Shantz Orthotic Solutions Inc.
711 Oxford St. W. Unit A N6H 1V1 London, ON, Canada

Do you ever wonder what the SOS Pedorthists are doing in the lab? At SOS, we are unique as we have our lab on-site. What this means is, everything is made by your Pedorthists that assessed you. If there is something that needs to be adjusted on the orthotic, we do not have to send them away we can fix it while you wait! When we are not with a patient, Christy, Emma, and Adeline will be in the lab making orthotics, doing shoe modifications, and keeping your feet happy!... Have a question? Leave it in the comments below

Happy Friday! Would you like to win one of our insulated SOS water bottles? Simply comment below what your favourite thing is about SOS. Whether you are a client or have just been following along, we love to hear feedback! Names will be entered into a draw and lucky person will win! Good luck

At Shantz Orthotic Solutions, we want to keep you safe while getting you back on your feet. With the current lockdown, our doors are still open by appointment only. If you do no feel comfortable coming in, we are offering a contactless dropbox to help those that want additional pairs. If you have purchased orthotics from us in the last 12 months and would like an additional pair, please contact us via email or phone to setup your fitting. The dropbox will be available from Monday to Friday, 10-4, for you to drop off your casts and a tracing of your insole. We will then contact you when they are ready to process the paperwork and get the orthotics out to you. Please email us at [email protected] or call us at 519-660-6550.

We are closed for the holidays and looking forward to some baking and cooking with our families. One thing we try to remember is when cooking, baking, or even cleaning for long periods, it’s hard on our feet and legs. Try wearing a pair of clean shoes or supportive sandals in the house when you know you’ll be on your feet for a long time. The hard, cold floors in barefoot or sock feet may cause pain in the feet, aching in the legs, and just overall discomfort. Shoes and supp...ortive sandals can help reduce stress from standing in your feet, legs, and back. Low grade compression socks could also be helpful to keep the blood flowing and make your legs feel less tired. Saw this too late and already sore? We will be open again in January by appointment only and would love to see you. Most importantly, what are you baking?

Merry Christmas from our family to yours. Just a reminder that we are closed for holidays until January 4th. If you need to contact us, please leave a voicemail or email the clinic at [email protected] Wishing you a happy and safe holiday season, ... Emma, Ashley, Christy and Adeline

If you think compression is only for those with vericose veins, think again! These are definitely not your grandma's socks Recently, we had a client in to get fit for some compression socks. She is an extremely athletic woman who wanted some help with muscle recovery during and after her sports (mountain biking and ball hockey). After trying them for a few weeks, she has noticed improvement in muscle recovery, swelling, and cramping in the legs. Compression socks are idea...l for those who stand or sit for the majority of the day, athletes, during pregnancy, travelling, and the list goes on! If you think you might benefit from compression socks, call to book an appointment with one of our Certified Pedorthists to determine if compression might be beneficial for you. We carry compression socks that are both medical and non-medical grades depending on what you need. They come in a range of sizes and colours as well!! See more

Why do we use ice when there is an injury???? Ice treatment is most commonly used for acute injuries. If you have had a recent injury (within the last 48 hours) where swelling is a problem, you should be using ice. Ice packs can help minimize swelling around the injury, reduce bleeding into the tissues, and reduce muscle spasm and pain. Ice packs are often used after injuries like ankle sprains have occurred. Applying an ice pack early and often for the first 48 hours will he...lp minimize swelling, and decreasing swelling around an injury will help to control the pain. Ice treatments may also be used for chronic conditions, such as overuse injuries in athletes. In this case, ice the injured area after activity to help control inflammation. It is important to never use ice for more than 20 minutes at a time. If you ice for more than 20 minutes, your body gets confused into thinking there is an issue (hypothermia) and sends more blood to the area, which is the opposite of what we are trying to achieve!

With the new year starting, it is time for me to order new compression socks! If you currently wear compression socks, it is a great time to think about if it is time to replace them. Over time, the compression socks tend to lose some of their elasticity. I wear compression daily to work. With wearing and washing mine, I know it is time to replace them when they start to feel loose or slide down. Compression socks are great for those who do a lot of sitting or standing at t...heir job. They are also recommended for anyone who is experiencing heaviness, aches, or swelling in their lower legs/ankles or has painful vericose veins. Not all legs are the same and in order for the compression socks to provide the best compression, they must fit properly by someone who is trained, like a Pedorthist. If you are thinking about compression, give us a call today! See more

Happy Friday!! Here is some seasonal humour to end the week Only 14 more days until Christmas!

What is a Pedorthist??? A Certified Pedorthist, or C. Ped (C) is a individual trained in postural analysis, movement patterns, and musculoskeletal examination. We focus on the assessment of lower limb anatomy, muscle and joint function, and how the foot/lower limb interacts with the rest of the body. Our goal with our custom-foot orthotics is to create a better foundation for you to walk on. Orthotics are beneficial when there is an issue with the biomechanics or how you mov...e. By building stability from the ground up, we hope to reduce pain within the affected joints. There are many reasons why a person might get orthotics, but there is one bottom line. If you are unable to do activities you enjoy due to pain, aches, or instability come in for an assessment to see if our unique SOLE Technique can help your soles. If we can relieve these issues it will be better for your soul more activities, less time off work, spending more time doing what you enjoy! #feet #sorefeet #gait #leglengthdifference #leglengthdiscrepancy #orthotics #footorthotics #pedorthist #pedorthics #sosforyourfeet #shantzorthoticsolutions #londonontario #ldnont #chathamkent #chathamkentontario #ckont

