On the Ball Orthotics
Unit 5, 750 Big Bay Point Road L4M 4S6 Barrie, ON, Canada

Have you found a new at home exercise program for 2021? Make sure to take care of your feet! Exercise puts more pressure on the body, which can lead to pain that was not present prior to exercising. Contact us for your foot assessment today! #exerciseprogram #homeexercises #newyear #newyearresolution #preventpain #barrie #innisfil #barrielocalbusiness

Is exercise part of your new year resolution? Here are some tips about wearing the appropriate exercise shoes.

Are you exercising more for your new year resolution? Don’t forget your feet! Before starting a new exercise routine, get your feet checked out! Contact us for your foot assessment today! #newyear #newyearresolution #exerciseroutine #homeexercises #startfresh #barrie #innisfil #barrielocalbusiness

Here are more features to help you find the right winter boots for the winter!

Do you feel like your heel has lost all cushioning on hardwood floors? It may be time for a foot assessment! Contact us to book your assessment today. #barefoot #hardwoodfloors #footpain #heelpain #heelcushioning #heelpad #barrie #innisfil #barrielocalbusiness

Here are some tips for new year celebrations!

Friday is National Sock Day! Compression socks come in many compression grades, heights, styles and colours. Compression socks are typically used for certain me...dical conditions but there are other benefits to wearing compression socks. This blog from Canadian Certified Pedorthist Julia Hayman sheds light into how compression socks can help prevent varicose veins and improve your overall comfort. https://www.pedorthic.ca/compression-socks-can-make-feel-b/ See more

Here are a few tips about diabetes and shoes!

Diabetics need to be aware of their feet due to complications that can affect them. If you would like to learn more about diabetes and the feet, read this month's blog post!

Some tips for choosing a winter boot.

Our local #legion needs help to ensure they can continue their important work supporting our #Veterans. You can now donate directly to Barrie Legion 147 by sen...ding an e-transfer to one of the email addresses below - your donations will stay local, ensuring Veterans in our area are treated with the #respect and #dignity they deserve. [email protected] - Donations go to the Poppy Fund to help our veterans [email protected] - Donations go to the Legion to help keep the doors open Please share this post to help us spread the word. #Barrie #GetYourPoppy #LestWeForget Superior Home Health Care Canadian Forces Base Borden / Base des Forces canadiennes Borden

The Rotaract Club of Barrie is collecting winter clothing for the community!

Did you know that diabetics can benefit from orthotics? The support helps to prevent calluses and other skin irritations from worsening. Contact us for a foot and gait assessment! #diabeticawareness #diabetes #diabeticfoot #calluses #corns #redness #ulcers #barrie #innisfil #barrielocalbusiness

It is important for diabetics to get their feet checked out, as there are complications that can affect them!

Support may be important for diabetics. This week's video explains why that is!

This week's video talks about different types of shin pain.

Here is some information to determine if you have shin splints.

Proper shoes are important for those with diabetes! The proper fit and support help to prevent rubbing and pressure on the skin. Contact us for a footwear assessment! #footwear #propershoes #diabetes #diabeticfootwear #foothealth #diabetesawareness #calluses #corns #barrie #innisfil #barrielocalbusiness #supportsmallbusiness

Sore forefoot? Pain at the ball of the foot can be related to your foot arches and the way you walk. Contact us for a foot assessment to see if your pain is related to your feet! #ballofthefoot #forefoot #forefootpain #footpain #foothealth #metatarsalgia #metatarsal #footarch #barrie #innisfil #barrielocalbusiness #supportsmallbusiness

Have you become a live-in foot massager for your significant other? It may be time to book them for a foot assessment! Contact us to book an appointment! #footmassage #selfmassage #nightlymassage #liveinmassager #foothealth #footpain #barrie #innisfil #barrielocalbusiness #supportsmallbusiness

If you have shin splints, here are a few ways to deal with them!

Q: How can I protect my feet during the fall? A: Here are some shoe features to help protect you during fall weather: To prevent falls and injuries, consider ...a hiking boot or a running shoe with traction/non-slip features. Due the colder weather, surfaces harden and create more lumps/dips. These shoes will provide a stable sole with integrity. Damp conditions can lead to unwanted pain, swelling and even blistering. Try to select a water resistant, or Gortex lined, water proof sole. If your occupation requires specific footwear as a uniform, consider commuting in a shoe most ideal for the weather conditions. Fall is a good time to put the sandals away due to the cold weather. The temperatures may warm up during the day, but forcing your muscles and tendons to perform immediately without the proper blood flow can lead to vascular and soft tissue injury to your lower limbs. Look for footwear with temperature regulating features and footwear that fits properly. There should be enough wiggle room for the toes as a tight fit can create numbness, which can make your cold feet even worse. Try to avoid rain boots, military style boots, canvas and low-profile shoes, especially during longer periods of time. Typically, these shoes are not orthotic friendly and do not contain features to help with pain. Look for shoes with a stable shank, firm heel counter, adjustability and a stable sole. Talk to your Canadian Certified Pedorthist for more information about your shoes this fall! To find a pedorthist near you visit www.pedorthic.ca/

This month I will be talking about shin splints! Learn about what they are in this week's video.

Toe numbness? Check your shoes! High heels or tight-fitting shoes is one cause of this kind of pain. If you need any additional information about your toe numbness, contact us for a foot assessment! #highheels #toenumbness #metatarsalgia #mortonsneuroma #badshoes #footpain #forefootpain #ballofthefoot #barrie #innisfil #barrielocalbusiness #supportsmallbusiness

Looking for a wide and supportive walking shoe? This Cambrian Ultra walking shoe is great for wide feet and contains features for good support. To see if this is the right shoe for you, contact us for a footwear assessment! #supportiveshoes #widefeet #orthopaedicshoes #rockersole #walkingshoe #barrie #innisfil #barrielocalbusiness #supportsmallbusiness

The anterior tibialis muscle lies at the front of the lower leg, to the outside of the tibia (bone). If you want more information about pain in this area, read this month's blog!

Here are a few signs to determine if your metatarsal arch has collapsed. Another indication, which I forgot to mention in the video, is callusing under the ball of the foot.

Here are some indications that may point towards metatarsalgia.

Happy first day of fall! If you have begun to switch to your closed toed shoes, make sure they are still in good shape. The proper shoe support can help prevent pain with the changing seasons! If you would like more information about your shoes, contact us for a footwear assessment! #changingseasons #firstdayoffall #shoes #orthopaedicshoes #goodbyesandals #propersupport #foothealth #barrie #innisfil #barrielocalbusiness #supportsmallbusiness

If you have pain at the ball of the foot, here are some tips about what to do!

If your kids are complaining about growing pains, it might be more than that. If their feet need support, their pain might be coming from the feet. If you are concerned about their feet, contact us for a foot assessment! #growingpains #legpain #kidsfeet #footpain #growingkids #growingchildren #barrie #innisfil #barrielocalbusiness #supportsmallbusiness

Learn about what metatarsalgia is in this weeks video!

Have you thought about putting your sandals away and switching to closed toed shoes? If you have a pair of supportive sandals, they can also be used indoors during the colder seasons. Supportive sandals aren’t just for the summer! #indoorshoes #supportivesandals #changingseasons #propersupport #orthopaedicshoes #barrie #innisfil #barrielocalbusiness

Q: How can I protect my feet during the fall? A: Here are some shoe features to help protect you during fall weather: To prevent falls and injuries, consider ...a hiking boot or a running shoe with traction/non-slip features. Due the colder weather, surfaces harden and create more lumps/dips. These shoes will provide a stable sole with integrity. Damp conditions can lead to unwanted pain, swelling and even blistering. Try to select a water resistant, or Gortex lined, water proof sole. If your occupation requires specific footwear as a uniform, consider commuting in a shoe most ideal for the weather conditions. Fall is a good time to put the sandals away due to the cold weather. The temperatures may warm up during the day, but forcing your muscles and tendons to perform immediately without the proper blood flow can lead to vascular and soft tissue injury to your lower limbs. Look for footwear with temperature regulating features and footwear that fits properly. There should be enough wiggle room for the toes as a tight fit can create numbness, which can make your cold feet even worse. Try to avoid rain boots, military style boots, canvas and low-profile shoes, especially during longer periods of time. Typically, these shoes are not orthotic friendly and do not contain features to help with pain. Look for shoes with a stable shank, firm heel counter, adjustability and a stable sole. Talk to your Canadian Certified Pedorthist for more information about your shoes this fall! To find a pedorthist near you visit www.pedorthic.ca/

Do you have kids going back to school? With all the COVID considerations, it can be easy to forget the feet! Make sure your kids have properly fitting shoes that are not worn out to prevent pain. #backtoschool #indoorshoes #outdoorshoes #schoolshoes #backtoschoollist #propershoes #barrie #innisfil #barrielocalbusiness

Here are a few tips to deal with heel pain in the morning!

