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Orthotics For Flat Feet — A Step In The Right Direction

Adults can also “acquire” flat feet - whether a result of pregnancy or a factor of aging. C. Ped (C) Amanda Lacroix, BioPed Barrie, explains. “The posterior tibial tendon is spe- cifically designed to hold up the arch. As we get older, the muscle can weaken, gradually causing the arch to flatten. Under normal circumstances, it is the arch that absorbs the impact from walking, running or jumping. But if the arch has fallen, it can no longer perform this task – leaving the joints in the feet, the legs and the back to pick up the slack, ultimately causing discomfort.” Those who spend 8 to 10 hours a day on their feet – retail sales people, machine operators, assembly-line workers, cashiers, bank tellers and restaurant servers like Cecile – are particularly vulner- able to this type of pain. Says Cecile, an employee at Casino Rama for the past 15 years, “I walk on cement floors all day. At first, my work

shoes were enough. Over time, however, my whole body began to ache. It was crippling, affecting not only my ability to earn a living but also my outlook on life.” A pair of rigid orthotics and years of orthotic adjustments later, a friend suggested that Cecile visit BioPed. “ A rigid orthotic was not ideal for Cecile’s foot type,” says Amanda. “In addition to flat feet, a 3-D image highlighted a discrepancy between her right and left foot. A custom made, semi-rigid orthotic was a better match with her foot type and work requirements- one that supported the arch Like many Canadians, 61- year-old Cecile Bruneau has flat feet - a condition that can occur during childhood when the arch of the foot doesn’t properly develop.

“ When your feet hurt,” she says, “you hurt all over. BioPed physically cared for my feet, but they also lifted my spirits. I couldn’t imagine my life without them.”

and also prevented her feet from rolling inward.” Cecile still experiences the odd achiness at night, but since purchasing her BioPed orthot- ics, she is virtually pain free.

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