Many of us know an older individual who is a parent or the parent of a friend who’s sustained a fall. As most people are aware, the occurrence of a fall is a snowball of adverse events and health related problems. Every year, there are 3 million older adults who are treated in emergency departments…
Choosing a shoe is a process where we evaluate three basic criteria. Those are form, fit and function. For most of us form becomes a major reason for a shoe choice because, lets face it, nobody wants to wear ugly or un-fashionable shoes. Function is also important in that the shoes should properly support your feet.…
The term Orthotics, also known as orthoses, refers to any device inserted into a shoe, ranging from felt pads to custom-made shoe inserts that correct an abnormal or irregular walking pattern. Sometimes called arch supports, orthotics allow people to stand, walk, and run more efficiently and comfortably. While over-the-counter orthotics are available and may help…
The most common cause of pediatric heel pain is a disorder known as Sever’s Disease. This is not a disease but when named over a hundred years ago this is what it became known as. To make it even harder to remember its medical diagnosis is calcaneal apophysitis. This is an inflamed growth plate in…
Weak ankles or medically known as “lateral ankle instability” is a condition described by a “giving way “of the outside of the ankle. This can develop after repeated ankle sprains. A condition known as ligamentous laxity can also cause an ankle to turn over. Turning your ankle usually occurs while walking or running, but can…
Each day, with every step you take, your big toe takes a tremendous amount of stress—a force equal to about twice your body weight. Most of us don’t realize how much we use our big toe. We tend to take it for granted, unless a problem develops. One problem that afflicts the big toe is…
WHAT ARE HAMMERTOES? Hammertoe is a bending in one or more joints (knuckles) of the small toes. Because of the deformity that this causes, the tops of the toes press against shoes and can hurt. The toes can also be uncomfortable at the tip where they press into the floor or sole of the shoe.…