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| The last column discussed what sports injuries are and how to assess their severity. This column will tell you what to do when you have an acute sports injury. The three main goals... read more |
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| Acute Sports Injuries are traumatic in nature. Some are very dramatic such as when Mike Foligno broke his leg at centre ice the season before last. Although his was a bone injury m... read more |
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Franco
Tavazzani |
Dr. Franco Tavazzani is an orthopaedic surgeon with specialty interest in arthroscopic knee and shoulder reconstruction. After graduating from the University of Toronto, he trained... read more |
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What services do we provide?
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 The Sports Medicine Specialists offer a variety of different therapeutic options to suit your daily or active needs. Please feel to browse through the serives below. If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at 416.481.1601 or email us.
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| Orthotics |
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All About Foot Orthotic Devices
As with any structure, if the foundation is not stable, the elements above become affected. This also applies to ones feet, the foundation of your body. Imbalances of the supporting structures of your feet can result in excessive foot motion, which in addition to altering proper foot function, can result in rotation of the legs which may affect your ankles, knees, hips and back. Custom Foot Orthotic Devices (orthoses) are designed to control one’s foot biomechanics to a precise degree throughout all phases of gait.
Who Needs Orthotic Devices
If you are experiencing foot, shin, knee, hip or low back discomfort that does not resolve, the origins may be bio-mechanical in nature, in which case an orthotic device may be helpful. Since orthotic devices can work in a preventative fashion, they may be appropriate in some cases where future problems may be considered likely. As an example, if the foot rolls in or flattens excessively, our lower extremities become predisposed to additional stress, leading to possible pain and limited function. Similar problems may occur with a high arched foot. High arched feet while standing are typically imbalanced and provide very poor shock absorption. Orthotics can ultimately improve weight distribution and comfort. Keep in mind, regardless of foot type, as we walk, run or play sports, our entire body weight lands on our feet up to 4,000 times a day.
Common Conditions Successfully Treated With Foot Orthotics
• Localized foot pain/Metatarsalgia
• Bunions, Hammer or Clawed Ties
• Plantar Fasciitis/Heel Pain Syndrome
• Achilles tendonitis
• Compartment Syndromes
• Chondromalacia Patella
• Patella Tendonitis
• Ilio-Tibial Band Syndrome
What are Pedorthotists
The practice and profession of pedorthics has matured in Canada over the last ten years, under the guidance of the Pedorthic Association of Canada. Canadian Certified Pedorthists are trained and tested in their knowledge of biomechanics, anatomy, physiology of the lower limb, orthoses fabrication and modification and footwear fitting and modification. The College of Pedorthics of Canada is the certifying and regulatory body for the profession and has established stringent standards of practice for certified members. Clinicians undergo rigorous written and practical testing processes and are required to comply with Pedorthic Code of Ethics www.pedorthic.ca
As footwear and orthoses experts, Canadian Certified Pedorthists work as members of the healthcare team to alleviate painful or debilitating conditions resulting from abnormalities or limited actions of the lower limb. Patients are typically referred to directly to Certified Pedorthists by their physician or medical specialist. All major Canadian Insurance Companies endorse Certified Pedorthists as providers of this service. .
Unmatched Product Design
Corrective foot orthoses are made from a traditional three-dimensional cast molding or a start-of-the art Laser Scanner (C.A.D. System) of ones feet. These techniques have proven to be the most “medically accepted” and biomechanically accurate methods in producing custom orthotic devices. From a positive plaster/composite mold, orthotic devices are fabricated using vacuum forming methods. Based on the individual’s body weight, foot type, footwear and activities, the latest materials are selected for the thermal molding process. The finished product is ultimately individualized by material design and customization. The orthotics are accompanied with a full laboratory warranty against breakage and comfort. Patients who seek orthotic therapy should be very weary of direct selling programs or weight bearing computerized systems to “order orthotics”. Two-dimensional measurements do not equate to accurate three-dimensional devices.
Special Designs
With very few exceptions custom orthotics can be made for all types of footwear. Patients however, need to be aware that not all custom orthotics provide the same support or shock absorbent qualities. Patients will be assessed with the view of determining what style or material make-up is going to serve their needs best. Orthotics can be designed for all types of sports shoes, dress shoes, skates and ski boots. The types and styles of ones shoes are also a critical part of the overall treatment plan.
Consultation Appointment
During an initial ½ hour consultation the following areas are evaluated:
1. History of injury(s) and their causes.
2. Range of joint(s) movement and condition of injury.
3. Body alignment.
4. Flexibility and muscle imbalances.
5. Weight distribution and gait abnormalities.
6. Footwear and previous orthotics.
7. Training programs/techniques.
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Therapy