Are you a B Quad?

The B QUAD Foot-Type is a mildly over-pronated foot type or Mild Pes Planus. The key characteristic of people with this foot type is that they tend to walk with a toe-in gait, which is commonly referred to as being pigeon-toed.

This foot-type is often only found on one foot, especially in adults, and if that’s the case it is usually associated with a leg length difference. This foot-type is not very common in adults and affects less than 10% of the adult population. However, it is very common in children and adolescents. Most of the adults who have this foot-type on both feet have what we describe as ‘child-like’ bodies, which means that they tend to be very petite, don’t weigh much and are more likely to be female. Or they just have it on one foot, most likely due to a leg length difference.

One of the reasons why this foot-type is common in children and not so common in adults is that the foot tends to be a little unstable and usually gets worse over time and changes into either a D or F foot-type as a child gets older. If you start off with a B Foot-Type, it is unlikely that you will stay a B Foot-Type into adolescence and adulthood.

In adults it is more likely that you will see this condition occur on one foot only with a leg length difference on the shorter leg. This is because of the way the foot functions helps to lengthen a shorter leg. When this foot-type occurs on one side only, we refer to this as a "foot disparity". When foot disparities occur, each foot functions differently from one another, as so each limb functions differently as well. This has a direct effect on the hips and low back, often leading to sacral-iliac pain. 

Heel and lower back pain is common. About 30% of the population has two different foot-types, this means that you would need two different orthotic styles, it doesn’t make sense to have to have the same orthotic design for both feet if they are functioning differently. If you do have a pronounced leg length difference, we recommend that you see your health care practitioner to evaluate if you may need a build-up or heel-raise for the orthotic on the shorter side.

To find QUADRASTEPS orthotics in your area, try our FIND A PRACTITIONER tool!

For more information about the B Quad, visit www.nolaro24.com/patient/quadbpatient.html.
To find a practitioner in your area, check our website www.nolaro24.com/patient/find.html.
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Tips for Happy Feet this Holiday Season

Tips to Keep Feet Happy this Holiday Season

Holiday shopping, decorating, parties and traveling are all part of our holiday revelries. But while you’re making all that merriment, how happy are your feet?

You may be doing a lot of walking, dancing, standing and sitting in one position throughout the holiday season. Half of all Americans report experiencing foot pain at some point in their lives, according to a survey conducted by APMA. No one wants soreness or injuries to slow them down during the holidays, so it’s important to care for your feet so they can carry you through all those seasonal celebrations and chores.

Follow this advice to keep feet healthy (and happy) this holiday season:

• Moisturize – Dry winter air and cold temperatures can take a toll on skin. Moisturize feet daily to help avoid dry, cracked and irritated skin.
• Exercise your feet – Stretching is a good way to avoid muscle cramps. Stave off toe cramps by raising, pointing and curling your toes for five seconds. Repeat 10 times. Rotating your ankles can also help relax feet. Cup your heel and turn each ankle slowly five times to loosen ankle joints.
• Massage – Foot rubs not only feel good, they’re a great way to release tension, boost circulation and refresh skin after a long day on your feet. Take a few minutes to massage your feet at the end of a day of shopping and celebrating. Use lotion and take care of moisturizing at the same time!
• Pedicure properly – Picture-perfect toes are part of a great holiday wardrobe for many women. Whether you do it yourself or go to a salon, be sure your pedicure is done properly. Never use a razor to remove dead skin – opt for a good pumice stone instead. Don’t cut cuticles; push them back gently with a rubber tool made for this purpose. Use toenail clippers with a straight edge to cut nails straight across.
• Raise your legs – Feet and ankles can swell from sitting too long in one position (taking a long flight to grandma’s house for the holidays, for example) or if you’ve been on your feet all day (shopping, baking or cooking). Elevate your legs to reduce swelling. Lay or sit and lift your legs above your heart.
• Wear smart shoes – OK, so you’ll never give up your sparkly high heels when it’s time for that special soiree. But for other holiday activities such as shopping, traveling or cooking, ditch the high heels. When you know you’ll be on your feet all day, wear comfortable shoes with good arch support and a padded sole. See which types of footwear have received the Seal of Acceptance and Seal of Approval for promoting foot health.
• Get help – Feet shouldn’t hurt all the time. Persistent foot pain can be an indication of injury, irritation or illness. See a podiatrist if you experience pain; don’t wait until the holidays end.

And of course - wear your QUADRASTEPS and littleSTEPS orthotics every day to help lessen thepain and fatigue in your feet, ankles, knees, hips, back and neck!

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Blog originally posted on the APMA website http://www.apma.org/Learn/HealthyFeetTips.cfm?ItemNumber=9850

Foot Reflexology

Foot Reflexology is not just foot massage, it is an ancient art and healing practice for relief of all kinds of ailments from headaches and sinus problems, to neck pain and menstrual cramps. It works work by putting pressure on specific pressure points/nerve endings on the foot to stimulate a healing response in specific organs and areas of the body. This in turn stimulates nerve response, blood flow and nutrient movement to the corresponding areas of the body.

It's a wonderful way to relax and feel better this holiday season, but be sure to look for a qualified practitioner or spa in your area.