Just a friendly reminder that our clinic will be closed for Christmas holidays. If you need to contact us during that time you can leave a message at the clinic 519-660-6550 or email us at [email protected] We hope you have a cheerful and enjoyable holiday season. Stay safe

Today, our focus is on Down Syndrome. Those who have Down Syndrome may experience physical growth delays. Typically, individuals with Down Syndrome learn to walk with their feet wide apart, their knees stiff and their feet turned out. They do so because of decreased muscle tone, ligament laxity and weakness make their legs less stable. At SOS, we are able to design and manufacture custom-made orthotics to support the arches of the feet to realign the foot position with the leg. We can also redistribute the force in the feet to aid in balance and stability in gait. Have questions? Send us a message!

??? Most people consider the foot to have HOWEVER often forgotten in the count are 2 little bones under the big toe joint!! So technically there are 28 bones in the foot!!! These tiny bones are called sesamoids and are only about the size of a pea. Different than most bones, the sesamoids are not connected to other bones, but rather are floating amongst a tendon. The sesamoids provide a tracking mechanism to keep the tendon to the big... toe in alignment in order to create force. If the tendon starts flicking across the sesamoids, the tendon may become inflamed or irritated, creating a tendinitis or also known as sesamoiditis. Unfortunately it’s a common problem yo see with runners, ballet dancers (lots of impact on the toe joint), or continuously crouching for extended periods of time. : pain under big toe joint (gradual onset with sesamoiditis, immediate pain if sesamoids are fractured) swelling or bruising under toe pain with bending and straightening toe tender to touch sesamoid bones Sounds awful right? We have found that custom made orthotics with good arch support to offload the big toe joint have helped. Sometimes a donut or hole for the bones to drop into helps reduce pain. Low heeled shoes and shoes with a good rocker support seem to provide the most comfort. Ice will also help to reduce the swelling. What about you, have you ever experienced Sesamoiditis?? See more

We are already over halfway through Diabetes Awareness Month. Here are some helpful do's and don'ts with your feet if you are diabetic. Please share this post -- the whole goal of this month is to raise awareness of this wide-spread disease.

Happy Friday! We have some new people following our page so I wanted to introduce the team at Shantz Orthotic Solutions. Here is our crew, listed from left to right! Emma is a Certified Pedorthist has been at the clinic for almost 3 years, learning everything from Christy! Ashley is our Business Office Manager and is in charge of making sure our days run smoothly. From getting your insurance paperwork to ordering shoes, Ashley does it all!... Christy is the owner of SOS and also a Certified Pedorthist. She has spent years building the business and mentoring many students along the way. Adeline is the newest addition to the clinic. She is currently a student training under Christy and Emma to become a Certified Pedorthist.

Today Emma had the opportunity to kick off the baCK Home for the Holidays campaign in Chatham with Mayor Darrin Canniff! Thank you to BaCK to Chatham-Kent and the rest of the team for having us represent our business

I can't believe it's already November! Did you know that November is National Diabetes Awareness Month? Diabetes is a disease that has reached epidemic proportions in Canada...1 in 3 Canadians are living with diabetes or are prediabetic. Diabetes not only impacts the individual's life but their loved ones as well. Foot care is one of the many things overlooked with this disease and it's important to educate yourself on the health risk factors and what you can do. This month we'll be sharing tips and information about how to properly care for your feet. As a Pedorthist, it is one of the most common diseases we see affecting the feet and lower limbs.

Heavy, tired, achy legs can be a common issue for many; however, this doesn't have to be the case! Compression stockings are an easy way to help return blood up the legs to prevent pooling, which causes that heavy feeling. They are worn by athletes, people who stand for long periods at work, pregnancy, when flying, and people with a history of vein issues (vericose veins, DVT, etc.) Compression stockings come in a variety of colours and styles so we can be sure to find some...thing that fits your style! They are also measured to ensure the proper fit for your legs! Have a question about compression? Send us a message!

This year has been stressful for everyone. With the ongoing pandemic, there are lots of families in our community struggling to provide Christmas for their family. Christy and the SOS team have decided we want to give back to the community that has supported our clinics. If you or a family you know is struggling this year, send us a short email message at [email protected] describing why that family is deserving of a Christmas surprise. We hope we can spread some joy this holiday season

Diabetes can affect your feet much more than I bet you thought!! As the disease progresses, feet may become hypersensitive or even lack any sensations at all. If you or someone you know has diabetes, here are a few tips for caring for your feet: 1 Wash your feet daily with lukewarm water and soap. If you lack sensation, hot water could burn or scald the feet. Soap will get them clean. 2 Dry your feet well, especially between the toes. If moisture remains between the toes... or in cracks or crevasses of the foot, you’re st risk for infection or athletes foot. 3 Apply moisturizing lotion but not between the toes. Same as above, you don’t want a buildup of moisture between the toes. Keeping the legs and feet soft and moisturized will help with the dryness and reduce cracking. 4 Check your feet daily for blisters, redness, cuts, new callouses. If present contact your doctor and visit your Pedorthist to off-load these areas of pressure. 5 Trim nails straight across. This will help prevent ingrown toenails. 6 Change your socks daily. Reduce infection by wearing clean, fresh socks. 7 Avoid walking barefoot both inside and outside. As the diabetes progresses, lack of sensation becomes a problem. Protect your feet with shoes or sandals. 8 Examine your shoes before putting in your feet. Check for seams, stones, Lego, anything that could cut your feet. Worried about your feet? Call us for an appointment and we can help calm those worries.

