If you loved the summer Orthaheels... wait until you try on their new fall shoes and slippers. They just arrived. Get them while you can!

  • Increase font size
  • Default font size
  • Decrease font size
Welcome to Bail's Custom Footcare

At Bail's Custom Footcare, we have a long history of great customer service and workmanship. The Bail Family has been serving foot care needs in the area since 1890. We are a full service Pedorthic Facility working in partnership with Healthcare Providers in the treatment of foot ailments of people located in and around the Pioneer Valley. We also specialize in the foot health of diabetic patients. We have two Board Certified Pedorthists on staff with the knowledge and experience necessary to answer any foot related questions, fill any prescriptions prescribed to you and follow any treatment plan your doctor may order.
 
Diabetic Shoes - protection for the "at risk" foot E-mail

by Christopher L. Bail C. Ped.

 

Everyday, more and more people are being diagnosed with diabetes. Not only in the elder population but also an increase in diabetes is seen in the "Baby Boomer" generation. This condition can cause you feet to be vulnerable to complications that non-diabetic feet may never experience. For example, pre-ulcerative calluses, pressure sores, and poor circulation may occur.

Part of a diabetic's overall health plan should include properly fitted diabetic shoes and accompanying inserts. This type of footwear aids in reducing diabetic foot complications. Improperly fitted shoes can increase friction thus creating ulcers, calluses and blisters that may not lead to serious foot injury.

This type of special shoe protects the foot by having a seam-free construction, a wider toe box and comes in a variety of sizes, widths and depths. These qualities allow the professional shoe fitter to help you protect your feet.

How does the diabetic patient know if they need these shoes and does their insurance cover them?

Your healthcare professional can evaluate your feet and determine if you have a need for diabetic shoes and prescribe them. Certain conditions must be present in order to qualify for insurance coverage of a diabetic shoe package. They are: pre-ulcerative calluses, poor circulation, foot deformity (i.e. hammer-toes or bunions), neuropathy (loss of sensation), amputation and foot ulceration.

Most insurances cover your diiabetic shoe program at a rate of 80 percent of the total cost with most secondary insurance paying all or most of the balance. Diabetic Shoes and inserts are not only the best way to protect your feet, but often are at little or no cost to you
 
Orthotics E-mail

by Laura D'Onofrio, C. Ped

 

My doctor says that orthotics would help my sore feet. What are they?

People often refer to these devices as arch supports, lifts, braces or inserts. No matter what you choose to call them orthotics serve many purposes and bring great relief to many.

Several symptoms that indicate your need for orthotics are pain in your feet, knees, or any other part of your body associated even indirectly with your feet. One of the most common uses for orthotics is for plantar fasciitis.  This condition causes pain that is usually located in the heel of the foot affected. Some of the other foot problems include metatarsalgia, heel spurs, high or low arches and arthritis. Relief from pain may be from the moment you put the orthotics in your shoes or it can take several months to feel better depending on the severity of the injury.

Many different materials are used to make orthotics and they are designed to enhance your daily activities. Accommodations can be made to address the individuals' lifestyle. Some materials that are used to construct orthotics are polypropylene (which is a plastic-like material), cork, soft-foam like materials and heat moldable inserts often used for diabetes. The activity level and condition to be relieved determines the type of orthotics made and how long it is expected to last.

The cost of these devices can vary depending on the complexity and material used. Adjustments and refurbishments will continue to extend the life and meet the changes in your feet that may arise.

Orthotics may be obtained from a podiatrist (foot doctor), or a pedorthic facility. Hopefully, wearing orthotics can greatly improve if not eliminate your foot pain and enhance the comfort of every step.