TOG GaitScan™
Our GaitScan™ System is a revolutionary diagnostic tool for assessing a patient’s biomechanics. GaitScan™ has an industry high 4096 sensors and scans at an industry high 300Hz (scans per second). These measurements provide today’s Health Care Professionals with a sophisticated explanation of foot mechanics and assists them with orthotic and/or shoe solutions.
TOG GaitScan™ is the most technologically advanced gait analysis system available and it has been designed to move you to the forefront of orthotic therapy and patient education.
Lack of proper care, ill-fitting shoes and general foot neglect are responsible for the majority of foot problems.
It’s important to understand your feet have direct impact on the rest of your body and support you with each step. A small abnormality in foot function can have a large impact on joints higher up in the body, causing pain and discomfort.
When you are running, the pressure on your feet can be three or four times your body weight. Even walking can produce more pressure than the sum of your body weight. The American Podiatric Medical Association says that the average person takes 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day. That adds up to about 115,000 miles in a lifetime or more than four times the circumference of the globe. That is a lot of walking with ill-fitting shoes or painful feet!!
In some cases foot ailments can be an early signal of more serious medical problems like arthritis or diabetes.
Women have four times as many foot problems as men because they have a long history of wearing high heels and/or pointy toe shoes.
Orthotics and proper shoe fit are very important aspects of foot health.
Remember if you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your ankles, knees, hip joints or back….the direct cause may be the function of your feet or ill-fitting shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are orthotics?
Orthotics or ‘Orthoses’ are inserts that comfortably fit into shoes; they are designed to support and improve the functioning of feet. Health care practitioners will prescribe orthotics to patients suffering from chronic foot or lower limb problems or to athletes to help maximize performance during sport.
How often should I be wearing my orthotics?
Your orthotics should be worn every time you are on your feet — during work, at home and play. Orthotics are like eyeglasses, they work when they are worn. As soon as you take your orthotics out of your shoes or take your shoes off your feet, the stress and discomfort you experienced before wearing your orthotics is likely to return.
What do you recommend if the orthotics are hurting my feet?
During the first few weeks of wearing your orthotics, you may experience aches and pains in your feet and legs. This is normal and is an indication that your orthotics are working. Your body has been conditioned to accommodate feet that do not function properly; as a result, it may need time to adjust. If your discomfort persists beyond a few weeks, please contact your health care practitioner, your orthotics may simply need a minor adjustment.
Does the effectiveness of my orthotics rely on the type of shoes I wear?
Orthotics are most effective in shoes that are constructed well, fit properly and are in good condition. It is best to bring in your shoes when your health care practitioner is fitting you for orthotics. Knowing the type of footwear you wear the most will help your practitioner prescribe the right style of orthotics for your lifestyle. It is quite normal for some practitioners to prescribe two pairs of orthotics to patients (ie. Dress and Sport). When shopping for new shoes, it is also best to bring your orthotics with you for fitting purposes.
Foot Facts
People punish their feet daily by wearing ill fitting shoes or by walking around on feet that do not function properly. Educate yourself and start improving the health of your feet.
Foot Fact Number 1 – 25% of the bones in the body are in your feet.
Your feet are a complex system of 52 bones, 66 joints, 214 ligaments, 38 muscles and tendons. It is no wonder that 75% of North Americans will experience foot health problems of varying degrees, at some point in their lives. You could be walking in comfort with professionally fitted custom orthotics.
Foot Fact number 2 – The average person takes 8,000 to 10,000 steps per day.
Your feet have an important job; they carry you throughout the day, with every step making an impact on your body. If your foot functions improperly it will have an effect on joints higher up the kinetic chain (your ankle, knee, hip and spine). This may result in pain or discomfort. Most individuals will seek out medical attention for the symptoms they are experiencing in their joints, but do not realize the source of their pain is their feet.
Foot Fact Number 3 – The right running shoe for you…
If you are active, it is important that you select the right athletic shoe for your sport and for your foot type.With so many choices on the market, you should consult an expert for the best brand and model for your particular foot each time you buy.
Foot Fact Number 4 – 60-70% of People with Diabetes have Mild to Severe Forms of Nerve Damage, Often Impairing the Sensation of the Feet
Foot disease is one of the complications of diabetes. Severe nerve damage in the feet can lead to ulceration and often lower extremity amputations. Early prevention and treatment of foot disease can be managed by effective foot care practices. These practices include: diagnosis of high pressure areas on the diabetic foot and treatment with properly fitted orthotics or footwear.
Foot Fact Number 5 – Many Foot Conditions (Bunions, Calluses, Corns, etc.) Are Caused by Ill Fitting Shoes
Most individuals buy shoes that do not properly fit their feet and that tend to aggravate foot ailments. When shopping for shoes make sure you go in the afternoon – your feet swell during the day. Also bring the proper socks for the style of shoe you will be buying, and if applicable, bring your custom orthotics. Shoe sizes vary based on the shoe make and style – do not always assume you will be the same size every time.
Achieving the proper fit:
- The toe box should have a ton of room; make sure you can wiggle your toes
- Ensure the width fits properly (your forefoot should never be wider than the shoe)
- Your heel should be stable within the heel counter
- The shoes should feel comfortable the moment you try them on
Footwear styles and custom orthotics
The Orthotic Group has developed products that have set benchmarks for quality and precision internationally since 1985. Our commitment to excellence is driven by the knowledge that our products improve life for the patients of TOG professionals.
