Knee Pain – Is it changing your lifestyle?

Let’s talk knees! Do you have knee pain, aching, stiffness and soreness after long periods of inactivity; mild to severe pain after overuse or ascending or descending stairs? These are common symptoms of Osteoarthritis (OA).

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis affecting one in ten Canadian adults. It can affect any joint but commonly occurs in weight-bearing joints such as the knee. The cartilage (firm, rubbery material) that covers the ends of the bones in normal joints acts as a shock absorber. Over time, the cartilage may wear away in some areas decreasing its ability to cushion the bone. As this happens tendons and ligaments stretch, causing pain. As the condition worsens the bones may rub against each other.

Osteoarthritis can be caused by many factors including heredity, obesity, injury or joint overuse.

Unloading Knee Braces – Non-Invasive Options

A safe, non-invasive viable option is an Osteoarthritis Unloader knee brace specifically designed to treat OA. It stabilizes the joint, reduces pain and helps to build stronger muscles allowing patients to return to the activities they love whether that is everyday living or sports. OA braces relieve pain by redistributing the weight bearing load on the painful or affected compartment of the joint to the healthier or unaffected compartment. Increased function studies have shown that wearing an OA brace can increase daily functions and decrease pain. Patients diagnosed with OA who wear a knee brace will generally feel better in the morning, be more active during the day, and rest more comfortably at night. Braces cannot cure osteoarthritis and may not be right for everyone, however, it is a viable and successful solution for many people.There are many different types of OA braces designed for all activity levels. One of the programs offered at Soles in Motion is the 30 Day Free Trial OA Program so you have the opportunity to feel its success without incurring any costs.

No matter what your ability, I believe that with the proper treatment plan, you can reduce your pain and achieve your goals. Education is key in making an informed decision. Keep your joints moving.

Get back to what you do best!

Most people have some type of back problem at one time or another in their lifetime.  Back problems can occur anywhere from the neck to the tailbone and can be a result of wear and tear, overuse or injury.  Injuries frequently occur when you use your back muscles in activities that you do not do very often such as lifting heavy objects, yard work, painting, etc.  Overuse injuries are most often from improper movement or posture.  Minor injuries also occur from tripping, falling a short distance or excessive twisting of the spine.  Severe back injuries may result from vehicle accidents, falls from significant heights, direct blows, a high-energy fall onto the buttocks, or a penetrating injury such as a stab wound.  Common medical conditions/deformities such as ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, kyphosis affect your daily activities, restrict movement and cause different levels of pain. There are many thoughts on the effect of a back brace.  Some facts on back braces are:

  • Back braces remind the wearer to avoid undesirable movements
  • Back braces help to achieve proper posture
  • Back braces stabilize the pelvis and spine

A very common myth is that wearing a back brace weakens the abdominal muscles and causes poor body mechanics.  Back braces are designed to help the wearer achieve proper posture and increase awareness of the position of the pelvis and spine.  This constantly reminds individuals of their body positions, making it easier to avoid undesirable postures while in the healing or strengthening process.  By increasing the intra-abdominal pressure, a back support acts much like the stays and support rings of a barrel.  If the support rings are tightened a stabilizing effect is achieved.  A properly designed spinal support stabilizes the spine and acts in the same way.  There are many types of back braces. It is important that the correct brace is selected for the condition or injury but as well, it is as important that the brace fit the shape of the individual.  When the patient cannot avoid certain activities, such as work, then the use of a brace is an important part of the treatment process.  It is important that you be assessed by a professional who takes all aspects of your health, lifestyle, and body type into consideration.  Most insurance companies cover braces if prescribed by a medical professional.

Soles in Motion also encourages you to come in and talk to us, let us assess your gait and the footwear you are wearing, these too may be contributing to your pain.  We are here to help and keep you moving no matter what your abilities!

Picture is Designed by Jcomp / Freepik

Some Fun Shoe Facts!