With all our new changes, we have another surprise at SOS! Any guesses?!

Last week, we posted a video about what to expect when you have an appointment with us. These are the procedures that our team has put into place during COVID-19. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to message us. We are trying our best to keep our families, staff, and clients safe. Please be understanding when calling clinic, we are trying our best to be there for our clients during these challenging times.

Hey Chatham! We have been so excited to meet lots of new clients this past month. As a treat to those who weren't able to join our open house we decided to do a giveaway! The wonderful @esteembychristine Christine Campbell has generously donated a gift certificate to receive a pedicure by her! For the month of November, we are doing a draw to win just in time for Christmas! Whether you want to give it to a loved one, or use it on yourself the rules are simple. All you have ...to do is come in or refer a friend to the clinic for an appointment and you and your friend will both be entered. Goodluck

At Shantz Orthotic Solutions, we take birthdays very seriously. Definitely need to celebrate this lady today!! Happy birthday Emma!! If you happen to be near our new clinic in Chatham today (234 Queen St), make sure to wish Emma a happy birthday

Happy Friday! Here is another fact or fiction to end the week. Many people think that when you get orthotics you only need to wear them when exercising or when spending long periods of time on your feet. The truth is, the more you wear the orthotics the more beneficial they are! We are able to fit orthotics in almost any shoe. When you come in for your assessment it is helpful to bring shoes you wear most often so we can ensure the orthotics will be worn as much as possible!... Have questions? Send us a message! #pedorthist #customorthotics #factorfiction #sorefeet #orthotics #sosforyourfeet #shantzorthoticsolutions #ldnont #londonontario #ckont #chathamkent

Some people believe that orthotics are only for those who are older with joint issues, but orthotics can help you at any age! We see children, athletes, people who work on their feet (factory workers, nurses, construction workers, etc.). Orthotics are great to support the feet, ankles, knees, hips, and low back! Biomechanical issues can be caused by many different reasons. Sometimes with the way the bones align or muscle imbalances (tightness or weakness) in the legs or feet. If you experience aches, tiredness, or pain in the feet it is worth coming in for an assessment to see if orthotics could benefit you!

Celebrating the Grand Opening of our 2nd clinic in Chatham!!! This Saturday, October 17, come down to 234 Queen St in Chatham from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm. Incredible giveaways and draws for some great prizes: 1 Pair of New Balance shoes 1 Pair of Lunatik Performance compression socks... Gift card to The Chilled Cork Gift card to Churrascaria Come out to meet us (in your mask ) and see the clinic, fill out a ballot for a chance to win one of these awesome prizes!!

Some people say they put blood, sweat and tears into their products. We’d prefer saying we put some SOLE into our orthotics. While everyone makes their orthotics differently, Shantz Orthotic Solutions uses our unique SOLE technique when making your orthotics. We take great pride in creating stability in your activities where you spend time on your feet. So when we asses you, we are noting the orthopedic fundamentals needed for walking, running, standing, or whatever the act...ivity may be. When we create your custom made device, we use several layers according to measurements we have taken. Finally you end up with a device engineered just for you to help you with you walking and activities on your feet! Our main goal is to have you experience less pain and return to work or activities more comfortably. So I guess you can say our SOLE technique impacts your soul! Ready to start living life with less pain? Call to book an appointment in either our London or Chatham clinics!!

At our clinic we see a wide variety of clients. Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects the brain and spinal cord. The immune system attacks the myelin sheath that covers the nerves leading to the brain having issues communicating with the muscles. If the nerves aren't working properly this leads to weakness, impaired balanced, and increased risk of falling. Multiple sclerosis affects the nervous system causing issues with how your nerves talk to the muscles. Custom-made orthotics ...may be beneficial in those with Multiple Sclerosis. Orthotics support the foot in a way that can help to aid in balance, muscle efficiency, and forward propulsion in gait. If you have any questions about what we do, please feel free to message us! #pedorthist #customorthotics #multiplesclerosis #sorefeet #orthotics #sosforyourfeet #shantzorthoticsolutions #ldnont #londonontario #ckont #chathamkent

Check out this story about the expansion of our clinic

ARE YOU WEARING THE PROPER SIZE OF SHOES? The majority of people we see are in fact wearing the wrong size of shoes. Often people go too long to get the width. Some people thought they were a size 7 in high school and theyll always stay that way. Some people buy too long to make their feet look longer. Some people buy too short to make their feet look smaller! Back in the day, shoe stores would not only measure your feet with a Brannock device but might have also x-rayed the... feet inside of the shoes to see if they were a good fit!!! Here are some tips for buying shoes: Get measured for length and width to give you a guideline on size Take out the insole of shoe and place your foot on it to make sure foot not spilling off of sides Try on both shoessometimes one foot is bigger than the other (always fit to the bigger foot) Size is just a number. Size 7 could be different from one brand to another. Have an idea of the size you wish to try on and try 1/2 size up or down If youre feeling squished at the toes try going up in width before length Having pinky finger width of length is ideal from longest toe to end of shoe (for kids width of thumb) Shoes should be comfortable. Dont assume theyll stretch or break in over time. Get the size that fits now. Best time to try on shoes is in the afternoon or after youve been on your feet for a while. Its natural for the feet to swell at end of day so youll want to make sure the shoes still fit by end of day Have you had your feet x-rayed? When

Do you ever wonder what makes our orthotics unique to other clinics? Over the years, Christy has developed and used her SOLE technique to design orthotics that are specific to the wearer. The SOLE of your foot is important for you to walk and move everyday. If your SOLE hurts, you are unable to do the activities you love and that hurts the SOUL. Don't stop doing what you love due to pain in the feet or legs, let our SOLE Technique impact your SOUL by getting you back out doing what you love!

