression therapy for the management of chronic venous disorders. SIGVARIS graduated compression garments are available for mild to severe symptoms as well as performance enhancing for athletes.

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The Werkman Foot & Orthotic Clinic is your one-stop compression shop. When you need to talk to someone about compression hosiery and socks, and you want personalized service, helpful information, knowledgeable and friendly staff, please stop by and see us or give us a call! We are SIGVARIS Certified Fitters and carry a broad line of products for all your medical, well-being and sports needs. Connect with us today!

SIGVARIS Medical For moderate and more severe symptoms: 15–20, 20–30, 30–40, 40–50, 50–60mmHg. Heavy and tired legs and swollen ankles, beside skin changes, can be signs of a chronic venous disease. Around 15 percent of the population even suffer from chronic venous insufficiency, a serious disease with real clinical consequences. Wearing compression stockings is central in the treatment of venous disorders. The SIGVARIS MEDICAL collection is designed to ensure correct fit and accurate compression, resulting in optimum therapeutic benefits and greater wearing comfort. SIGVARIS MEDICAL products are designed to fit various lifestyles and are best suited for those with chronic venous disorders, edema, stasis, skin changes, and for those who have had or will be having a vein procedure. Browse the Medical Catalogue.

SIGVARIS Well Being For prevention and mild to moderate symptoms: 15–20mmHg. SIGVARIS WELL BEING products are intended for men and women with healthy legs who temporarily suffer from venous problems relating to specific situations in life such as long-distance travelling, pregnancy, work or weather. They serve to alleviate venous symptoms such as heavy legs, tired legs and swollen ankles. The fashionable SIGVARIS WELL BEING collection helps promote leg health and provides relief from a range of common symptoms including tired, aching legs and swollen feet and ankles. Browse the Well Being Catalogue.

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SIGVARIS Sports For performance and recovery: 15–20mmHg & 20–30mmHg. A growing trend among professional and amateur sportsmen is the use of graduated compression socks or sleeves to help improve their athletic performance and recovery. Whether it is during the actual event, after the event, or while traveling, today’s sportsmen are making graduated compression socks and sleeves a part of their equipment. SIGVARIS has an entire line of sports products perfect for athletic activity and recovery. Professional athletes, weekend warriors and active individuals alike can all benefit from wearing the true graduated compression that SIGVARIS SPORTS provides. Browse the Sports Catalogue.

New for 2015 - SIGVARIS Diabetic Socks Following the Canadian Diabetes Association standards and guidelines, SIGVARIS has introduced a new compression sock for people living with diabetes. Introducing SIGVARIS 160 EVERSOFT Diabetic Sock, with a low compression factor of 8-15 mmHg. Ideal for everyday wear and sensitive skin

• Thick, padded soles, heels and toes to protect feet • Flat, low friction toe seam • Soft, stretchable knit-in band prevents pinching

Available Styles & Colours: Closed toe, Calf – White (00), Compression Level 8-15mmHg, Available for men and women.

We take pride in helping patients and their friends and families with gift giving and receiving needs. If there is something we can help you with, please let us know! Not sure about colour or size? A Gift Certificate from Werkman Foot & Orthotic Clinic is always the perfect fit! Available in every denomination and redeemable for all footcare products and services.

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Ski and Skate in Comfort this Winter What could be more fun than snapping on the skis or lacing up the skates and hitting the hills, valleys and rinks this winter? Just the hot toddy afterwards! What’s not so fun is experiencing foot, ankle or knee pain during or after the event. This is when custom orthotics may help. Custom what? Custom Orthotics

Generally speaking, an orthotic is a device that is customized, designed and manufactured specifically to your needs in order to control the degree of pronation (flattening out of the arch when a person’s foot first strikes the ground) or supination (the opposite motion of pronation. It allows the foot to be a more stable, rigid structure when pushing off) of the foot when walking, running, skating, skiing, or participating in other sports. Orthotics are devices inserted in your shoes, boots and sports footwear. These devices are custom designed to alleviate the pain and discomfort you may suffer from conditions such as arthritis and joint pain and foot disorders such as fallen arches, heel spurs, bunions, sport injuries, etc. Orthotics are also used to help athletes and weekend warriors of all ages enhance their performance and endurance. Who wants painful, sore or tired feet? Get out there and savour the season! If pain is standing between you and something you enjoy, talk to your Chiropodist or Podiatrist today!

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A Christmas Smile... What did one elf say to another: What do you get if you cross an iPad with a Christmas tree? What?: A pineapple! Our Christmas Wish... Everyone at the Werkman Foot & Orthotic Clinic wishes you a wonderful holiday season and a New Year that's filled with all your favourite things.

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Give us a call to book your appointment or send us an email today! We’re looking forward to seeing you again soon! Visit the contact page of our website at www.werkman.ca/contact-us/ to see clinic hours and to book an appointment.

Routine Foot Care | Corns and Calluses | Plantar Warts | Thick or Ingrown Nails

Heal/Arch/Foot Pain | Custom Made Orthotics | Nail Surgery | Diabetic Footcare and Education

J. Richard Werkman, D.Ch., B.Sc., Podiatric Medicine 1495 Cornwall Road, Suite 33, Oakville L6J 0B2

905.845-4817 | info@werkman.ca | www.werkman.ca Call. Click. Come By. Today!

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