Soles in Motion loves healthy feet and great shoes! Just for the fun of it I thought I’d share some fun facts:

ruby_slippersThe most expensive shoes: Ruby Slippers from House of Harry Winston: $3.000.000. This Ruby Slippers is the most expensive and as well as spectacular and splendid slippers in the world. This slippers is the achievement of Ronald Winston, the designer of the House of Harry Winston. The beauty of design coming from 4,600 rubies of 1,350 carats. This shoes has adorned the feet of Judy Garland.To read more

just-marriedSuperstition says that to dream of losing a shoe predicts an illness. This may originate from an old rural superstition from the UK that advises to burn a smelly old shoe in the home to avoid infection in the house. Dusty shoes indicate an unexpected journey and shinny shoes mean happiness in love.In the Western world, tossing old boots in the wake of departing ships was thought to insure a sailor’s safe return home. This tradition is carried out in modern times by tying shoes to the car bumpers after a wedding. This action is said to:1, assure a happy home life; 2, keep a husband from wandering; 3, and all the roads a family takes will always lead back to the home.Read more wedding traditions on wonderfulwraps.com

Shoe dreams deal with walking certain paths in our lives. If you are wearing tight Shoes, the road you are traveling is hard, and much sorrow is involved. Comfortable Shoes indicate you are in a good place in your life and success is around the corner. Guess where to go in comfortable shoes! Come on in and check out our summer collection!

Get back to what you do best!

Most people have some type of back problem at one time or another in their lifetime.  Back problems can occur anywhere from the neck to the tailbone and can be a result of wear and tear, overuse or injury.  Injuries frequently occur when you use your back muscles in activities that you do not do very often such as lifting heavy objects, yard work, painting, etc.  Overuse injuries are most often from improper movement or posture.  Minor injuries also occur from tripping, falling a short distance or excessive twisting of the spine.  Severe back injuries may result from vehicle accidents, falls from significant heights, direct blows, a high-energy fall onto the buttocks, or a penetrating injury such as a stab wound.  Common medical conditions/deformities such as ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, kyphosis affect your daily activities, restrict movement and cause different levels of pain. There are many thoughts on the effect of a back brace.  Some facts on back braces are:

  • Back braces remind the wearer to avoid undesirable movements
  • Back braces help to achieve proper posture
  • Back braces stabilize the pelvis and spine

A very common myth is that wearing a back brace weakens the abdominal muscles and causes poor body mechanics.  Back braces are designed to help the wearer achieve proper posture and increase awareness of the position of the pelvis and spine.  This constantly reminds individuals of their body positions, making it easier to avoid undesirable postures while in the healing or strengthening process.  By increasing the intra-abdominal pressure, a back support acts much like the stays and support rings of a barrel.  If the support rings are tightened a stabilizing effect is achieved.  A properly designed spinal support stabilizes the spine and acts in the same way.  There are many types of back braces. It is important that the correct brace is selected for the condition or injury but as well, it is as important that the brace fit the shape of the individual.  When the patient cannot avoid certain activities, such as work, then the use of a brace is an important part of the treatment process.  It is important that you be assessed by a professional who takes all aspects of your health, lifestyle, and body type into consideration.  Most insurance companies cover braces if prescribed by a medical professional.

Soles in Motion also encourages you to come in and talk to us, let us assess your gait and the footwear you are wearing, these too may be contributing to your pain.  We are here to help and keep you moving no matter what your abilities!

Submitted by:
Jen Estabrooks,
Co-owner, General Manager,
Soles in Motion,
133 Baker Drive, Dartmouth 902-468-7911 (solesinmotion.ca)

It’s a scientific fact – Spring is the best season!

TEMPERATURES ARE MODERATE

Spring marks the end of winter and the transition to summer. The Earth’s axis is angled between its closest and furthest position from the Sun, when temperatures are the most extreme. You can finally ditch the winter layers. 

