Orthotics...Which One Is Right For You?

What is an orthotic? An orthotic is an insert for your shoes that is custom designed from an impression of your own foot. Not everyone needs to have orthotics; this insert is perfect for feet that perform abnormally when standing, walking, or running.

But what does it do? It provides arch support and alters the angle at which the foot strikes the surface, providing optimal foot support.

There are three different categories of orthotics:

• Rigid orthotics provide support and controls motion and is made out of plastic or carbon fiber. Rigid orthotics is used when a person has a strain, or aches and pains in the legs, thighs and lower back.
• Semi-Rigid orthotics guides the foot to function properly by allowing muscles and tendons to perform efficiently. Semi-Rigid is typically comprised of layers of soft material which are reinforced with more rigid materials. These orthotics are used when a person is having trouble with their balance while walking or playing sports.
• Soft orthotics absorbs shock, builds balance, and alleviates pressure. They are made of soft, compressible materials. People with diabetes and arthritis find relief with soft orthotics.

Image by Patrick McEvoy-Halston. (2006). orthotics. works. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/patrickmh/1992152096/

A Twisted Ankle

A sprained ankle has many different names such as ankle sprain, twisted ankle, rolled ankle, ankle injury or ankle ligament injury. Although it may have many names, it is a very common medical condition. To be classified as a sprained ankle, one or more of the ligaments of the ankle needs to be torn or partially torn.

How do sprains occur? 

Typically sprains are caused when the foot is rolled; shifting after the foot has been planted. It can also occur when the ankle moves beyond its normal range of motion. If a person lands on their foot with a large force, the ligaments can be stretched. Ligaments hold the ankle bones and joint in position and are designed to protect the ankle joint.

Symptoms of Sprained Ankle:

• Inflammation and swelling: blood vessels will leak fluid into the tissue that surrounds the joint.
• Pain: nerves in the area become sensitive and pain is experience when pressure is placed on the area
• Warmth and redness: caused by blood flow increasing
• Decreased mobility to move the joint and the leg

Image by Ben R. Matthews. (2009). Twisted ankle. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/benrmatthews/3933680609/

Correlation Between Childhood Obesity & Foot Problems

Obesity in a very real concern for America, especially in children and adolescents. Results from the 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), using measured heights and weights, indicate that an estimated 17 percent of children and adolescents ages 2-19 years are obese.

It is well known that some concerns with childhood obesity are diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. But what is not being discussed is the potential for obese children to develop a lower limb injury. There is a direct correlation of obese children and increased foot injuries.

A study was done on the subject and the findings were published in April 2010 in Pediatrics. 23,000 children aged 3-14 years old were studied. One is six children in the study was considered obese. The study found that obese children had more foot, leg, and ankle injuries that children of their own age and healthy weight.

Children and adolescents who are obese are damaging their feet and may have problems walking. These children had wider and longer feet than children of average weight, 15mm wider and 18mm longer. They also experience problems balancing, and need to walk at a slower pace.

If a child is already overweight and they happen to for example, have an inflammation of their growth plate, the chances of that child doing any type of physical activity greatly diminishes. In turn, the child becomes more sedentary and has the potential to even more weight. This can become a ‘catch 22'. By having children's feet looked at by a Podiatrist and having children's feet measured for proper footwear will lead to less problems.


Image by Gualsstin. (2013). Childhood Obesity. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/57826041@N03/8409366544/

Clubfoot

A clubfoot is a congenital deformity involving one foot or both. The foot affected looks like it is rotated internally at the ankle. If a person doesn't get treatment for clubfoot, the person will appear to walk on their ankles or the sides of their feet. Clubfoot is a very common birth defect, affecting 1 in every 1,000 live births. Males are more prone to have this deformity than women. The ratio is 2:1.

Causes of Clubfoot

Genetic factors increase this deformity depending upon family history.
Breech presentation is another known cause, where the baby is born feet first.

Treatment of Clubfoot

Podiatrists treat clubfoot with manipulation. Braces, serial casting, or splints are used to hold the feet in orthodox positions and should begin within two weeks of birth. Even with successful treatment, the foot may be smaller than the other. In stretching and casting therapy, Podiatrists changes the cast multiple times over a few weeks to gradually stretch the tendons until the foot is in the correct position.

Another treatment is surgery. Tenotomy, which is the clipping of the Achilles tendon is needed in 80% of cases. Anterior Tibial Tendon Transfer, where the tendon is moved from the first toe to the third toe in order to release the inward traction on the foot is needed in 20% of cases.


Image by Richard Masoner. (2006). clubfeet. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/bike/213777216/

4 Tips to Alleviate Bunion Pain

The simple fact that we wear shoes most of the day plays havoc on our feet. One common problem are bunions. I’ve blogged about Bunions and Bunionettes before, but if you need a little reminder, here’s a few symptoms:

Symptoms of Bunions & Bunionettes:

• Bump appears at the base of the big (for bunion) or fifth toe (for bunionette)
• Pain, especially when wearing shoes that press or rub against the bump
• Big toe points toward the second toe
• Swelling
• Redness

If you have a bunion on your foot, try these 4 techniques to alleviate the pain, swelling, and redness.

1. Foot bath. Soak your foot in cold water instead of hot water. This will minimize irritation. If you want to be fancy about it, buy a home foot spa. Otherwise the bath or a bin large enough to fit your foot will work nicely. Add a bit of Epsom salt and soak away. 
2. Stretching. Just like the rest of your muscles, toes need to be stretched out too. Not only will the muscles feel better, so will the joints. 
3. Shoes. Shoes tend to be a big culprit when it comes to bunions. The rubbing from the inside of the shoe can cause a bunion to occur. Purchase shoes that fit. Measure your feet at the store and look for wider width shoes. If you love a pair of shoes but it’s tight around the bunion, ask a shoe repair store to stretch the shoe in that spot. 
4. Toe spacers. They can be found at your local store. Toe spacers will help to reduce pain and inflammation. Pain relief gels and creams can also be helpful in relieving pain.

Image by Mark Belokopytov. (2006). Measuring a foot. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/markb120/282343135/