Good morning! I hope everyone is off to a great start to the day. In London there is snow on the ground. It is a great time to start thinking about winter boots. Make sure to check to see if they are still in good shape. Try taking out the insoles to see if your orthotics fit. If you are hoping to get a new pair before the cold weather hits, call the clinic today for your annual checkup!

It’s Halloween at SOS! We are all matching with our Minnie Mouse ears! Come visit us for treats!

Happy Friday! Many clients are worried that orthotics can only fit in so-called "old-people shoes". Even our 90 year old clients don't want "old-lady" shoes!!! At Shantz Orthotic Solutions, we manufacture our orthotics on site we are able to design the orthotics to work best for the footwear you own. However, depending on the needs of the foot we may recommend footwear that is more appropriate for you. We can make orthotics for flats or heels like in the photos, however t...hese shoes are not the best for your feet and shouldn't be worn all the time. There are lots of shoes that orthotics work in, usually as long as there is a removable insole. If you have questions about the shoes you are wearing send us a message!

Do you suffer from arthritis? Read this great article for more information

Leading by example. We love taking care of the foot health of our clients. But in order to put our best foot forward to help you, we need to take care of ourselves first. Christy is leading by example today. While what she is feeling is not likely Covid related, she knew she had to stay home to get herself well and protect the team and our wonderful clients. ... We are asking you to do the same. If you feel unwell of any sort, allergies, flu, cold, or just feeling off, we ask that you kindly cancel your appointment with us and reschedule. There is no fee for canceling so we urge you to respectfully stay home if you feel unwell. See more

There are lots of options for insoles that are on the market. Whether it be off the shelf, customizable, or custom-made orthotics we know this can be confusing You may wonder what is the difference and why is custom-made orthotics preferred for certain feet? Last week, we had a client come in that had purchased an insole from another provider. This insole was not working and the pain kept coming back. So, this person decided to try custom orthotics. As you can see from the... photos, the insole they had purchased elsewhere (bottom photo) was not supporting the foot properly. When comparing it to the custom-made orthotic (top photo) you can see the orthotic is made for the foot, giving this person the support they required. Sometimes these insoles can give the foot enough support, but depending on the foot and the issues you are experiencing custom-made may be the way to go! If you are unsure if you could benefit from a custom-made orthotic or an off the shelf insole, feel free to contact us!

Our boss, Christy, likes to surprise us from time to time. Last week Ashley and Emma got these beautiful bouquets that brightened our days! It is great working in a team environment and feeling appreciated for all that we do How do you like to feel appreciated? Is it encouraging words, a small token of kindness?

Although it starts with "BRO"... stinky feet can catch us all off guard, especially in the warmer summer months. Good news is we have lots of tips and tricks to keep your feet smelling fresh and clean! Breathable footwear (e.g. mesh running shoe) Rotating footwear so moisture doesnt buildup Foot hygiene (removing dead skin that can hold bacteria)... Cotton or wool socks (other materials hold moisture) Washing feet with antibacterial soap Drying entire foot (even between your toes) before putting on socks or shoes #foot #feet #smellyfeet #bromodosis #london #ldnont #sorefeet #orthotics #pedorthics #sosforyourfeet #shantzorthoticsolutions #letushelpyou #smallbusiness

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common complaints we see in the clinic! Typically, people will describe pain on the bottom of the foot, sharp pain in the heel or arch, pain when first standing that improves after walking and then gets worse by the end of the day! There are many things that can lead to plantar fasciitis including: Improper footwear (unsupportive shoes) Foot biomechanics (how you walk) ... Exercise frequency (common in runners) Occupation (standing on hard floors) There are also different ways to help treat it that you can start at home! Better quality footwear (stiff sole, less flexible) Using a massage ball at home Icing the area (a frozen water bottle is the perfect shape) Custom-made foot orthotics The massage ball, ice, and proper footwear can help reduce inflammation and pain, but if there is a mechanical issue in the foot then orthotics may be beneficial to help stop the issue from coming back! Do you have questions about plantar fasciitis?? Drop them below

We are so excited to announce the official grand opening of the Chatham clinic. We want to celebrate with our clients, local residents, and anyone who wants to join in on the fun! There will be gift bags, prizes, and yummy treats so come join us to check out our new office space. Come say hi to Christy, Emma, and Ashley on the 17th and fill out a ballot to win one of our exciting prizes. We hope to see you here Please wear a mask and maintain adequate spacing for social dis...tancing. We want to celebrate safely so please RSVP by calling or emailing the clinic, as we need to determine how many people may be attending to stay within limits that public health has mandated. #feet #sorefeet #gait #leglengthdifference #leglengthdiscrepancy #orthotics #footorthotics #compressionsocks #pedorthist #pedorthics #sosforyourfeet #shantzorthoticsolutions #londonontario #ldnont #chathamkentontario #chathamkent

Fall is one of my favourite seasons. The changing colours of bright reds, oranges, and yellows. Although most of us are dreading the next season "that shall not be named" we are planning ahead! Now is a great time to check out your winter boots to make sure they are in good shape and fit properly. It is also a great time to check if you have kids to see if their boots still fit! Don't wait to see if your orthotics fit in your winter boots. Now is the best time to book for a fall check-up so you aren't caught in the cold weather! Call or email the clinic to book today, spots are filling up fast!

