10 Things to Note About Your Child Before They Turn 10

1. In-toeing
2. Toe Walking
3. Frequent injuries anywhere in the body
4. Complaining about “growing pains”
5. “Clumsiness could be coming from poor foundation"
6. Poor posture
7. Scoliosis could be worsened or caused
8. Poor endurance during walking or running
9. Disinterest to sports involving running
10. Obesity

Are you concerned about your child's feet?

You are not alone. It is not uncommon for parents to be concerned about their child's feet!
Consider Genetics! Many adults recognize that they have feet genetically similar to their parents, but many not realize that they might have passed on these same foot traits to their children! Help your children avoid acquiring your foot problems by having their feet screened by a qualified clinician who can help you determine if treatment should be considered.

Check our FIND A PRACTITIONER page for a practitioner near you that carries Nolaro24 products


For more information EMAIL US
Twitter: @LSteps @QuadraSTEPS
FB: @quadrasteps
nolaro24.com

All Treats, NO TRICKS!

For help finding a practitioner, try the
FIND A PRACTITIONER tool on our website

Choosing the correct orthotic

What is a foot orthotic?

By definition, a custom made foot orthotic is a medical device made to control the way a foot functions. There is a significant amount of literature that can scientifically detail what a foot orthotic should be, how they should be diagnosed, and how they should be manufactured. At the end of the day you have only one thing in mind - making your feet and overall body feel better.

A properly prescribed and manufactured foot orthotic inserted into your shoes will correct abnormalities in their biomechanical function, thus reducing pain, providing support, and preventing these deformities from progressing with age. Keep in mind that foot orthotics not only alleviate foot pain but are effective in treating hip pain, lower back pain, and knee pain that are a result of these mal-alignments in the lower body.

Orthotic Choices

There are two basic types of orthotics; accommodative and functional. Accommodative orthotics are designed to simply shift body weight away from the painful area but are not designed or intended to correct the underlying problem. These orthotics are typically made of a soft material and are referred to as "soft orthotics".

Functional foot orthotics are designed to specifically correct the abnormality and are the type of orthotic that will provide the highest level of correction and relief.

There are two types of functional orthotics; rigid and semi-rigid. Rigid orthotics are made from a firm material such as plastic or carbon fiber and are designed to aggressively correct mal-alignments of the lower extremity, i.e. pes planus. Semi-rigid orthotics are used for patients needing a more flexible device with more cushioning, i.e. pes cavus.

Our QUADRASTEP SYSTEM orthotics are a pre-fabricated custom-to-foot type foot orthotic that is the closest you can get to a custom foot orthotic with a prefab. They have all of the posting, recesses and correction of a custom functional foot orthotic at a fraction of the cost.

Your practitioner can explain how properly balanced feet can dramatically improve your overall posture and strength to optimize your bio-mechanical wellness.

To find a practitioner that can dispense QUADRASTEP® orthotics, check our Find a Practitioner pageon Nolaro24.com and get RELIEF NOW!

For more information EMAIL US

Twitter: @LSteps @QuadraSTEPS

FB: @quadrasteps

nolaro24.com

What makes littleSTEPS® Unique?

littleSTEPS® provide the same functional foot control found in prescription foot orthoses. Some of
these features are:

• An ultra deep 30 mm heel cup to maximize rearfoot control and realign the Achilles tendon.
  
• Excellent arch support with deep sidewalls to assure both comfort and correction.
  
• A unique thermoplastic compound which has a combination of strength and a “soft-edge” feel for patient comfort.
  
• littleSTEPS® are durable and easy to clean with soap and water.
  
• Fit in most standard athletic shoes.

littleSTEPS® are sold through practitioners, to find a practitioner in your area, check out our FIND A PRACTITIONER Tool.

For more information EMAIL US

Twitter: @LSteps @QuadraSTEPS

FB: @quadrasteps

nolaro24.com

DID YOU KNOW?

