Achilles Tendonitis/Tendinosis one of the main injuries to the Achilles Tendon. Until recently, injury to the Achilles tendon caused by overuse was referred to as tendinitis. However, the condition may be more accurately described as tendinosis because the condition does not involve inflammation of the tissues but rather involves the breakdown of a component of the connective tissues (collagen) that contributes to tendon strength. Tendinosis of the Achilles tendon can cause pain and loss of strength and movement.

Achilles tendinitis/tendinosis is most often caused by sports, especially running. However, injuries can be caused by other activities, including simple movements such as stretching. Achilles tendinitis/tendinosis can be prevented by using proper conditioning and footwear (such as Pedag Stabil) and by avoiding sports and strenuous activities the body is not accustomed to.

Treatment for Achilles tendinitis/tendinosis is usually effective in healing the tendon. Treatment includes rest, pain relief, stretching exercises, and changes in sports techniques and footwear to reduce stress on the tendon. Early treatment is most effective and can prevent further injury. Treatment for an Achilles tendon rupture includes surgery or casting.

Orthotics
Orthotics are shoe inserts that are intended to correct an abnormal, or irregular, walking pattern. Orthotics are not truly or solely “arch supports,” although some people use those words to describe them, and they perhaps can best be understood with those words in mind. They perform functions that make standing, walking, and running more comfortable and efficient by altering slightly the angles at which the foot strikes a walking or running surface.

Doctors of podiatric medicine prescribe orthotics as a conservative approach to many foot problems or as a method of control after certain types of foot surgery; their use is a highly successful, practical treatment form.

Before investing in an expensive pair of custom-made orthotics, consider trying good-quality nonprescription orthotics such as Pedag footbeds and inserts which can usually be found shoe stores, shoe repairs and sporting goods stores. You can test the effectiveness of several different devices without great expense, which may help you decide whether a custom-made device would be helpful

Orthotics take various forms and are constructed of various materials. All are concerned with improving foot function and minimizing stress forces that could ultimately cause foot deformity and pain.

Foot orthotics fall into three broad categories: those that primarily attempt to change foot function, those that are primarily protective in nature, and those that combine functional control and protection.


Rigid Orthotics (Usually Custom Made Prescription Orthotics)
The so-called rigid orthotic device, designed to control function, may be made of a firm material such as plastic or carbon fiber and is used primarily for walking or dress shoes. It is generally fabricated from a plaster of paris mold of the individual foot. The finished device normally extends along the sole of the heel to the ball or toes of the foot. It is worn mostly in closed shoes with a heel height under two inches. Because of the nature of the materials involved, very little alteration in shoe size is necessary.

Rigid orthotics are chiefly designed to control motion in two major foot joints, which lie directly below the ankle joint. These devices are long lasting, do not change shape, and are usually difficult to break. Strains, aches, and pains in the legs, thighs, and lower back may be due to abnormal function of the foot, or a slight difference in the length of the legs. In such cases, orthotics may improve or eliminate these symptoms, which may seem only remotely connected to foot function.

Soft Orthotics
The second, or soft, orthotic device helps to absorb shock, increase balance, and take pressure off uncomfortable or sore spots. It is usually constructed of soft, compressible materials, and may be molded by the action of the foot in walking or fashioned over a plaster impression of the foot. Also worn against the sole of the foot, it usually extends from the heel past the ball of the foot to include the toes.

The advantage of any soft orthotic device is that it may be easily adjusted to changing weight-bearing forces. The disadvantage is that it must be periodically replaced or refurbished. It is particularly effective for arthritic and grossly deformed feet where there is a loss of protective fatty tissue on the side of the foot. It is also widely used in the care of the diabetic foot. Because it is compressible, the soft orthotic is usually bulkier and may well require extra room in shoes or prescription footwear.
For example: Pedag Comfort, Lady, Drop, T-Form, Deluxe, Galant, Perfekt, Point, Point Plus, Correct, Stabil, Relax, Queen and Siesta,


