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Designed with the patient in mind!

One complaint that many patients have when visiting their practitioner is the messy and time consuming casting methods required. Now patients can enjoy a mess free and productive visit to see their practitioner. Practitioners and patients now receive better and faster results while freeing up more time.

The TOM-CAT Scanner minimizes the steps required to prescribe your orthotics. Traditional casting methods require messy plaster, clean up and sometimes requires more than one casting to get the proper mold for your feet. The TOM-CAT Scanning system replaces traditional methods and produces better and faster results.

If you have custom orthotics make sure you bring them when you are fitted for shoes. Did you know that we offer custom orthotics in a sandal! Ask our certified shoe fitters for details.  Call our office at 419-423-1888 and schedule an appointment.  You can also visit The Step Alive Center or our Website for more information about the care of your feet.

The Benefit of Orthotics for Children

Custom-made foot supports that are worn under your heel and the arch of your foot are referred to as orthotics.  These devices are molded to be anatomically matched to your foot and do more than just provide support.  Custom foot orthotics when properly prescribed by a qualified podiatrist allow the muscles, tendons and bones of the feet and lower legs to function at their highest potential.  This is most important in children when the musculoskeletal system hasn’t fully developed.  Orthotics can also help to stabilize unstable joints, prevent deformities, reduce pressure on painful aspects of the foot and, improve overall quality of life.  Children's orthotics tend to be more aggressive in an effort to obtain maximum control and guide future growth.

How do you know if the use of orthotics is right for your child?  If there is an obvious imbalance that causes such symptoms as flat feet or high arches, or there are external misalignments such as “knock knees”, “bow knees”, in-toeing, or out-toeing, then your child is probably a good candidate for orthotics.  If your child participates in an activity that places stress on their feet, orthotics could be beneficial.  The best way to find out if orthotics can help is to make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam.

There are also premade orthotics available through our website, www.vailfoot.com.  Try Powerstep Protech. A cushioned orthotic used to help relieve pain in the feet. Click here to go to our product store.

If you or your child is suffering from foot pain, call our office (419-423-1888) or visit our website to request an appointment.

Twas the Night Before Christmas!!

Santa has been wearing his new custom orthotics for 2 weeks now. Santa tells Dr. Vail that his bilateral heel pain (Plantar Fascitis) is much better with the new custom orthotics in his Santa Boots. Santa is also doing his stretching exercises with his feet everyday - has been wearing his night splints on his feet to stretch out the ligaments and tendons. Santa has been practicing at the North Pole with the elves coming down chimneys and has had no problems. Santa has even used a bag full of presents and toys when practicing coming down the chimney. Dr. Vail has given Santa the clearance to go ahead with delivery of presents and toys on Christmas Eve night. Dr. Vail advised Santa to be careful, stretch daily, and continue night splints for bilateral heels if they feel tight or start to hurt again. Ice is abundantly available at the North Pole to use on the bilateral heels for pain also. Santa was very pleased with all the information that Dr. Vail gave to him on his condition and the treatment has been very successful. Santa left Dr. Vail's office on his way back to the North Pole to get last minute presents and toys ready for Christmas Eve! Santa wished Dr. Vail , staff, and patients a "Very Merry Christmas!" as he left.

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.

And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.

A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

Clement Clarke Moore (1779 - 1863) wrote the poem Twas the night before Christmas also called “A Visit from St. Nicholas" in 1822.

Santa's New Custom Orthotics

Santa's new custom orthotics that Dr. Vail ordered for him arrived and Santa came down in a flash to try them on. Santa was very impressed with the way his heel pain has improved with the night splint , stretching exercises , and theraband roller - still some pain but not as much with the heels know as Plantar Fasciitis.

When Santa tried on the new custom orthotics his heels felt very well cushioned and arches very well supported. Dr. Vail's staff directed Santa on how to break in the new custom orthotics and advised he purchase a new pair of Santa Boots back at the North Pole.

Congratulations Santa! You have just received your new orthotics. This represents the most advanced, scientific concept in functional foot care. They have been custom-made for you and your individual foot problems.
Your new pair of Custom orthotics will support your foot in the "Neutral Position." This position allows for controlled pronation (necessary for shock absorption), but prevents excessive flattening of the arch and rolling of the heel, which can lead to overuse injury.
The body must adjust to this new support. Because foot orthotics change the movement of your foot, you may experience an adjustment period of 1 to 6 weeks. You may feel some discomfort during this time frame such as foot or leg cramping, skin irritation, or joint pain; but this should pass. It is important that the orthotics are NOT worn all day at first. If you have removable insoles in your shoes, and they create a fitting problem remove them to wear your orthotics. Your orthotic must rest on a flat surface to function properly. We recommend the following break-in schedule:
DAY 1: Wear the orthotics for 2 hours (including sitting time), then remove them from shoes. DO NOT use the orthotics for a sports activity until they are fully broken in.
DAY 2: Wear the orthotics for 4 hours (including sitting time).
DAY 3: Wear the orthotics for 6 hours (including sitting time).
DAY 4: Wear the orthotics for 8 hours (including sitting time). You should be able to wear them all day long from now on. If not, continue to gradually increase the hours of wearing until you can wear them all day.
If you develop ankle, knee, or hip pain while breaking in the orthotics, remove them from your shoes immediately. Do not wear orthotics for one or two days, until the pain subsides. You may take aspirin if necessary. Begin wearing the orthotics at a duration equal to one or two hours less than the amount of time you wore them on the day the pain began. Continue with the break-in as described above.

DAY 10-14: Follow-up in the office for evaluation and possible adjustment of the orthotics. This is important in that there is a specific time frame that we can send the orthotics back to the Lab where they are fabricated at no charge to you and the Doctor will take measurements of your orthotics for future reference. Additional follow up exams are 3 months, then every 6 months after that.
Wear some type of sock or stocking during the break-in period to avoid skin irritation.If your orthotics squeak in your shoes, sprinkle a small amount of powder in your shoes prior to inserting your orthotics. We recommend Zeasorb-AF which can be purchased at our clinic. Your orthotics can be wiped with mild soap on a warm washcloth. Do not immerse them in water. do not use hot water as it may cause damage or distortion to your orthotic materials. Use the warm air flow of a blow dryer to "fluff up" padded top covers that may have compressed over time.

Your custom orthotics should last years depending, of course, on how often they are used and activity level. The top covers (especially soft cushion materials) and posts (additions to the bottom of the orthotics) may need to be replaced sooner however, depending again on your activity level. Repairs and recovering of orthotics are not covered by insurance. To help the longevity of your Orthotics please remove them nightly from your shoes to increase air circulation around the orthotic. You may also wear your orthotics in different shoes as long as their is enough depth to accommodate the insert.

Remember, your feet are the foundation for your entire body. They do a tremendous amount of work each day. Even the slightest misalignment of the bones and muscles can cause a lot of discomfort. Consistently wearing your prescription orthotics can be the best investment you can make to your overall well-being. Periodic orthotic checks by Dr. Vail are essential to ensure that this investment is still working properly and supporting your body in the correct manner.

Santa was scheduled an apppointment with Dr. Vail on 12/22/10 just before the Big Night!

Christmas is coming!

It's the week after Thanksgiving and Santa Claus is busy at the North Pole! He's making his lists and checking them twice! Santa is working with the elves to get things ready for the BIG NIGHT! Santa has been practicing to come down a chimney with care when he has noticed when landing his feet and heels are hurting more each time.

Santa decided it is time to have his feet checked out before things get busier at the North Pole - He makes a call to Advanced Foot Care Clinic in Findlay, Ohio. He remembers Dr. Thomas F. Vail when he was a little boy and delivered Christmas presents under his tree on Christmas Eve. An appointment Santa did make - Dr. Vail examined Santa's feet with diagnostic digital x-rays and bilateral heel spurs were found - Dr. Vail explained to Santa Claus that Plantar Fasciitis was his diagnosis.