Spring is the best season!YOU FEEL HAPPIER!

Exposure to sunlight increases the hormone

serotonin in your brain, which makes you feel happy. There are more hours in the day – more time to get out and move, get things done. 

YOU FEEL ENERGIZED

Exposure to sunlight decreases the chemical melatonin in your body during the day and increases it at night, which helps you sleep better. 

TREES SUDDENLY HAVE LEAVES & PLANTS TURN GREEN

Spring brings growth back to plants and trees. A successful spring leaf growth ensures a cool canopy to relax under during the hot summer.  It’s amazing what a little sunlight, moisture and warm soil can do for plants and grass. Plants convert sunlight into energy and produce the pigment chlorophyll, which turns them green. And it’s not just nice to look at—a study found that people who saw green before a challenge came up with more creative solutions. Spring’s green plant life will hopefully do the same!

FLOWERS BLOOM

FLOWERS BLOOMColorful flowers bloom in the spring, signaling to the bees that they are ready for pollination. And science has proven that looking at buttercups can make you happy. Not sure dandelions do the same!  A study found that people in yellow rooms at cocktail parties were more lively and talkative. Spring’s yellow flowers could also lift your mood. 

THE SNOW IS GONE & YOU CAN OPEN YOUR WINDOWS

Increasing temperatures means that snow and ice will no longer plague your getting out and about.  Open your windows to allow the breeze to refresh your home.

Best of All – YOU CAN FIT YOUR FEET INTO A BURST OF SPRING COLOR!

Nothing will make you feel better than coming into Soles in Motion and watching our spring collection grow – it is arriving daily!  Colors and styles to make your feet happy and make you want to shake off the winter blahs and get moving!   See you soon!!!

What are you doing this winter?

winter-soles-in-motionHow do you feel this winter?  Many people have a feeling of loneliness, depression and overall sadness more during the winter months more than any other time. Research has shown that exercise is an effective but often underused treatment for mild to moderate depression.  Exercise or let’s just call it moving more than usual, releases chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins interact with the receptors in your brain that reduce your perception of pain.  An example is the feeling that follows a run or workout is often described as “euphoric.” That feeling, known as a “runner’s high,” can be accompanied by a positive and energizing outlook on life.

Any form of exercise can help depression. If this depression is due to injuries over the winter months or being less active, we can help.  At Soles in Motion our belief is that as a community of people wanting to feel good, we can do anything we set out to do.  Yes, we sell products, but we believe in those products and we believe they will help you to move in a healthier direction.  From the proper footwear to an Osteoarthritis Knee Brace we want to help you be happier and healthier.  Because strong social support is important for those with depression, joining a group exercise class may be beneficial. We can recommend groups suited to your activity level whether it is for fun or for the more serious athlete.

Come on in to Soles in Motion and be part of a growing community of “Let’s Get Moving” people.

DANSKO WORK WONDERS™ FOOTWEAR

We have great partnerships with our suppliers and this month we are featuring Dansko. Here’s their story…….

dansko-story_whereitallbegan More than twenty years ago wife and husband team, Mandy Cabot and Peter Kjellerup, discovered their first product in a tiny store in Europe. They realized that a simple pair of clogs would not only change their lives, but that of everyone who might wear them.
dansko-companyToday, Dansko is a 100% employee owned company based in West Grove, Pennsylvania.  The company employs 180 people and has recently opened a new 200,000 square foot Distribution Centre located near their corporate offices.
work-wonders-shoes

Their motto is that every Dansko product must meet the highest standards for comfort, support, durability, fit and performance. From initial sketches to final inspection, hundreds of steps take place before a pair of our shoes will make their way onto your feet.

After reading about this great company, we are excited to bring you Work Wonders™ footwear. We have just received them in store. Come in and try on a pair!

