We Want Your Feet to Feel Better

Just in case you did not already know this.....

2011-09-14T11:29:00.000-05:00

Fact is, much of the current crop of popular shoes makes podiatrists grimace. Foot deformities, including hammer toe, bunions, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis and even ankle, knee, hip and back problems, can arise from long-term wearing of bad footwear, experts say.

Taken from a USA Today article written by Sharon Peters

Vitamin D for Foot Pain

2011-09-14T11:25:00.000-05:00

I know I always say it but I love Google Alerts. This article caught my attention this morning. It makes me wonder how many vitamins we are missing in our diet with the "junk" we call food today.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/539033-can-vitamin-b-deficiencies-cause-foot-pain/

Flats vs High Heels

2011-09-02T21:08:00.000-05:00

I love Google Alerts! I came across this article and wanted to share -
Where do you fall in the age old debate heels or flats?
http://mygloss.com/chic/how-to-2/gloss-how-to-curbing-high-heel-pain/

Are your feet ready for a marathon?

2011-08-10T21:41:00.000-05:00

Since I am considering running a half marathon (I am still in the considering phase) I have been reading anything that comes through my Google Alerts about running, running pain and marathons. My brother-in-law is even emailing me his weekly training log as he is scheduled to run yet another marathon in October. Anyway, this was a interesting article that I saw too. For those of you who are interested....

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/neal-m-blitz/are-your-feet-marathon-ready_b_920635.html

Great article in US News about foot deformities

2011-08-09T20:50:00.000-05:00

This article showed up in my Google alerts today and I thought I would share with you guys. I have attached the link below so you can read the full article. The article discusses the importance of proper footwear - come on ladies I know the heels make our legs longer and our bottoms smaller - but they do our feet NO good.
"Toe pain can limit a person's quality of life," said the review's lead author, Dr. Khalid Shirzad, an orthopaedic surgeon at Northwest Orthopaedic Specialists, P.S., in Spokane, Wash., in a news release. "When it hurts to walk, that person will start decreasing time spent on activities they enjoy. If the initial problem is not treated, it may lead to further issues such as skin infections, deformities, and muscular problems." Most often, the review authors pointed out, deformities of the lesser toes are the result of shoes that don't fit, or hurt. "The most important thing the public should take from this is to be conscious of your footwear," said Shirzad. "Well-fitted shoes that do not pinch the foot or constrict the toes can prevent many toe deformities."

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/pain/articles/2011/08/08/toe-deformities-should-be-treated-early-experts

Sincerely,
Casey

Summer Foot Care on ABC News

2010-06-10T13:31:00.000-05:00

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/video/foot-protection-10858807

This is a great interview with podiatrist and foot surgeon Dr. Archer on ABC news. She explains the benefiits of orthotic sandals and custom foot orthotics for summer foot care.

Customized Comfort

2010-02-01T14:40:00.005-06:00

They are finally here! The new 2010 Aetrex Sandalistas. This year, there are two new Sandalistas styles: The Paraiso and the LaBella. The LaBella is pictured here in Blue Snake. Beautiful isn't it? Can you believe you can actually wear a custom foot orthotic inside these sandals? In addition to the two new styles, Aetrex also added new colors to the returning styles from the debut collection last year. The Sandalistas also feature Aetrex's propetiary Moszaic Customization Technology. This feature is revolutionary. The underside of the insole of the sandals is actually comprised of little squares "mosaics" which you can remove (just like stickers) to relieve pressure on the parts of your foot where you feel discomfort. You will immediately feel relieve. I can't believe I have to make more room in my closet for all my new "favorites."
Please check out all the available colors and styles on our website at www.orthoticsandmore.com and if you have any questions email me at customerservice@orthoticsandmore.com

Not only will these make your feet beel better but they will make them look Good!

Exercises to Help Pain

2010-01-14T15:50:00.002-06:00

Did you make any resolutions for the New Year? Like most Americans, focusing on your health is one of your goals for 2010. As everyone knows, exercise is a big factor in weight loss and maintaining overall good health. Before you start a new exercise regime make sure you talk to a doctor or a trainer or at the very least do research on the best exercise plan for you based on your activity level, your age, your ability and your medical condition. If you are already exercising, the New Year is a good time to think about ways to “change up” what you are currently doing and seek out new activities that can help you achieve your fitness goals. Unfortunately, with exercise often comes pain.
Do you have heel pain after you run or exercise? Plantar Fasciitis (which can lead to heel spurs) is a persistent pain located on the bottom of the heel and the inside of the foot. It is a fibrous, tendon-like structure that extends the entire length of the bottom of the foot. During excessive activity, the plantar fascia can become irritated, inflamed and even tear. Having the combo of a custom foot orthotic in your shoe and some specialized stretches will help prevent and relieve the heel pain from plantar fasciitis. Good news, there are always new treatments being introduced for plantar fasciitis so we recommend talking with your physician to see what new options are available.

Towel Stretch
Sit on the floor with your legs stretched out in
front of you. Loop a towel around the top of the
injured foot. Slowly pull the towel towards to keeping your
body straight. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds then
relax.
Repeat 10 times.

Calf/Achilles Stretch
Stand facing a wall. Place your hands on the
wall at chest height. Move the injured heel back and
with the foot flat on the floor. Move the other leg forward and slowly lean
toward the wall until you feel a stretch through
the calf, hold and repeat.

Stair Stretch
Stand on a step on the balls for your feet, hold
the rail or wall for balance. Slowly lower the
heel of the injured foot to stretch the arch of
your foot. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds then relax.
Repeat 10 times.

Toe Stretch
Sit on the floor with knee bent.
Pull the toes back on the injured foot until
a stretch across the arch is felt.
Hold for 15 to 30 seconds then relax.
Repeat as needed.

Frozen can roll
Roll your bare injured foot back and forth from
the tip of the toes to the heel over a frozen juice
can. This is a good exercise after activity because
not only stretches the plantar fascia but
provides cold therapy to the injured area.

As always, please talk to your doctor if you are having any pain. None of the advice or opinions posted on this blog are meant to replace treatment from your physician.
If you have any questions about this blog post or questions or concerns about custom foot orthotics, please email me at customerservice@orthoticsandmore.com.
We have detailed product information including the benefits of custom foot orthotics on our website at www.orthoticsandmore.com

We want your feet to feel better.

Casey

Spotlight on the Aerobic Orthotic

2010-01-12T22:25:00.003-06:00

Aerobics Anyone?

I just read a recent interview with Courtney Cox about her new sitcom Cougar Town. Of course the reporter asked her how she managed to keep her amazing (and for most people unattainable) figure and she said "I do lots of aerobics." I don't know about you but when I hear the word aerobics all I can think of is Jane Fonda and her leotard wearing workout VHS tapes of the 1980's.
But, I started thinking if Courtney Cox does aerobics then I can too. So I decided in celebration of my new quest to give aerobics another try I would spotlight our Aerobics orthotic. The great thing about our Aerobic orthotic is that it designed for any high impact sport so if you are not up for the aerobic challenge as I am, our Aerobic orthotic can still help you relieve pain and improve your performance.

**** Features*****

Subortholene 3.0 mm shell

High Density EVA rearfoot post for maximum control

Low Density EVA arch filler for shock absorption

Deep Heel Cups

1/8 Poron over shell padded cover

Vinyl topcover - anti-microbial and easy to clean

No new shoes to buy

****How it will help you****

Our Aerobic orthotic is designed for high impact sports and activities. The 3.0mm subortholene "shell" of the orthotic is semi-flexible and designed for people needing more shock absorption. The shell is made with a deep heel counter that will provide extra support of the foot.
The high density EVA used for the rearfoot post will control the foot and the low density EVA used in the arch will provide shock absorption and prevent heel and arch pain. The entire orthotic is then padded with 1/8" poron and then is covered with vinyl that is easy to clean and is naturally anti-microbial.

Just like all of our custom foot orthotics, we recommend you remove your shoes' original insert before putting your custom orthotic into your shoes. This will provide for the best fit of your custom orthotic. If you have never worn custom orthotics before, we recommend you wear them for 2-3 hours the first day, 4-5 hours the next day, 6-8 hours the third day and for as long as you want after that as long as you are not experiencing any pain. Foot orthotics realign your body into its optimal position so you may experience some discomfort within the first 1-2 days of wearing your orthotics, especially if you have never worn orthotics before. We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our products so if you are not happy with your orthotics please contact us.

We just want your feet to feel better.

Please email me your aerobics success stories and I just might post them! No pictures though - unless you have a leotard like Jane - just kidding!

What Does Happy Look Like?

2009-12-14T19:57:00.003-06:00

I am so excited to announce that we will be offering Alegria Shoes by PG Lite starting in February. These shoes are cool and good for you feet too. They feature a removable footbed so they accommodate your custom foot orthotics, a leather insole that is naturally breathable with built-in arch support so you don't sweat the small stuff, an anatomically correct footbed
designed to form the natural shape of your feet for long lasting comfort, a rocker outsole engineered to roll naturally reducing heel and central metatarsal pressure, extra depth
that makes a roomier fit and a roomier fit makes wiggling all five toes easy and fun, and a flat stable bottom that maximizes contact with floor for increased stability. Amazing huh?