Semi Rigid Orthotics
The third type of orthotic device (semirigid) provides for dynamic balance of the foot while walking, standing or participating in sports. This orthotic is not a crutch, but an aid. Each activity has its own demands and each orthotic needs to be constructed appropriately with the activity taken into consideration. This functional dynamic orthotic helps guide the foot through proper functions, allowing the muscles and tendons to perform more efficiently. The classic, semirigid orthotic is constructed of layers of soft material, reinforced with more rigid materials.
For example: Pedag Viva, Holiday, Sport, Master and Solar Plus,

Orthotics for Children
Orthotic devices are effective in the treatment of children with foot deformities. Most podiatric physicians recommend that children with such deformities be placed in orthotics soon after they start walking, to stabilize the foot. The devices can be placed directly into a standard shoe or an athletic shoe.

Usually, the orthotics need to be replaced when the child’s foot has grown two sizes. Different types of orthotics may be needed as the child’s foot develops and changes shape.

The length of time a child needs orthotics varies considerably, depending on the seriousness of the deformity and how soon correction is addressed.
For example: Pedag Bambini, Joy and Children’s Sport

Orthotic Tips
 Wear shoes that work well with your orthotics.
 Bring your orthotics with you whenever you purchase a new pair of shoes.
 Wear socks or stockings similar to those that you plan on wearing when you shop for new shoes.
 Return as directed for follow-up evaluation of the functioning of your orthotics. This is important for making certain that your feet and orthotics are functioning properly together.

Your podiatric physician/surgeon has been trained specifically and extensively in the diagnosis and treatment of all manner of foot conditions. This training encompasses all of the intricately related systems and structures of the foot and lower leg including neurological, circulatory, skin, and the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.


Pronation: The movement or tendency to turn the foot inwards.

Metatarsal is one of the five long bones of the foot between the tarsus and the phalanges.

Metatarsal Pads are place proximal to the metatarsal heads. They redistribute the weight from the metatarsal heads to the shaft. Pedag Metatarsal Pads come in a two shapes: Tear Drop or T-Form.

Medial is the inner side of the foot

Latitudinal Arch/Metatarsal Arch is the arch formed by the metatarsal bones

Longitudinal Arch is the curvature of the hind and mid-foot.

Heel Pad or Heel Cushion is a resilient material to cushion or raise the heel.

Plantar Fascia / Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, the band of connective tissue that runs from the heel to the base of the toes. When stressed the fascia stretch and can cause intense pain and inflammation. Plantar Fasciitis is worst in the morning, after a night of rest and the plantar fascia tissue has tightened, when you take your first steps of the day. Remedies include arch supports which reduce tension on the plantar fascia. Stretching the calf muscles, night splints and injections to reduce inflammation may also help relieve pain.

Nanotechnology is a rapidly growing science of producing and utilizing nano-sized particles that measure in nanometers (1 nm = 1 billionth of a meter 10-9).

Silver appears to be a powerful, natural antibiotic and preventative against infections. Acting as a catalyst, it reportedly disables the enzyme that one-celled bacteria, viruses and fungi need for their oxygen metabolism.

They suffocate without corresponding harm occurring to human enzymes or parts of the human body chemistry. The result is the destruction of disease-causing organisms in the body and in the food.

• Silver: One of the most effective antibiotic substances known in human history
• Used for medical treatment of human ailments for over 100 years for its natural antibacterial, antifungal and nontoxic properties
• NASA uses it in water purification systems for the space shuttle
• Kills over 650 different bacterial species in minutes (basically all types of bacteria)

Disulfide bonds (-S-S-) play an important protective role for bacteria as a reversible switch that turns a protein on or off when bacterial cells are exposed to oxidation reactions.

The essential structure of bacteria’s enzymes seems to get disconnected by the catalytic function of silver.

Silver nanopowder also helps generating reactive oxygen in the air or from the water, which in turn destroy cell/wall membranes of bacteria. It similarly works as most effective but harmful Clorox or Hydrogen peroxide (Strong base) kill bacteria.

-Silver instantly kills the bacteria by either denaturation or oxidization. For these reasons, bacteria cannot build resistance against silver.

-As human cells is tissue-type, they are unaffected by these actions.

-Unlike most antibiotics which are consumed while destroying bacteria, silver remains unconsumed while constantly working as a catalyst, thus a permanent solution.