Plantar Fasciitis (heel-spur syndrome) is a common problem among people who are active in sports, particularly runners, and coming down chimneys with care. It all starts with a dull intermittent pain in the heel which may progress to a sharp persistent pain. Classically, it is worse in the morning with the first few steps, after sitting for a period of time and then standing or walking, and at the beginning of sporting activity. The plantar fascia is composed of a thick, fibrous material on the bottom of the foot. It is attached to the heel bone (calcaneus), fans forward toward the toes, and acts like a bowstring to maintain the arch of the foot.

A problem may occur when part of this inflexible fascia is repeatedly placed under tension as in running, or up and down chimneys on Christmas Eve carrying heaving gifts in a large red sack. Tension causes an overload that produces an inflammation usually at the point where the fascia is attached to the heel bone. The result is PAIN!

Plantar fascia injury may also occur at the mid sole or near the toes. Since it is difficult to rest the foot, the problem gradually becomes worse because the condition is aggravated with every step. In severe cases, the heel is visibly swollen. The problem may progress rapidly and treatment must be started as soon as possible.

The Inflammatory reaction at the heel bone may produce spike like projections of new bone called heel spurs. These sometimes show on X-rays, as Santa's did. They do not cause the initial pain , nor do they cause the initial problem: they are the result of the problem. But later, having to walk on spurs may cause sharp pain and in Santa's case up and down chimineys and in and out of the sleigh on Christmas Eve will cause PAIN!

Contributing Factors: Flat(Pronated) Feet / High arched, rigid feet / Poor shoe support / Toe running, hill running / Soft terrain (i.e. , running on sand or snow) / Increasing age / Sudden weight increase / Sudden increase in activity level / Family tendency

Improvement may take longer than expected, especially if the condition has existed for a long time. During recovery, loss of excess weight, good shoes &or Santa Boots, and sedentary activities all help the injury to heal. You should return to full activity gradually.

Dr. Vail directed Santa to rest his feet and heels as much as he could during this busy time - Use pain as your guide. If your feet are too painful, then rest

Ice - Use our Theraband roller that comes in our Heel pain kit when your are checking those little boys and girls lists to see who is naughty or nice - roll the Theraband roller under your heels for at least 15 minutes a few times a day to reduce inflammation - make sure to put in your freezer or snow bank to get frozen again

Dr. Vail also prescribed Santa an Anti Inflammatory for the inflammation and pain in bilateral heels - this prescription was Escribed to the pharmacy at the North Pole so Santa could just pick up on his way home

Dr. Vail has recommended to Santa that he has custom orthotics for his Santa Boots to help control his feet and cushion the heels especially for the BIG NIGHT with all those Chiminey drops / Dr. Vail had one of his back staff digitally scan Santa's feet on the Tom Cat 3 D Scanner for his custom orthotics that will fit into his Santa Boots.

Dr. Vail and his staff advised Santa to take it easy for the next couple of weeks - his custom orthotics arrive by RUSH order so that he has time to get used to them before the BIG NIGHT!

Vail Foot Orthotics

What is Orthotics? (follow our link to view more information)

Orthotics are designed to fit your feet efficiently. They are more adequate than the over the counter arch supports, that balances the biomechanical inadequacies of your feet or legs.

The most common reasons that people might use foot orthotics are:

- Limiting the pain in your heel. 

- Knee Pain- such as Iliotibial Band Syndrome. 

Why Buy Orthotics?

Orthotics can help people to get relieve and prevent the following:

- Achilles Tendonitis

- Shin Splints

- Heel or Arch Pain

- Iliotibial Band Syndrome

How much does Orthotics Cost?

The ones at the pharmacy are less exspensive ($8 - $15), but the more well rounded comforting pair ranges from ($200 - $500), and these are your custom-made orthotics.

Who Needs Orthotics?

Some people are born with an inherited foot structure that develops bunions, corns and hammertoes. If you have a family history of these problems or are developing them, early recognition and use of orthotics may lessen their impact.

Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics is made to help correct any misalignments in the foot, improve a person's posture, or alleviate any pain in the foot and leg. They are either inserted in a shoe or can be integrated into your shoes design so that they become a part of the shoes sole. Custom orthotics differs from inserts that you can buy at any store, because here in our office they are made to specifically conform to the unique shape of an indivdual's foot. They are usually made out of rubber materials that are quite stable. Some have added padding, depending on the persons weight.

- A different pair of shoes may help.

- A person who weighs a lot and has a low arch, may need a more stable, motion controlled shoe.

- A person with a high arch may need a shoe with more cushioning.

- Alternate shoes.

- Rotate a slightly worn shoe with a new pair.

Try wearing different shoes for different types of surfaces.

- Consult a physical therapist or a massage therapist.

- Your pain may be a result of tight or weak muscles instead of structural problems.

To view our Powerstep ProTech Orthotic (click here)

Orthotic Supports, & Comfort Insoles

Today I will explain 3 products we highly recommend here in the office that relieves heel & arch conditions.

Heel Pain is one of the most common symptoms we see in our office. There are multiple causes of heel pain, but most are equally uncomfortable. Your initial response to heel pain at home should be to follow the RICE treatment method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) Stay off your feet and elevate them. Rotate ice on for 20 minutes and off for 20 minutes at a time. Do not use ice while sleeping, and keep a towel between the ice and your skin. The ice will help to relieve both your pain and swelling. Use a compression wrap to help reduce the swelling in your foot and ankle.

Here are the 3 products I will explain today:

1. The "Powerstep ProTech Classic" - This is the Podiatrist's Prescription for Pain Relief! This will relieve your heel and arch pain. This product includes:

- Medical-grade arch support

- Stabilizing heel cradle

- Encased in full-length double-layered.

- Thin full-length profile to fit many shoes.

This product is Therapy for: Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Spurs, and other foot conditions! This will support your Foot, Ankle, Knee, & Even your Lower Back.

Powerstep ProTech Classic is a unique podiatric support system specifically intended to relieve heel and arch pain, and prevent foot strain from injury. Unlike leading insoles or arch support, ProTech Classic's unique 4-phase design is optimized to provide complete foot support and comfort, and correct foot posture and mechanics.

Wait! There is a GUARANTEE--30 day money back gurantee for any reason. Lifetime gurantee against breakage of plastic arch supports when used under normal conditions.

2. The "Spenco RX Comfort Insoles" - This is a clinically designed & doctor recommended product! With this one-year unconditional gurantee you get:

 -Cushions that comfort and heel the toe.

An Ultra-Fresh Silpure- Exceptional odor control through advanced silver-based antimicrobial
- Absorbs shock
- Reduces friction
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Durable and washable

-Spenco has 40 years of Footcare Solutions under there belt, and this 4-way Stretch Fabric with Ultra-Fresh Silpure- Helps prevent blisters, along with controlling odor. This Spenco material has an exclusive cushioning layer, and provides maximum comfort.




3. Finally, "The Aetrex Lynco Orthotics" - Aetrex is your #1 choice in Foot Orthotics. For this specific product I will tell you why this is one of our top choices:
- This specific product assures you feel great during high impact activities.
- Improves balance and body alignment
- Reduces stress at the Ball-of-the-Foot

The Lynco L400 Sports Orthotic is designed specifically to provide comfort, balance, and support in athletic, walking and comfort footwear. This product features a Pro-Shox top cover for superior cushioning and shock absorption. Pro-Shox's high tech polyester fibers wick moisture away from the foot and provide a cool, friction free surface to prevent blisters and other foot problems.
The L400 is light-weight, resilient and provides unmatched cushioning and support. These unique orthotics are designed with a cupped heel for balance, stability, and pressure reduction. This product is recommended for medium and high arch feet.

We highly recommend either of these three products. If you would like more information about our products visit our online store to view products like the PowerStep, or stop in at 1725 Western Ave., Ste. C Findlay, OH 44883.