If you have any questions regarding the Alegria line of products, please email me at customerservice@orthoticsandmore.com. We will have detailed product information on the website starting in late January. I am still trying to decide which colors I am going to order because I know just one pair is not going to be enough.

Press Release

2009-11-11T20:36:00.001-06:00

Link to a new press release regarding our new Runner orthotic
http://www.prlog.org/10405427-stop-pain-from-running.html

Good Article

2009-11-08T20:39:00.000-06:00

Thought you would like this article
http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2009/11/08/rx-for-fall-foot-injuries.html

Especially as we near Thanksgiving and everyone's traditional Turkey Day backyard football game.

Good Article

2009-10-26T21:19:00.000-05:00

I thought this was a good article and wanted to pass it on -
http://www.healthnewsdigest.com/news/Lifestyle_580/One_Shoe_Style_Does_Not_Fit_All.shtml

Proper Lacing Techniques

2009-10-26T21:14:00.002-05:00

Once we are old enough to lace our own shoes, most of us do not give this everyday task another thought until we are tasked with teaching it to someone else. However, according to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society, certain lacing techniques for shoes can prevent injuries, alleviate pain, and relieve foot problems. In general, these specialists recommend loosening the laces as the shoes are being slipped on and to begin lacing at the eyelets closest to the toes and then pulling the laces of one set of eyelets at a time to tighten for a more comfortable fit. Below are tips for proper lacing to prevent heel slips and for a high arch.

Heels Slip
1. Thread the left lace down through the top-left eyelet, form a loop between the top and second eyelets.

2. Thread the right lace down through the top-right eyelet, forming a loop between the top and second eyelets.

3. Cross the laces by threading each lace through its opposite loop. Pull the laces and tie normally, securing the lace lock to complete.

High Arch
1. Lace each shoelace side down through its respective bottom eyelet.

2. Thread right lace up through second-bottom-right eyelet, across and down through the second-bottom-left eyelet.

3. Skip an eyelet, thread the right lace up through the next eyelet, then across and down through the opposite eyelet. Repeat.
4. Thread the lace up through the top-right eyelet.

5. Skipping and eyelet, thread the left lace up through the next eyelet, then across and down through the opposite eyelet. Repeat this step. Then thread the lace up through the top-left eyelet to complete.

Sole Platinum Flip Flops

2009-09-30T21:42:00.002-05:00

SOLE Sport Flips Receive I.D. Magazine Annual Design Review Award
I.D. calls SOLE Sport Flips "the best flip-flops ever."
06.26.2009 – SOLE, the maker of performance footbeds, socks and sandals, received an honorable mention in I.D. Magazine''s 2009 Annual Design Review in the ''Consumer Products'' category. I.D. Magazine selected the SOLE Sport Flips for this award based on the product''s comfort, fit and orthopedic support.Since 1954, the I.D. Magazine''s Annual Design Review has recognized the best in design, from the iconic to the obscure. Throughout the years, this annual showcase has chronicled the evolution of design and highlighted its impact on today''s material and visual culture. Contest winners are chosen by a panel of distinguished design professionals and the I.D. Magazine editorial team, and demonstrate a clear survey of the state of design.According to the design review, the SOLE Sport Flips are, “perfectly comfortable, you can run in them, they don’t smell. They’re just totally rad--the best flip-flops ever.”"We are incredibly pleased to be recognized by a prestigious design publication such as I.D. Magazine," said Mike Baker, president of SOLE. "This award is a true honor as it acknowledges the innovation and design that is possible in a seemingly simple product like flip-flops."

The above article was posted on Sole's website and we wanted to share this with our customers.

Orthaheel's New Fall Collection

2009-09-30T20:28:00.005-05:00

Check out Orthaheel's new Fall collection. These are ONLY two of the new styles they have released for Fall and Winter. See our website for the full collection.

New Website

2009-09-30T20:27:00.002-05:00

We are working on re-designing our website and it should be done in another week or two. Please be patient with us while we are under construction.

Welcome

2009-09-29T14:12:00.004-05:00

Welcome to our blog. We will use this blog to educate you, our customers, about your feet and ways to make your feet healthy and pain free. At orthoticsandmore.com we know that foot pain affects all aspects of your life and we want your feet to feel better.