Here are some fun facts about Feet:

We all know that American bodies are getting bigger, but what about our feet? In the United States, the best-selling shoe size is 8.5 for women and 10.5 for men. Those are both up a full size from 30 years ago, according to the National Shoe Retailers Association in a Chicago Tribune article. If you think you know your correct size, you could be off — a 2011 report published in the Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery suggests that about 35 percent of people underestimated by at least half a size.

It is suggested that 9 out of 10 women wear the wrong shoe size!

Humans have nearly 8000 nerves in our feet

Compared to fingernails, toenails grow much more slowly – about 1mm a month

Fingernails and toenails grow faster during hot weather, pregnancy and teenage years

The record for the world’s largest feet belongs to Matthew McGrory who wears US size 28½

In a pair of feet, there are 250,000 sweat glands

It takes at least 5-6 months to grow an entirely new toenail

Akshat Saxena holds the world record for having the most toes with 10 digits one each foot!

In America, the average shoe size has gone up two sizes in just four decades

It’s rare that two feet are exactly the same; one of them is often larger than the other

For more information EMAIL US

Twitter: @LSteps @QuadraSTEPS

FB: @quadrasteps

nolaro24.com

Causes and Prevention: Why Your Foot and Ankle Are Killing You?

The condition of your feet can give you a lot of clues about multiple medical issues, like diabetes, arthritis, or sprain. Foot and ankle pain is a widespread problem among people of all ages and gender, and it refers to any kind of discomfort in your foot and ankles.

92.1% of people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis suffer from foot pain, and it substantially impacts their life and work. – NCBI

Here we have made a list of causes that might be killing your foot and ankle.

Read the full article from Dr. Scott Gray HERE

For more information EMAIL US

Twitter: @LSteps @QuadraSTEPS

FB: @quadrasteps

nolaro24.com

Find the right shoes for Back to School!

Now that it's time to go back to school, most parents are getting new shoes for their kids. It's very important for you to choose the right fitting shoe for your child, as well as the right shoe for your child's orthotics.

Orthotics do not work without something to give it contact with the dynamic foot.  That is where the shoe comes into play.  With footwear, the orthotic becomes an extension of the foot (or at minimum a bridge between the foot and shoe). With that all being said, are shoes an important consideration when wearing orthotics?  Absolutely.

The Importance of Fit

The first thing to remember is that a shoe is only as good as the fit.  A $200 shoe that fits poorly has less value than a $40 shoe that fits properly.  You will benefit from having an expert select and fit your shoes.

Find a retailer that has a good selection of shoes, and has associates who are skilled at fitting and have a history of customer satisfaction.  It is best to find a retailer who has a certified pedorthist on staff or someone who has a good understanding of pedorthic concepts.  Once you have an idea of which retailers might meet your requirements, ask these questions.  Does the sales staff know their stuff?  Do they measure feet?  Are they listening to you? 

The Basics of the Fitting Process

One concept to remember is that shoe size is not foot size.  A person who has a size 9 foot may wear a size 9 shoe – or a size 10 – depending on the brand. Even within a brand you can find that different models can have fit characteristics.  The starting point in shoe selection and fitting is to be professionally measured with the Brannock Device.  This foot measuring apparatus measures the heel-to-toe length of the foot, the heel-to-ball and the linear width.  Using the Brannock Device not only indicates the foot size but helps to visually show foot expansion between non-weight bearing and weight bearing state.  It is also a great tool for help quantify a size difference between the two feet.

Shoe selection is very important and the general goal is to match the foot shape to a corresponding shoe shape.  If the foot is shaped like a loaf of bread, then look for a straight-lasted shoe.  If the foot is shaped like a banana, then look for a curved-lasted shoe.  An important consideration is the orthotic itself, as they will affect the effective shape of the foot.  As most orthotics tend to be more straight and full, often the best shoe options are those that are also straight and full.

When fitting the shoe, the professional should try and fit the widest part of the foot into the widest part of the shoe.  If that is achieved then the shoe will flex naturally along with the foot, enabling a more fluid gait and causing less irritation.  Beyond last shape and ball-of-foot placement, having adequate space at the end of the shoe is important.  In general, having at least 3/8^th of an inch of space at the end of the longest toe (which may not be the great toe).

Shoe Selection is Critical

Before buying shoes, it is best to assess your expectations.  Orthotics will not fit into all shoes.  In fact, they will fit into a minority of shoes found in a typical shoe store.  The shoe will need to tie, Velcro or otherwise be secured around the foot.  In addition, the shoe needs to have enough internal volume to accommodate the orthotic. Remember that any given shoe model might not be the best fit option for every person.  In addition, depending on your activity level, the shoe you need may not a running shoe.  A full-waisted walking shoe may be the perfect shoe or perhaps a casual oxford.  Instead of looking for specific styles of shoes, look for specific features.

Follow Up

Don’t be afraid to ask for a return visit so you can have your retailer check how the shoe fits and how it accommodates the orthotic.  It may take a little time for the orthotic to seat firmly into the shoe and start to feel comfortable. If you have any pain, you should go back to your retailer immediately to have them check that they have chosen the correct shoe for your foot type and your orthotics.
Information courtesy of Lamey Wellehan Shoes  •  Maine’s Shoe Store since 1914

ARE YOUR KIDS READY FOR SCHOOL?

With thoughts of school right around the corner (THE MOST WONDERFUL time of the year! 🤣🤣🤣), most of you parents are shopping for new shoes for your kids in August. Do you know that you need to check their littleSTEPS® orthotics to make sure they are still the right size as well? Chances are that they will need a new size for their new shoes! Be sure to check your child's sizing and make an appointment with your local practitioner to be fitted for their new larger size littleSTEPS®, and have them bring their new shoes with them.

Here's how to check if your child needs a new size:

Getting the next size larger littleSTEPS® will ensure that your kids are comfortable at school, in sports, and at home just having fun. If you need to find a practitioner, please check our website's database of dispensing practitioners in your area HERE.

For more information EMAIL US

Twitter: @LSteps @QuadraSTEPS

FB: @quadrasteps

nolaro24.com

Common Sports Injuries Part 1: Ankle Sprains

Read about Common Sports injuries by Dr. Scott Gray HERE

For more information EMAIL US

Twitter: @LSteps @QuadraSTEPS

FB: @quadrasteps

nolaro24.com

Diabetic Foot Care

Patients with Type 2 Diabetes are susceptible to diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy and coronary disease and high blood pressure which affect the eyes, kidneys and heart. As these problems arise, they may be treated systemically by a physician.

Patients with Type 2 Diabetes are also prone to diabetic neuropathy which commonly affects the feet—this, fortunately, can be accommodated by you and a qualified shoe fitter.
Diabetic neuropathy often manifests as numbness, tingling, temperature extremes and/or pain. Proper shoe style, shape, materials and size & width are vital in reducing diabetic foot discomfort. Also, due to a lack of foot sensation, a patient may not notice friction or deformity caused by an ill-fitted shoe—this may lead to abrasion, ulceration, infection and in many cases, partial or complete amputation of the foot. Proper shoe fit has proven to be a very effective means by which to prevent major injury to the neuropathic foot.

In addition to a well-fitted shoe, an accommodative insole, custom-molded or heat-molded to match the contours of the bottom of a patient’s foot, will provide further protection of the foot against potentially harmful pressures. If a patient’s foot has undergone partial amputation, accommodative insoles can be augmented with prosthetic fillers to improve shoe fit.

If you are diabetic, it is extremely important that you go to a qualified diabetic shoe fitter and orthotic lab to get the most out of your footwear and to help relieve any pain you may be feeling! Ask your practitioner about our QUADRASTEP adult prefabricated foot orthotics and see if they might be right for you!

For more information EMAIL US

Twitter: @LSteps @QuadraSTEPS

FB: @quadrasteps

nolaro24.com

CONGRATULATIONS to Family Foot & Ankle Care of Jasper on their new location and Shoe Store!

