Misericordia Community Hospital

and Health Centre

Foot Program

Program Objectives

    The Occupational Therapy Deparatment at the Misericordia Community Hospital and Health Centre offers a Foot Program for people in the community which addresses prevention as well as meeting acute needs. Our goal is to provide treatment which promotes healthy feet, as we believe this impacts on the health of the entire person.

    Some of the specific conditions treated are:

    • Plantar fasciitis
    • Heel spurs
    • Collapsed transverse and/or longitudinal arches
    • Lower back pain
    • Hip/knee pain
    • Achilles tendonitis
    • Post-bunionectomy surgery management
    • Metatarsalgia
    • Mino limb length discrepancies
    • Arthritic concerns

Outline of the Program

    This program begins with an assessment:

    • existing footwear
    • foot/leg biomechanical evaluation
    • assessment of foot range of motion
    • strength
    • sensation
    • bony deformities
    • edema
    • lifestyle assessment

    Progress records are maintained of treatment sessions.

    Methods of intervention include:

    • computerized gait analysis
    • splint/orthotic management (sansplint arch support, Biothotics, FootMaxx)
    • range of motion/strengthening exercise program
    • teaching in appropriate footwear and footcare
    • providing a program to manage pain/edema
    • teaching the specific foot condition of concern
    • compression garments

    Costs are very competitive with the client paying for the materials used in treatment i. e. orthotics

    Patient follow-up is encouraged as necessary.

Resources available

    The program is located in a well established, accessible health service delivery site in Edmonton's westend.

    The Misericordia Community Hospital is well equipped and this program has been successfully running for several years.

    The Foot Program's services are offered by experienced, provincially registered Occupational Therapists who have taken advanced courses in Footcare and Foot Biomechanics.

    A referral for these services is currently required. Appointment times are available 5 days a week from 0800 to 1530.

| Occupational Therapy Services | Rehab Medicine Misericordia |