", , ! !!!" Well, if you had fun socks like we do, then you would think the same! But these arent any old socks... they are actually compression socks! ? ... Well, many people! Christy and Emma wear theirs often as theyre on their feet all day. Many nurses, physician, teachers, factory workers also wear them because they spend the majority of time on their feet. But youll also find anyone who is getting swelling in their lower legs/ankles or has painful vericose veins will find relief wearing compression stockings. Now a days, athletes are often wearing these socks as well to help reduce swelling and cramping. Even people travelling on airplanes find comfort wearing a compression sock. ? Compression stockings help the blood pump back to the heart, rather than allowing pooling in the legs. They help control swelling and aching of the legs and ankles, and help slow the appearance of vericose and/or spider veins in the legs. ? There are different grades of compression stockings. For "over-the-counter" socks, the compression grade is 15-20 mmHg, and these can be purchased without a medical prescription. We often recommend these for long flights or mild activity. Anything classed over 20 mmHg, has a higher compression on the leg and must be prescribed by a physician. These are more for people with (or preventing) vericose veins, lots of swelling of legs or ankles, people who spend lots of time on their feet. ? Definitely not. We work with companies that take several measurements into consideration with their sizes. Not all legs are the same and in order for the compression socks to provide the best (and full leg) compression, they must fit properly. ??? See more

Fall weather means fall boots! Some boots are better for your feet than others, here’s some things to look for when shopping for your next pair! Stiff midsole (unable to bend it in half) Rigid back (unable to collapse it) ... Thicker sole for more cushioning Removable insole if you plan to wear your orthotics in them If it comes up over the ankle that’s a bonus, as it provides extra support (but only when you actually tie them up!!) Do you have a go-to pair of boots for fall? Let us know what ones are your favourite : @teamjadegroup

This is a......FACT! Although custom-made orthotics are not a cure to all issues in the lower leg and feet, they can be used to help relieve painful conditions that can be debilitating. Certified Pedorthist's are specialized in their training to understand how orthotics can help you walk better. We are able to design the orthotics based on your individual needs, supporting the foot to allow you to walk with better biomechanics. ... If you have questions about orthotics and how you could benefit from them, drop them below in the comments

When wearing custom foot orthotics, the goal is for you to be able to wear them comfortably. Orthotics shouldnt end with a "horror story" about how painful or uncomfortable they are. Sometimes the orthotics are not perfect (as much as we try) when you first get them. It can be trial and error to determine what works best for you and your feet. Adjustments may be big or small (less than a millimetre), but it can make a world of a difference If you find your orthotics to be uncomfortable, painful, or even if you feel like they are "empty" or do not have enough support, please book an appointment to have your orthotics adjusted! We want you to be able to wear them comfortably and hopefully get you back to pain-free walking

Diabetic neuropathy is a more serious complication of diabetes when elevated blood sugar levels damage nerves leading to loss of feeling in the extremities, most often in the feet and lower legs. Custom-made orthoses are often prescribed to distribute pressure evenly on the bottom of the foot. Orthotics made for people with diabetic neuropathy are often made from materials that are soft and cushioned, support the entire foot, reduce friction and accommodate any deformities o...f the foot. The loss of feeling in the feet often results in the inability to detect small sores or cuts on the feet, which can easily progress to an ulcer. This can happen from a small stone or other item that has gotten into the shoe that someone without neuropathy would notice. In order to prevent these more serious complications: Check your feet with a mirror for any signs of redness or sores Check inside your footwear each day, removing any foreign objects and looking for signs of wear Ensuring shoes fit the foot properly (proper shape, length, and width) to avoid excess pressure on the foot, which can lead to skin breakdown Regular appointments with your Pedorthist to ensure your orthotics and footwear are still supporting the feet properly Regular foot care appointments to ensure the skin and nails remain trimmed and healthy

At our clinic we see a wide variety of clients. Parkinson's disease is one of the many disorders that can have an impact on your legs and the way you walk. Parkinson's Disease affects the nervous system causing issues with how your nerves talk to the muscles. When this communication is impaired it can affect gait patterns and the muscles used to walk. Custom-made orthotics may be beneficial in those with Parkinson's disease. Orthotics support the foot to aid in balance and ...forward propulsion in gait. A fellow Pedorthist is doing some awesome research in this field, trying to see how different materials on orthotics can be used to help this population! Footwear modifications can also be used in those with Parkinson's disease to make it easier for the person to propel themselves forward. If you have any questions about what we do, please feel free to message us! #pedorthist #customorthotics #parkinsonsdisease #sorefeet #orthotics #sosforyourfeet #shantzorthoticsolutions #ldnont #londonontario #ckont #chathamkent

Happy Monday! Check out some of these shoe modifications that we have done. Today we are busy working away at the next shoes on our list! Shoe modifications may be beneficial if there is a leg length discrepancy, if a shoe requires more support but does not accommodate an orthotic (adding arch support to sandals), or if someone rolls too far in/out in a shoe (see the buttress on the bottom right). ... Our goal at SOS is to make sure that our modifications are seamless with the original shoe. If a modification looks obvious or bulky, the less likely the wearer will want to use their modified shoe! If you have questions about shoe mods, send us a message!

