Bunions
Bunions are so common in females, especially older female. The main factor implicated in them is probably footwear, though those who do not wear shoes can still get them implicating hereditary issues (ref). Despite the hereditary factors shoes do make them more severe and more painful.
There are many treatment options or bunions, but the only way to get rid of the, is with surgery. Conservative options involve footwear advice, exercises and the use of padding to relieve pressure. If you have a problem with a bunion, you can ask at the Foot health Forum or at Podiatry Experts. ePodiatry has a good resource on bunions.
Barefoot Running
The whole concept of barefoot running as been sweeping the running community recently but appears to be dying off somewhat now. It has been controversial not because it not a good thing to do but because of the unsubstantiated that the science does not support that get made for it. The has been a lot of misuse of the science by those who support barefoot running. Podiatrists and other who treat running injuries have certainly had more work since the trend to barefoot and minimalist running started, yet those promote it claim there are less injuries occurring. Given that all those who work in running injury clinics are reporting the opposite, its hard to know who to believe without some good science.
The is plenty of discussion about this on podiatry websites and blogs and sports medicine sites. There is no doubt that barefoot running is good for some people and not for others. Its all very individual.
Autism
Podiatrists have an interest in autism or the autistic spectrum disorders for a number of reasons. First those who have autism have foot problems that need to be treated, so they need to be familiar with the behaviors of those with autism. Secondly, toe walking is common in those with autism, so if a child presents with toe walking, this needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis of the toe walking.
Thirdly, with the general interest of any health professional on the public health they need to be aware of the vaccination issues and the nonsense about this being the cause of autism!
The analysis of the gait in autism can give important clues and can even be used to identify autism. The are plenty of disussions on podiatry websites about autism.
The Windlass Mechanism
The windlass mechanism of the foot has been getting more attention over recent years and its role in normal foot function and pathological foot function.
There are plenty of discussions on the windlass mechansim on the web (for example) and videos about it. The windlass mechanism is the way the foot can support itself, so if it is not functioning properly, a range of different conditions can occur. For more, see this.
Skechers Toning Shoes FTC Settlement
Skechers toning shoes recently became of hot topic on podiatry sites due to the settlement that they made with the FTC for $40 million:
If Skechers thought they weren’t going to possibly lose their multiple lawsuits, then they wouldn’t be shelling out $40,000,000.00. It’s always a delight to see when these shoe companies who make unsubstantiated marketing claims get hit right where it hurts them most…..in their wallets! More from Podiatry Arena
There has been a lot of interest in the blogosphere about the settlements with the Federal Trade Commission in the USA and the number of class action law suits filed against brands in the fitness or exercise shoe category of footwear. Reebok settled with the FTC for $25 million. Skechers are facing a number of class action suits and just settled with the FTC for $40 million. Vibram Five Fingers are facing a class action case. None of the class action cases have been settled yet and both Reebok and Skechers are still denying any liability but settled with the FTC to avoid protracted hearings and the uncertainty associated with that. Vibram FiveFingers have indicated that they will vigorously defend the class action. More From Professor of Life
Skechers continue to deny any liability and settled as it was a better alternative for the company to move forward. They are still facing a number of class action suits.
Achilles Tendon Rupture
A rupture of the achilles tendon can affect anyone. They tend to occur when there is simultanous knee extension and ankle dorsiflexion. There is certaily a lot of discussion about the treatment. There have been plenty oif studies comparing surgical management versus conservative management and so teh far the conclusions are probably that it does not matter which treatment is used, the medium to long term outcomes are the same. Here is a useful summary of all the studies.
Its not uncommon to come across online comments like this from people seeking advice:
I am looking for some advice for a friend who ruptured his Achilles tendon last week….More at Achilles Tendon Rupture
There are plenty of videos online of the achilles being ruptured: