National Orthotic Centre - Self Assessment Test

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Self Assessment tool for determining the need for custom-made orthotics

Do you suffer from lower back pain?
Do you suffer from knee pain?
Do you suffer from ankle pain?
Do you suffer from foot pain?
Do you sit and/or stand for long periods of time?
Do you experience achy or sore legs at the end of the day?
Do you experience a sharp pain in your heel(s) first thing in the morning when you step out of bed?
Do you experience a feeling of fullness or tenderness in the ball of your foot?
Do you have a history of ankle sprains?
Do you have bunions?
Do you experience aches or soreness in your arches?

If you answered “yes” to these questions, we recommend you attend The National Orthotic Centre for an evaluation to determine if you need orthotics. Orthotics are inserts that are made specifically for your foot and fit inside your shoes to address your foot-related problems.

At The National Orthotic Centre, we have registered practitioners and orthotic assistants that are trained to assess your need for orthotics. An assessment would involve the evaluation of the alignment of your lower legs, ankles and feet and observing the way you walk to determine a diagnosis. When you walk, we can detect how the alignment of your body is working together. We can determine how any mal-alignment can create symptoms and when we correct the alignment with orthotics it can reduce or eliminate the symptoms.

Self Assessment tool for determining the need for Support Stockings

Do you suffer from tired, aching legs?
Do you spend long periods of time standing or sitting?
Do you experience swelling in your legs?
Do you find that at the end of the day your ankles are thicker?
Do you notice your socks and/or shoes are tighter at the end of the day?
Do you have varicose veins?
Do you have areas of darkened skin on your lower legs?
Do you have a history of venous ulceration on you lower legs?
Is there a family history of venous disease?
Do you have a venous disease?
Are you pregnant and looking to reduce the incidence of stretch marks?
Are you a frequent traveler and want to reduce the risk of swollen legs associated with airline travel?

If you answered “yes” to the above questions, you may be a candidate for support stockings.

At The National Orthotic Centre, we have certified “support stocking fitters”, that are trained in measuring and fitting the most appropriate stocking to meet your individual needs and address your issues.

Valves open when muscles contract, allowing blood to return to the heart

Most of our blood volume is carried in the veins (64%). Veins can expand to hold large amounts of blood. Veins are blood vessels that carry blood from the body back to the heart. Blood return from the legs occurs mainly through the deep veins. Within the veins, especially those of the legs are valves. Venous valves are bicuspid (two) flap like structures made of elastic tissue. The valves function to keep blood moving in one direction.

Valves close when muscles relax. Blood cannot flow backwards.

The flow of blood in the venous system is complex for several reasons: the low pressure within the veins, flow rates that vary from high (during muscle contraction) to almost no flow during quiet standing or sitting positions, the effects of gravity, the collapsible nature of the venous wall, the presence of valves, and the large volume of blood carried in the veins.

Once the blood has passed from the arteries through the capillaries, it is flowing at a slower rate because little pressure remains to move the blood along. Blood flow in the veins below the heart is helped back up to the heart by the muscle pump. The walls of the veins are thin and somewhat floppy. To compensate for this many veins are located in the muscles. Movement of the leg squeezes the veins, which pushes the blood toward the heart. When the muscles contract the blood within the veins is squeezed up the vein and the valves open. When the muscle is at rest, the valves close helping to prevent the backward flow of blood. This is referred to as the muscle pump.
Three easy actions can help you maintain the health of your leg veins. Exercise, elevation, and wearing gradient compression hosiery. Regular walking, swimming or cycling works the calf and thigh muscles. Contraction of these muscles helps the return of venous blood from the legs back to the heart.