Is Mask Safety Monday a thing? Usually in October we are thinking about Halloween masks, but this year has been different! Although wearing a mask has been very common for a while now, we just wanted to make sure that everyone is still wearing them properly and safely. We appreciate our clients for continuing to wear their masks for all visits to the clinic in order to protect yourself and others. As someone who wear glasses, I know that it is frustrating having foggy lenses. However, we are all in this together and we can get through this I hope everyone has a great week!

Happy Friday! We hope everyone has had a great week! Here is some "foot" humour to end the week

Happy Friday!! A lot of parents come into the clinic worried about the child having flat feet. However, this is actually quite normal. Children have flat feet when they are born and the arches do not fully develop until about age 7 So if you believe your child has flat feet, there is no need to be worried. If your child is complaining of foot pain, stops participating in activities, or asks to be carried, then further action should be taken. ... If you have questions about your child’s feet, feel free to message us! We’d be happy to answer any questions

This is our team! We may be small, but we are mighty Keep reading to learn about each member of our team! Christy (left), is the owner of Shantz Othotic Solutions. Christy is a Ceritifed Pedorthist has owned the SOS business for over 15 years! Christy has mentored many students and built the business up to where it is today, being one of the most reputable clinics in London and the surrounding areas. Christy loves to spend time with her kids and you can usually find her ...on the golf course in her spare time! Ashley (middle), is our Business Office Manager. Although Ashley has only been with us since December, she has become a vital member of our team leading many new exciting projects! She is the friendly voice you hear on the phone when you are booking appointments and ordering shoes! Ashley is a busy mom to a toddler and loves to shop for shoes, she will help you find the right shoe and style for you! Emma (right), is a Certified Pedorthist and has been a part of the SOS team for almost 3 years! Emma was a student of Christys throughout the Pedorthic program and has continued to help grow the business by running the Chatham clinic. Emma enjoys spending time by the pool with family and friends!

There are a lot of myths out there when it comes to foot health and care. Many people believe that custom orthotics will weaken the muscles in the feet or make the feet "lazy." However, if you require custom orthotics there is typically an issue with the biomechanics or how the muscles of the feet are being used. The goal of custom-made orthotics is to promote the use of the correct muscles during walking. The orthotic is used to support the foot to allow the foot to move more efficiently, in hopes of reducing fatigue and pain. Have any questions about custom-made orthotics? Drop them below, wed be happy to answer them!

What is a Pedorthist??? As a Pedorthist, we get asked about our background and training so people can learn what our job is all about. This a common question because many people say that they have never even heard of a Pedorthist! A Certified Pedorthist, or C. Ped (C) is a individual trained in postural analysis, movement patterns, and musculoskeletal examination. We focus on the assessment of lower limb anatomy, muscle and joint function, and how the foot/lower limb interact...s with the rest of the body. Our training includes a 4-year undergraduate degree in Kinesiology or health science field, including STEM programs. Additionally, completing your Diploma in Pedorthics (12 month post-graduate program with 3 placements) through Western University. We provide many services including custom-foot orthotics made at our on-site lab, custom toe spacers, compression stockings, bracing, footwear, modifications to footwear (lifts, buttresses, padding, stretching, etc.), and we also cast for custom footwear! Do you think you could benefit from seeing a Pedorthist? Does the career interest you? Let us know, we would be happy to answer any questions.

Our goal with our custom-foot orthotics is to create a better foundation for you to walk on. Orthotics are beneficial when there is an issue with the biomechanics or how you move. By building stability from the ground up, we hope to reduce pain within the affected joints. There are many reasons why a person might get orthotics, but there is one bottom line. If you are unable to do activities you enjoy due to pain, aches, or instability come in for an assessment to see if our... unique SOLE Technique can help your soles. If we can relieve these issues it will be better for your soul more activities, less time off work, spending more time doing what you enjoy! #feet #sorefeet #gait #leglengthdifference #leglengthdiscrepancy #orthotics #footorthotics #pedorthist #pedorthics #sosforyourfeet #shantzorthoticsolutions #londonontario #ldnont #chathamkent #chathamkentontario #ckont

Today is the day! Our Chatham clinic is officially open and we are so excited for this new beginning If you would like to book an appointment at the London or Chatham location, email or call us at [email protected] or 519-660-6550

We are excited to be teaming up with Flourish Chiropractic at our new office in Chatham!

