Forefoot Valgus
Forefoot valgus is a foot type in which the forefoot is in an everted position when the subtalar joint is in its neutral position and the midtarsal joint is maximally pronated. It is the opposite for the forefoot varus foot type.
Forefoot valgus is a difficult foot type to understand as it will function very differently depending on the range of motion at the midtarsal joint. A rigid midtarsal joint will mean that the rearfoot supinates. A flexible midtarsal joint means that the rearfoot will pronate more (more).
Vibram Five Fingers
The Vibram Five Fingers are a favorite shoe with those who prefer barefoot or minimalist running. They are shoes that cover the foot like a glove and also have a pocket for each toe.
They are not without their controversy as they are facing legal action over the health claims that they made and Podiatrists are seeing a lot of injuries in those that use them. A recent motion to dismiss the class action was rejected.
Toe Walking
A lot of kid like to walk on their toes. They do so to make themselves taller. Generally it is off no consequences and they get over it. However, toe walking can also be due to a more serious problem so each case of toe walking does need to be taken seriously.
Toe walking is common in conditions like autism and cerebral palsy, but a number of other developmental and behavior problems can underpin it. If the child can get the heel to the ground easily and all the usual developmental milestones are reached, then the chances are that the toe walking is not a problem.
The Promise of Toning Shoes
Toning shoes came on the market a number of years ago claiming to cure everything from bad posture to cellulite. A lot of the claims have been ‘toned’ down now due to the threats of legal action as there was not much or any evidence to support the claims being made. Toning shoes are called that as they are deliberately made unstable. hence altering the posture and making the muscles work harder.
While the logic and rationale behind toning shoes could make sense, the actual science is not that good leading to legal challenges against the companies making the claims. There is on doubt that these shoes do help some people, but they also can hurt other people. There is plenty of information and misinformation on the web on these shoes, as well as a lot of testimonials.
Severs Disease
The most cause of heel pain in children is a condition known as Severs disease. The most common cause of pain is squeezing the sides of the heel near the posterior aspect. The pain is located in the bone and not in the joints and not in the tendon. It is usually only painful on activity and not at rest unless it has got really bad. There is debate if it should be called Severs disease or calcaneal apophysitis.
The standard treatment is lots of stretching of the calf muscles and a heel raise. A gel heel raise is commonly used for this. It is also common to reduce activity levels to help. Later a complete abstinence from sport may be needed if they the initial treatment does not help.