Ready to get off your feet by the end of the day? If your arches are in pain, arch support may be beneficial. Contact us to book a foot assessment! #tiredfeet #sorefeet #archpain #heelpain #archsupport #longworkday #longhoursatwork #standingallday #footorthotics #footassessment #barrie #innisfil #barrielocalbusiness #supportsmallbusiness

This months blog features peroneal muscle pain, which is the muscle on the outside of your lower leg. Read our blog for more information!

If heel pain is beginning or returning, here are some initial steps to take.

Does it feel like youve lost all cushioning under your foot? Over time, the fat pad under the heel may shift or atrophy, lessening the cushion. We commonly treat this with custom foot orthotics for cushioning and support. Contact us to book a foot assessment! #fatpad #heelfatpadsyndrome #fatpadatrophy #heelpain #foothealth #footpain #barrie #innisfil #barrielocalbusiness #supportsmallbusiness

Here are a few signs that may be related to plantar fasciitis.

Morning heel pain? It might be time to get your feet checked out! Plantar fasciitis is one condition that can create morning pain and is commonly treated with custom foot orthotics. Contact us to book your foot assessment. #morningpain #heelpain #archpain #footpain #plantarfasciitis #footorthotics #customorthotics #foothealth #barrie #innisfil #barrielocalbusiness #supportsmallbusiness

Foot FAQ/Fact Friday Q. Is it growing pains or should I seek treatment? A. Growing pains are said to be mild aching or throbbing in the lower legs and typicall...y occur in the evening. The pain may not be present everyday, as it tends to come and go. While the common term is growing pains, the areas of complaint associated with these growing pains are not around growth areas. The aching and discomfort are thought to be caused by overuse of muscles during the day. A full day of running, climbing and jumping can be hard on the musculoskeletal system. If your child is wearing flip flops or flexible shoes all day, try switching them to a running shoe and see if that reduces the amount of aching in their legs. You can try gentle stretches in the evening, apply a heating pad, or even try rubbing your childs leg before bed to help ease the aching. If your child is complaining of pain on a regular basis or is limited in their activities by pain, an assessment is recommended. Improper biomechanics, even at a young age, will cause the muscles to be overworked and strained. A Canadian Certified Pedorthist can assess the range of motion and biomechanics of their gait to determine if treatment is necessary. They will also assess the wear patterns of their shoes to see where excess pressures are occurring. Often with children, a supportive shoe can go a long way in keeping their feet and legs comfortable. If there are structural issues, such as the heel tilted inwards or outwards, or if they are overpronating when they walk, then an over the counter or custom made orthotic can be suggested to help the feet and legs function to their best ability. If you would like specific information about having your child assessed or how to keep their feet and legs happy this summer, contact your local Pedorthist! To find a pedorthist near you visit www.pedorthic.ca/

Here is some information about what plantar fasciitis is.

Are your sandals giving you the support you need? Canadian Certified Pedorthist Julia Hayman details common problems with sandals and flip flops that can cause foot pain if youre on your feet all day. https://www.pedorthic.ca/five-fails-summer-shoes/

Increased walking and sandal wearing can lead to heel pain. If your heel is in pain, dont wait for it to worsen! Get your foot assessment done today! #walking #footpain #heelpain #archpain #plantarfasciitis #heelpainsyndrome #foothealth #sandals #sidewalkwalking #barrie #innisfil #barrielocalbusiness #supportsmallbusiness

Even after correcting a bunion, it is important to address the cause to prevent the bunion from returning!

When genetics play a role in bunion development, it may not be the only factor! Your shoes and the way you are walking may be contributing. Contact us to get your feet checked out to determine if different shoes and support may be beneficial. #bunions #genetics #shoes #flatfeet #overpronation #highheelshoes #tightshoes #footsupport #footorthotics #barrie #innisfil #supportsmallbusiness #barrielocalbusiness

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction leads to a severely collapsed arch! Read this months blog to learn more!

Here are a few ways to deal with your bunions.