Family Foot & Ankle Care of Jasper, IN has moved their practice to a new location, allowing them to add a NEW Shoe Store. Congratulations to Dr. Tim Barry and his staff on the move and beautiful new location. The new address is 695 W. 2nd Street, Suite C, Jasper, IN 47546.

Dr. Timothy Barry and our friendly staff don’t just want your feet to feel better after walking through our doors; we want you to leave with peace of mind and happy with the care you received, too. We are dedicated to treating all our patients with kindness, empathy, and respect. We want you to have a full understanding of your condition and all the treatment options available. You deserve to have all the information you need to make the best decisions for your health, both in treatment and your life outside an appointment.

This attitude doesn’t just count in the exam room, but at the reception desk and billing as well. We seek to get you happily on your way with prompt speed and personal attention, answering any questions you may have.

NEW - Style & Comfort Footwear

Dr. Barry's team is pleased to announce the addition of their full service shoe store located next door to their practice. This will allow them to expand their already extensive shoe selection to fit every patient with the right shoe for their needs.

Come Visit!

Many people endure foot pain on a daily basis, believing their problem isn’t “serious” enough to warrant treatment, or that nothing can be done about it. Both ideas couldn’t be further from the truth! No foot pain is normal, and there is no problem too “minor” to avoid bringing to our attention.

From ingrown toenails to bunions to trauma, Family Foot & Ankle Care of Jasper is prepared to treat a wide variety of conditions. A majority of problems can be treated with conservative methods, such as custom-made orthotics or medicines, and they will always employ them when they are a feasible option. If these methods don’t work, or the condition is just too advanced, then surgery may become a consideration. Dr. Barry is an expert surgeon who can perform a number of procedures in-office. For convenience, when surgery is needed, surgeries are performed in Jasper either at Memorial Hospital or at the Memorial Hospital Outpatient Surgery Center.

Regardless of what you come to see us for, from a plantar wart to a severe sprain, Family Foot & Ankle Care of Jasper will treat you with the same sense of caring and superior attention to detail.

Visit them at familyfootcareofjasper.com

For more information EMAIL US

Twitter: @LSteps @QuadraSTEPS

FB: @quadrasteps

nolaro24.com

ARE YOUR KIDS READY FOR SUMMER?

Make sure their littleSTEPS® Foot Orthotics or Gait Plates are the right size, because they play such an important role in your child's:

• Gait
• Posture
• Balance
• Comfort

Do A Quick Check!

Find the Next Size

CALL your practitioner and order the next size up!

If you need help finding a practitioner, try our FIND A PRACTITIONER tool on our website

nolaro24.com

For more information EMAIL US

Twitter: @LSteps @QuadraSTEPS

FB: @quadrasteps

nolaro24.com

Why Does Your Child Walk On Their Toes?

ReBlogged from Dr. Brandon Macy, Clark Podiatry Center
Link to original blog

“Get up on your toes” is a figure of speech urging you to prepare to start something energetically. But when your child appears to be walking on tiptoe most of the time, you sense that something isn’t quite right.

Many parents fear something dire is going on, whether it might be tightness of the Achilles tendons in need of intensive physical therapy, surgery or some neurological issue which sounds even worse. Fortunately, although those situations do sometimes happen, more commonly the answer is far simpler and easier to deal with.

Feet which overpronate (flatten) too much are unstable—there is a lack of ‘leverage’ during walking and running—which is a very inefficient way of getting around. To combat this, raising up on the toes puts the foot in a more stable position. Also, depending on the balance between the forefoot and the rearfoot and the tightness of the Achilles tendon, the heel may lift off the ground prematurely during the gait cycle.

In these cases, muscles, tendons and ligaments have to work extra hard resulting in early fatigue, achiness and pain, affecting their gait and their athletic activities. Over many years, this can lead to foot deformities and arthritic damage to the feet, knees, hips and back.