Our team is in Chatham setting up our NEW clinic at 234 Queen St. We are so excited to open and cant wait to meet everyone in the area. Have a question, drop them below

Today is National Coffee Day! If you know the ladies at SOS, you know we all love a good cup of coffee (sometimes more than one!) When I am in line getting my daily dose of caffeine, I think about all of the workers who are standing on the hard floors of coffee shops or fast food restaurants in order to serve those who are on-the-go! These workers are also front-line workers and get pain in their feet from long shifts of standing and walking around. Custom-foot orthotics can be beneficial to these individuals especially. The goal of orthotics is to provide comfort and relief to painful conditions of the lower limb. If you work in this industry and experience sore feet, ankles, knees, or hips reach out to us to book an assessment with one of our Certified Pedorthists. We will be happy to assess you (after our morning coffee that is )

Storming Chatham. Prepping the clinic

As gyms begin to open up, injury prevention Is critical as you get back into a new workout routine! Here are a few key tips to keep you and your feet happy Warm up Light stretching and starting slow allows your body to get the blood moving Wear properly fitting footwear Ensure the shoes are the right length and width, as well as the right shoe for the activity Start low and slow If you want to start running, try a couch to 5K program rather than trying to r...un as far as you can Hydrate Make sure you replenish your body with fluids, especially in this heat Cool down Follow your activity with a slow walk and some stretches to help clear out the lactic acid in the muscles See more

Welcome to our Chatham location! Although this office is smaller than the London clinic, we are able to provide all the same services! Custom foot orthotics to help alleviate pain in the feet or lower limb Compression socks to provide support for those tired, achy, swollen legs Bracing for joints that need extra support or stability ... Footwear we fit a variety of styles including custom footwear (when stock shoes don’t fit quite right) Do you have questions about what a Pedorthist can do to help you? Send us a message or call us today #foot #feet #chatham #ckont #ldnont #sorefeet #orthotics #pedorthics #sosforyourfeet #shantzorthoticsolutions #letushelpyou #smallbusiness

Happy Friday! We hope you have a good weekend, hopefully this joke is step in the right direction

What are the strangest shoes youve ever seen? We have seen some strange ones for sure. While usually just in books, I did happen to find some weird ones while on vacation over the last few years!! I think my favorites are still at the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto though. Wed love to see some of your irregular shoe finds!! Post them below or write in the comments which of these you would wear!

Did you know that I hate being barefoot? Most of the time youll find me wearing shoes or slippers... except in the water of course As a Pedorthist I know my feet well! They are very flexible and I have issues with my big toe, so I feel more comfortable in a supportive shoe with my custom orthotics. Do you prefer to be barefoot or wear shoes? Every foot is different, but it is important to discuss what options are best for you with one of our Pedorthists Have a questi...on? Drop it below, we would LOVE to help you and your feet #feet #sorefeet #barefoot #gait #leglengthdifference #leglengthdiscrepancy #orthotics #footorthotics #pedorthist #pedorthics #sosforyourfeet #shantzorthoticsolutions #londonontario #ldnont

Are your feet sore by the end of a long work week? Do you experience pain in the first few steps in the morning or after resting your feet? Do you find your foot pain increases with standing or activities on your feet? If you answered YES to any of these questions, you may have plantar fasciitis Plantar fasciitis is quite common, 1 in 10 people will have it at some point in their life. The good news is that it can be treated! Stop into the clinic to pick up a "Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Package" for $15. This package includes a massage ball and a treatment guide written by a Canadian Certified Pedorthist. Not sure if this is what you are experiencing? Call the clinic at 519-660-6550 to book a free virtual consultation to discuss any foot or leg concerns you may have

Happy Sunday! Just a reminder to our clients that we will be closed tomorrow and will reopen on Tuesday, August 4th at 9:30am Have a safe and enjoyable weekend!

FEET ARE FASCINATING Many people look at feet and think Gross!! I was one of them. Now I find them fascinating! Imagine seeing the same trait in 4 generations of feet!! Like any part of us, our feet get passed down from our parents. Some people get moms feet, some get dads, some get one of each. Or sometimes it skips a generation, so maybe you end up with Grandmas feet!!! With 18 years in the business, Ive seen a ton of feet. Yet Im still intrigued with traits p...assed down through a family! I met a lady with extremely flat feet and excessively pronated ankles, where the ankle was almost on the ground. Then I met her mother and saw similar characteristics. Then I met her children, all 4 having varying degrees of excessive pronation!!! So Ive worked with the 3 generations of feet over the years and have watched the children have children!! When they started having kids, I did mention that with their family history, we should be keeping an eye on how the kids feet develop. And I was right! We are now working with the 4th generation of excessively pronated ankles, but not all of them have this trait. So I find it absolutely amazing to see how similar feet can be in a family. Next time youre at a family reunion, take a look at each others feet ! Did you get Grandmas bunions? Did you get Uncle Toms long, skinny toes? Who has high arches and who has flat feet? Do your feet look like your siblings feet? See more

After much anticipation, the secret is finally out! We are opening a NEW location in Chatham. Starting on August 24th, Shantz Orthotic Solutions will be opening a second clinic to better serve clients from the Chatham-Kent and Windsor-Essex areas. We are accepting new clients and existing clients from the London location, by appointment only. Please call the clinic at 519-660-6550 or email [email protected] if you are interested in booking. ... We look forward to this new adventure. Like and share this post for an exciting giveaway

We have exciting news to share... stay tuned

Long walks on the beach and soaking up the summer sun Walking barefoot has its pros and cons. In a healthy foot, walking barefoot can have some great benefits for improving strength in the muscles in the feet. However, without consulting your Pedorthist you may be putting yourself at a higher risk for injuring the feet. Despite starting slow, I am experiencing some mild plantar fasciitis symptoms. ... Do you find walking barefoot makes your feet sore? Are you interesting in learning about how to properly walk without shoes? Send us a message to get some help us reach your goals!