One of the ways bunions may develop are from the shoes you are wearing. High heels and tight-fitting shoes push on the toe which lead to a bunion. If you have a bunion, it might be time to reevaluate what you wear on your feet! Contact us if you would like more information about bunions and your shoes! #bunions #highheels #tightshoes #bunionformation #halluxvalgus #foothealth #barrie #innisfil #barrielocalbusiness

There are a few ways to develop a bunion. Watch to find out how!

There are multiple ways a bunion can develop, but did you know that bunions can develop from the way you are walking? Flat feet or overpronation can put excessive pressure on the inside of the toe, leading to a bunion. Contact us for an assessment to check your feet! #bunion #flatfeet #pronation #footorthotics #halluxvalgus #bunionformation #barrie #innisfil #barrielocalbusiness #supportsmallbusiness

Did you know that the bump called a bunion is not the same as the deviation of the toe? The deviation is called a hallux valgus and may or may not be accompanied by a bunion bump.

Are you walking to and from work? To help prevent foot pain and reduce the amount your carrying, keep your nice shoes at work and wear your running/walking shoes to and from. If you need advice on what type of walking shoes are best for you, let us know! #walking #walktowork #walkingtowork #footpain #exercise #foothealth #barrie #innisfil #supportsmallbusiness #barrielocalbusiness

Foot FAQ/Fact Friday Q: I wear foot orthotics, but I want to wear sandals without my pain returning. What do I do? A: The easiest solution is to find a sanda...l with a removable insert that will fit your orthotics inside. There are lots of options as many brands are making removable footbed sandals. With this type of sandal, the generic insert can be replaced with your foot orthotic. If you are concerned about parts of the orthotic showing on the sides, speak with your local Pedorthist about options. The orthotic may be modified for a more appealing look in the sandal, but be aware that this is not advised in all cases. Some features may be necessary to keep with the treatment plan. In this case, an additional pair to keep specifically in your sandal may be recommended. Another option is wearing a sandal with built in support. Although it may not provide the same support as your foot orthotic, this supportive feature is much better than wearing a flat flip flop. There are lots of sandal options with supportive features such as heel cupping, arch support and even metatarsal arch support. Each brand fits differently and has different features to choose from. Speak with your local Pedorthist to determine which brand would be most appropriate for you. Although these sandals are great options for those with foot orthotics, be aware when you are going to be walking long distances. In these cases, a walking or running shoe with your orthotics may be more appropriate! If you would like specific information about supportive sandal options or how to keep your feet happy this summer, contact your local Pedorthist! To find a pedorthist near you visit www.pedorthic.ca/

A bony prominence on the top of the foot can create issues when wearing sandals. Here are a couple tips to help prevent pain!

Happy Canada Day!

Finding the right sandal can be hard with a sore area or bony prominence on the top of the foot. When looking for sandals in these cases, find one with an open spot at this area, or use multiple straps to adjust over the area while keeping the sandal secure on your foot. #sandals #sandalseason #sandalstraps #bunions #bonyprominence #footpain #bunionpain #changingseasons #barrie #innisfil #barrielocalbusiness #supportsmallbusiness

When one leg is shorter than the other, hip and back pain can develop. To learn more about a leg length discrepancy, read this months blog!

The straps on your sandals function in different ways. In this video I explain which straps are important!

How many straps do you need on your sandals? The most important strap is the very top, as it will hold your foot in place while walking. A back strap will provide additional support and prevent the sandal from falling off. The more straps there are, the more support and adjustability you have. #sandals #sandalseason #sandalstraps #sandalbackstrap #sandalsupport #changingseasons #barrie #innisfil #barrielocalbusiness #supportsmallbusiness

If can be difficult to find sandals with a bunion. Here are some tips to find a comfortable sandal with bunions!

Did you know there are sandals to accommodate and cover bunions? These sandals have stretchy material on the bunion area to prevent excessive pressure! #sandals #sandalseason #bunions #sandalsforbunions #changingseasons #barrie #innisfil #barrielocalbusiness #supportsmallbusiness

Do you have a pair of orthotics or inserts you wear? There are sandals that will accommodate the use of them!

Because our feet change as we get older, our footwear needs to change too. In honour of Seniors Month, Canadian Certified Pedorthist Jim Pattison shares helpful shoe shopping tips for seniors. https://www.pedorthic.ca/shoe-shopping-tips-seniors/