Work Wonders™ footwear are lightweight, slip-resistant shoes which will give you the comfort and support you need to sprint down the halls. Work Wonders™ footwear have wipe-clean uppers and a quick wipe down keeps them spotless.*

* content from WorkWonders.Dansko.com

You deserve it! The Customer Experience!

The-Customer-Experience-soles-in-motionWhen you walk into a store, somewhere in your mind you are looking for something. It may not be in the front of your mind but it is there or why would you be there. The deciding factor will be the experience. Unless, of course, it is the last item left in an advertised one day only sale – sorry can’t help you there.

The ultimate customer experience is when you feel welcome, not pressured, but not ignored.

At Soles in Motion customers come to us for attention, knowledge and specialized service. We are good listeners and want to take time to identify your needs by asking questions and getting to know you. Customers don’t just buy products or services, they buy good feelings and solutions.

Our Soles in Motion Staff love what they do and look for ways to make doing business with us easy. If you are looking for footwear, we measure your feet, both on our educating scan system and with the brannock device. We will also watch your gait (the way you walk) so we can bring out the best footwear suited to your feet. And we love good looking shoes so we strive to dress up your feet to be noticed, whether it is for running, walking, or shopping! You deserve the best service no matter where you go but at Soles in Motion we guarantee it!

Winterize your feet!

Winterize your feet!Know the difference between “water-resistant, ” “water-repellent,” and “water-proof” fabric when buying winter footwear – your feet will thank you for it!

Water- Resistant fabrics shed water because of their weave or because they have been treated. They will soak through in a heavy rain, however. Water-resistant fabrics will often bead up rainwater, forming drops on the surface.  Water-resistant fabrics will provide protection from limited precipitation, but may not stand up to, say, belly-deep submersion in a mud puddle.  Though water can saturate the fabric with harsh exposure, a water-resistant treatment will prevent moisture from seeping through the fabric.

Water- Repellent fabrics are more effective than water-resistant fabrics. They are either very tightly woven or coated with a finish that causes the water to make little beads when it hits the fabric rather than going through. The finish may wear off over time or come off if drycleaned. A silicone spray may rejuvenate the finish.

Water-Proof fabrics can not be penetrated by water and should keep you dry, even in heavy rains. They may be extremely tightly woven, such as a fine polyester/nylon blend, rubber or plastic or other non-porous material, or coated with a finish that makes them breathable but closed to water. Certain waterproof fabrics contain a breathable membrane woven within the fabric, making them both waterproof and breathable.  Waterproof, breathable fabrics help regulate heat and release moisture, and are recommended for high energy activities to dissipate heat and moisture.

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Gore-Tex® is a thin membrane of microscopic pores that surrounds part of the shoe / boot and prevents external water from entering the shoe / boot while still allowing perspiration from the foot to escape. Gore-Tex® accomplishes this because water vapor from a foot’s perspiration is smaller in size than external water droplets. Just remember that Gore-Tex® is not insulation and will not keep your foot warm in cold temperatures.

3M™ Thinsulate™ Insulation is used to help keep you warm when it’s cold outside. The unique microfibers work by trapping air molecules between you and the outside. The more air a material traps in a given space‚ the better it insulates you from the cold outside air. Because the fibers in Thinsulate insulation are finer than the fibers used in most other synthetic or natural insulation‚ they trap more air in less space which makes Thinsulate insulation a better insulator.  Thinsulate is also extremely durable and won’t break down due to getting wet.  Thinsulate is measured in grams per square meter of insulation. You will find boots with Thinsulate insulation that range from 100 gram insulation to 1000 gram insulation. The higher the number, the more Thinsulate is in the boot and the warmer the boot should be.  Thinsulate is moisture resistant and breathable.

Come on in to Soles in Motion, 133 Baker Drive, Suite 101, Dartmouth and see our great selection of winter footwear for all occasions.

[note color=”#FFCC00″]- Written by Bruce Steeves, Soles in Motion Customer Service Representative[/note]