My new running shoes came in and Im so excited! We decided to show you how to make sure your running shoes are the right fit for your feet! 1 Ensure the shape of the shoe is right for your foot. My foot type does better in a tapered shoe rather than a more rounded toe shape. 2 Check to make sure the length is right! You should have about a finger width of space from the end of your longest toe. 3 Check to see if the width is right for your foot. Your foot should... be sitting nicely within the limits of the footbed, not spilling over. Find the widest part of the foot (across 1st and 5th toe joints) and make sure the foot is not faking over the edges. 4 Enjoy your walk/run Any questions post them below

Happy Friday! If your feet feel unhoppy give us a call today to book an assessment with one of our Pedorthists! We would love to help get the hop back in your step

What in the world is going on with these sandals??? Heavy heelstrike, lands hard on heels Lateral Heel strike, hits on the outside corner of the heels (normal) Lateral weight bearing through midstance (stays on outside edge, likely supinating)... Dropped transverse metatarsal arch (comes down hard on balls of feet, leads me to think higher arched foot) Worn out under first MTP joint, likely a plantarflexed 1st ray Front of sandal not nearly as worn as heels, likely drags feet while walking Just a few conclusions we can come to about this persons feet and walking patterns without even watching them walk!! Pedorthists are trained to watch your walking patterns, look for abnormalities in mechanics, analyze your lower limbs as well as your footwear. We take in as much as we can to keep you walking better and with less pain. Do your shoes look like this? Might be time to come in for an assessment! Call us to book!!

Do you ever wonder why we got into this career? Most people find feet gross, however they are one of the most interesting parts of the body! They connect us to the ground and how we walk affects more than just the feet. The ankles, knees, hips, and back can all be affected from a minor issue in the foot... cool right? In high school, I took an exercise science course that first interested me in the field of anatomy and sport. From there, I completed my Bachelor of Science in... Human Kinetics at the University of Guelph. As graduation was approaching, I was constantly wondering whats next??? I knew I loved anatomy and biomechanics, but how could that be turned into a career? My brother sent me a message one day telling me to look into Pedorthics, it seemed to be a perfect fit! I contacted a couple clinics looking to job shadow for the day to get a feel for the job. After spending the day in clinic with Christy, she saw I had an eye for gait analysis and Ive been here ever since! I started training under Christy in January of 2018 and completed my Diploma in Pedorthics through Western University. After passing my board exams in the fall, I have been working as a Certified Pedorthist with Christy seeing clients and learning everyday! If you have questions or know someone interested in a career in the field, send them our way! To learn more about what we do, click this link: https://shantzorthoticsolutions.com

When your staff meeting continues on the golf course

Happy Wednesday! We have been busy seeing clients and getting shoe modifications done There are a variety of reasons why we may modify shoes, but we try to make it match the shoe as closely as we can. Can you spot the mods? Reasons to do a modification to a shoe include a sandal that does not accommodate orthotics but requires more arch support, leg length differences, and creating more support in a shoe.

Are the masks hot? Yes Are the shields sweaty? Yes Are they keeping people safe? Yes We know that wearing masks in public places and in the clinic is uncomfortable, however they are a necessity right now. By wearing a mask we are protecting ourselves, you, and our families from the potential spread of COVID-19. As much as you dont like wearing them, imagine all of our frontline workers wearing a mask for 12 hours straight. We appreciate your patience during this time and your continued support! Thank you

STRESSED SPELLED BACKWARDS IS DESSERTS Did you know that you can carry stress anywhere in your body? Many people actually carry their stress or their grief in their feet. So we need to take care of our feet, just like the rest of our body and our mind. So this weekend, take some time to take care of your feet . Here are a few ideas to help relax stressed feet:... Massage the arches and ball of the foot with a massage ball or golf ball Soak your feet in a tub of warm water and epsom salt Get a pedicure Wear supportive footwear, including your flip flops! Put your feet up, relax, enjoy Still sore after all this? Might need to have them checked by one of our pedorthists! Call the clinic to book an appointment!

Happy Canada Day! Just a reminder to all of our lovely clients, we will be be closed July 1-3 so we can spend time with our families! We will reopen the clinic on Monday July 6 at 9am If you need to contact us during this time, please leave a message on the machine or email Ashley 519-660-6550 [email protected]

Are you excited to get back to the gym??? If you havent done much while on quarantine, dont be surprised if your feet start hurting a few weeks after getting back to the gym. If youve been sitting lots, the plantar fascia on the bottom of your feet might have shortened. When you start running again or lifting heavy weights, the fascia wont have the same elastic properties as it did previously, so it may start to pull or tear more easily. How can you prevent this pa...in? Warm up your feet before you start your workout. Wear supportive shoes with your orthotics Ease your way back into your workouts to get all the muscles and joints used to the stress again Still sore? Call to book either a virtual consultation or an actual assessment so we can get you into that gym!! See more

Over the weekend, Christy celebrated a huge milestone for her business. It has been 15 years since the official opening of Shantz Orthotic Solutions. In the past 15 years, Christy has worked hard to grow the business and become an influential member in the Pedorthic community. She has mentored many students and continues to learn each day from our wonderful clients. Congratulations, Christy!