Orthotics could be the missing puzzle piece when it comes to foot problems

Victoria Podiatrist Dr. Kent Butler is looking forward to returning to work June 3rd. The IHealth Clinic has been working hard to prepare and follow the new suggestions of Dr. Bonnie Henry. There will be lots of changes for them to follow as B.C. moves forward into phase two. Visit their website: ihealthgroup.ca for all the new requirements and make your appointment by telephone. Dr. Butler will be able to provide the same standard and dedication to your foot care within these new parameters. Orthotics could be the missing puzzle piece when it comes to foot problems. The human body is very complex. When a part of our body develops a problem, the solution is sometimes difficult to identify. Numerous variables can hinder treatment success such as existing medical conditions, finances, work commitments, and even small variables like shoe gear choices.

Most foot problems respond well to rest. The problem is that not many of us are prepared to stay off our feet long enough to heal. Lots of us want to get better while continuing our normal daily routines. Crutches and walkers are great temporary methods to help rest foot injuries. Most patients resist using these tools.

“As a foot doctor, many of my patients’ problems relate to the mechanical function of their feet. This is not surprising, as our feet carry us around in daily life, work and play. The feet are expected to absorb large forces, provide balance, adapt to uneven surfaces, jump, run and have fun all day,” says Dr. Butler.

“Orthotics have the ability to make feet function in different mechanical ways, however, not everyone’s feet respond to orthotic treatment equally. In fact, many feet cannot be corrected with orthotics.”

One test that Dr. Butler performs in the office can determine if orthotic support will fail, be poor, moderate or good at changing foot function.

“No matter what aches and pains you develop, my treatment goal is to help direct the changes needed to resolve them. These changes can include rest, modifying your activities, crutches, tools like laser, referral to other health professionals, shoes and orthotics.”

Dr. Kent Butler, D.P.M, graduated with honours from the California College Of Podiatric Medicine. He then completed a one-year surgical residency followed by a one-year biomechanics fellowship at the Pacific Coast Hospital in San Francisco. Specializing in biomechanics helps him accurately assess a patient’s foot and leg function during the gait examination. As a student, he worked four years making prescription orthotics for podiatrists. Here, he learned various fabrication techniques and modification skills to facilitate orthotic function. Butler is the only podiatrist who personally handcrafts every step of each custom orthotic for his patients.