Most of the time, if your child can stand with both heels on the ground, there is no major tightening of the Achilles tendon. Fortunately, providing proper support and balancing of the feet with a good set of orthotics such as our LittleSteps pediatric orthotics or our adult versions for those over the age of 10 can help deal with the majority of these situations. Using good orthotics on a daily basis can change things rather quickly, decreasing the toe walking and allowing your child to participate fully in their sports activities with less fatigue and pain—not to mention preventing larger problems into adulthood.

For more information visit our website at www.clarkpodiatry.com.

At Clark Podiatry Center and the New Jersey Children’s Foot Health Institute, we want to keep you and your child walking!

#ToeWalking #ClarkPodiatryCenter #NJCFHI

For more information EMAIL US

Twitter: @LSteps @QuadraSTEPS

FB: @quadrasteps

nolaro24.com

Looking for a Practitioner in Western CT?

Stride Pedorthic Center is located in Middlebury CT. Stride is a full service location where you can not only see a certified practitioner, you can also pick up shoes, orthotics, and accessories.

"Nolaro’s Quadrastep Orthotics are the closest thing to Stride Custom Orthotics that you can get without casting a patient’s foot. They’re more functional than many of the custom orthotics I’ve seen, thanks to the differing rigidity of each model and quad-specific rearfoot and forefoot posting. Quadrastep Orthotics can also be customized with additional posting, met pads and top covers! Nolaro co-founder Roberta Nole has invented a cost-effective bridge for the wide gap between over-the-counter insoles and custom foot orthotics."

Clinicians at Stride Pedorthic Center use a patented, proprietary method of gait evaluation that helps them to identify and relieve injuries that you may have sustained in weight bearing and gait. Stride’s system is so effective that it has helped clinicians to identify patients’ susceptibilities to injury which, consequently, has led to the prevention of foot, ankle, knee, hip and back pain.
Stride has a comprehensive Diabetic Shoe Program where you will be evaluated and fitted by our clinicians, who have years of diabetic shoe fitting experience and are eager to find the right fit for you. Stride provides diabetic approved shoe styles by New Balance, Anodyne, Orthofeet, and other premium manufacturers.

Stride Pedorthic Center has many different shoe styles to choose from, including running, casual, diabetic and sandals from premium manufacturers such as New Balance, Vionic, Aetrex, Revere and more! We also carry a full range of accessories such as socks, foot care products, and shoe products.

Stride clinicians successfully treat hundreds of patients per year by communicating with their primary care physicians, pediatricians, physiatrists, physical therapists, surgeons, orthopedists, chiropractors, custom shoe fabricators and any other professional that can lend to a multidisciplinary enhancement of patients’ biomechanical wellness. 

Roberta Nole, PT, MA, Cped and Scott LaBianco, BOCPD dispense custom and non-custom foot orthotics & ankle-foot orthotics, as well as footwear that effectively Improve How You Move.

Contact us today to learn more and to schedule a fitting at (203) 758-8307 or email info@strideorthotics.com

For more information EMAIL US

Twitter: @LSteps @QuadraSTEPS

FB: @quadrasteps

nolaro24.com

SPRING is HERE! Get Ready for Spring Sports

Spring is FINALLY here, although in the northeast it has been more like February. 😩 

With the coming of Spring our kids are getting ready for baseball and other spring sports. Make sure your kids are ready with the proper footwear and foot support. Part of that foot support should be a check if your child needs foot orthotics to help with balance, coordination, or pain.

The practitioners and retail establishments that carry our QUADRASTEPS® and littleSTEPS® are all qualified to do a foot evaluation to determine if any intervention is needed. Many have free foot screening clinics throughout the year, you should check your area stores and practitioners to see if there is one inear you. To find a list of practitioners in your area, visit our website www.nolaro24.com/patient/find. 

Below are some helpful info for you to consider when trying to decide if you need to take your child to see someone.

Consider Genetics! Many adults recognize that they have feet genetically similar to their parents, but many not realize that they might have passed on these same foot traits to their children! Help your children avoid acquiring your foot problems by having their feet screened by a qualified clinician who can help you determine if treatment should be considered.

Foot Facts:

• It is normal for a child's foot to appear flat up until about the age of 2 due to a thick layer of baby fat that fills the arch area.  As long as the child is otherwise healthy, and the foot is flexible and free of pain, then no treatment is necessary.
  
  
• A child's arch becomes more apparent around the age of 3 when the fat pad begins to disappear. At this age it is normal to observe a good arch when the child is sitting or lying down. Upon standing however, the arch may look very low. In most cases, this may be completely normal.
  
  
• It is uncommon for children to complain of foot pain.  Be aware that “Growing Pains” are not always normal and may be a sign that your child may have an unstable foot.  Any child complaining of pain should be seen by their doctor to rule out a potentially serious condition and to determine if they are a candidate for foot orthotics.  

Consider littleSTEPS® When:

• Your child has poor balance or coordination, awkward gait, or tends to trip and fall.
  
• Your child habitually walks on their toes or walks with their feet turned in (“intoeing”).   for no known medical reason.
  
• Your child fatigues easily and often wants to be carried.
  
• And Yes, If you child has any pain related to walking, or has frequent or severe growing pains.

For more information EMAIL US

Twitter: @LSteps @QuadraSTEPS

FB: @quadrasteps

nolaro24.com

Having Trouble Finding a Practitioner in Your Area?

Try our terrific FIND A PRACTITIONER page on nolaro24.com, and search a database of our practitioners who carry QUADRASTEPS and littleSTEPS foot orthotics in your area!

For more information EMAIL US
Twitter: @LSteps @QuadraSTEPS
FB: @quadrasteps
nolaro24.com

The Second Most Common Sports Injury… Plantar Fasciitis

By Guest Author Dr. Scott Gray

Dr. Scott Gray is a globally acclaimed physical therapist specializing in non-invasive as well as conservative treatment of sport, athletic and spine injuries.

Do you have pain at the bottom of your foot when walking or running? Does it start out really painful and lessen as you move around?

If so, you may be suffering from planar fasciitis.

In this post, you’ll learn exactly what plantar fasciitis is, its symptoms, how to prevent it from happening, and….

What you can do to find plantar fasciitis relief.

What Exactly Is Plantar Fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a small tissue on the bottom of your foot. It encases all tendons and helps to distribute forces across your foot when walking, running, etc.

However, when beginning a new workout or overtime as an athlete you can irritate this tissue on the sole of your foot. This leads to inflammation of the plantar fascia which turns into plantar fasciitis.

What Are Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?

The symptoms vary from person- to- person but usually involve two common symptoms:

1. Pain At the Bottom Of Your Foot

As described earlier, the plantar fasciitis runs at the sole of your foot. When the bottom of your foot hurts, usually this is the condition causing you discomfort.

2. Pain Is Worst First Thing In the Morning….

Another symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain first thing in the morning when waking up or if sitting for prolonged periods of time. This usually then causes excruciating pain during your first few steps.

How to Get Plantar Fasciitis Relief

There are many different ways to get plantar fasciitis relief. Some better than others. Below are the three most common ways to get relief on the bottom of your foot…

1. Ice the Bottom Of Your Foot
2. Stretch Your Plantar Fascia
3. Consider Orthotics….

One of the best ways to get reduce irritation of the plantar fasciitis is to ice the plantar fascia. This is great because it reduces the inflammation but also reduces pain.

A simple and easy way to reduce your pain is to stretch the plantar facia. This works great because it is usually tight. If you do stretch it out it should it overtime.

Lastly, getting the appropriate arch support may be the best thing for your feet. If your foot is to high arched (supinated)  or has too little of an arch (pronated foot), the plantar fascia can take a beating. The end result being …. pain.

An orthotic helps realign your feet and support your arch and is one of the best ways to get better.

Click Here to get information on foot orthotics.

Read more of Dr. Gray's blog posts

Twitter: @LSteps @QuadraSTEPS

FB: @quadrasteps

nolaro24.com