Toning Shoes...Fad or Bad?

There has been an increase lately in the number of shoe companies that are producing these toning shoes. Some of the common ones that are out are the Skechers Shapeups, Reebok EasyTone, New Balance and the MBT's. There are also making these in sandals now. These shoes are claiming to help solve knee and back problems, tone your legs, relieve tension in the neck and ease joint pain. What are all the thoughts on this? Since some of these products are fairly new, we dont have long term studies on them. Once more long term data is out on these we will get a better idea on how these products work over the long term.

I would not recommend these shoes/sneakers to run in. I am going to post a link to a study that was done on them. A team of exercise scientists from the Exercise and Health Program at the University of Wisconsin had studied the 3 shoes above.  They evaluated muscle activation in the toning shoes vs a New Balance Running shoe as well as exercise responses.

For the exercise response the researchers had 12 patients complete 12, 5-minute exercises on a treadmill that with different speeds and gradients(inclines) with the toning shoes and a running sneaker.  For the muscle activation response, 12 patients rotated shoes at random while having electrodes tied to different muscles on the body while doing similar exercises on the treadmill.

The results showed that none of the toning shoes showed a statistically significant increase in exercise response or muscle activation on the treadmill.

As of now, I think there needs to be even more research on these toning shoes. I like how this study was performed and how it showed that there was no difference in muscle activation or exercise response on a treadmill.

Here is the link for further reading.

http://www.acefitness.org/getfit/studies/toningshoes072010.pdf

http://www.podiatrycarespecialists.com/

Pregnant Women and Shoe Gear

I recently saw an article published by the NY Daily Times on pregnant women and their shoe gear. I will include the original link at the end of this blog.

The British Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists performed a study on 1,000 pregnant women and found  many women wear fashionable shoes while being pregnant. 7/10 women had swollen ankles, feet, heel, and arch pain during their pregnancy. 66% wore flip-flops regularly,  32% high heels, 30% Uggs, and 53% ballet pumps.

What I didnt see listed in the study is when along their pregnancy they wore the above. When the feet swell it becomes more difficult to find a comfortable pair of sneakers/shoes. Typically the further along pregnancy we may recommend Crocs. It is not a good idea to wear high heels. pumps, and Uggs. These shoes do not have the proper support for the foot as well as the shock absorption. The high heels can also aggravate your back and other joints. Its always a  good idea to wear comfortable and supportive shoes to prevent any foot pain especially while being pregnant.

For more information please visit our website.

http://www.podiatrycarespecialists.com/

Here is a link to the original article:

http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/health/2010/06/15/2010-06-15_stilettoclad_momstobe_risk_longterm_foot_problems.html

Exercise With Care

Recently as I have been going to the gym for a workout, or walking outside, I cant help to notice ones footgear. Whats amazing is what I see people wearing when running on the treadmill or using the elliptical. I see different forms of footwear ranging from what should be used, sneakers to things one doesn't want to wear in loafers, shoes, sandals and flats.  Its very important when exercising and going for walks or runs to have your foot supported and have good shock absorption.  You will not be able to get this with loafers, shoes, or sandals. You should always be in a good supportive sneaker when you are very active at the gym. You will not be as fatigued and you can prevent less problems with your feet!

http://www.podiatrycarespecialists.com/

Ryan Madson Breaks Big Toe

Ryan Madson, the pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, broke his big toe the other day after blowing a save for the Phillies. He kicked a folding chair in frustration. After this happened the toe started to swell and ache. Treatment for a fracture of a toe depends on the type of fracture. Its more serious in the big toe and sometimes the fracture needs to be fixed either with screws, pins, or wires. It sounds like he will not need surgery for this, but will be in a walker boot for a few weeks. If the fracture occurs in the joint he may develop arthritis in the toe. In the lesser toes if there is a fracture, usually these will be treated with a splint to the other toe. This again depends on the type of fracture that has occurred. Bone typically takes 6-8 weeks to heal. If you have any more questions please visit our webpage.

http://www.podiatrycarespecialists.com/

Neomycin Allergen of the year

Lets talk about skin for brief moment. Some people may develop allergies to certain topical medications as well as certain chemicals in household cleaners or even the material in shoes/sneakers. When the skin has an allergic reaction it is a dermatitis, inflammation of the skin. According to MD Consult the American Contact Dermatitis Society has named "Neomycin" as the allergen of the year.  Neomycin is an the product Neosporin. Neosporin is a very common antibiotic cream used for simple cuts and lacerations. If you are noticing any redness, small red areas, pimple like areas, blistering after using Neosporin you should discontinue the product. This also should be with any topical creams or ointments that you apply to your skin.  If you are concerned whether or not you may be allerigic to Neomycin or Neosporin you can always  have a patch test which will test very common chemicals to see if you are allergic to them. 

http://www.podiatrycarespecialists.com/

David Beckham Achilles Torn

David Beckham, world known soccer player and who is married to former Spice Girl Posh Spice, sustained a devestating injury to his foot. He had ruptured his Achilles Tendon. The inury occurred during one of his recent games. The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the back part of the heel bone. There is a common area in the Achilles tendon that has a decreased amount of blood supply called the watershed area. This usually occurs about 2cm-6cm from the area it originates in the heel bone. The injury can occur from a direct trauma to the area or a quick contraction from the calf muscle. This is most likely what has caused his rupture. It may take up to a year to gain full recovery from this type of injury. Conservative measures include being in a cast or brace for a few months to surgery where the tendon is repaired. Even with surgery, a cast or brace is usually needed. Physical Therapy is paramount after this type of injury to strengthen back the calf musle. There is always a risk of a re-repture of the tendon in any case of conservative or surgial treatment options. Athletes typically will have the surgical route because of a quicker healing time and may be more durable. It is always best to see your doctor to see which treatment is best for you. For more information please visit our website

Chad Friedman, DPM

http://www.podiatrycarespecialists.com/

Spring is almost Here

Wow, what a great weekend we had and a nice Monday. With the warmer weather also brings different shoe gear. Please remember, even if you were previously treated for Plantar Fasciitis or other heel pain, you may have a recurrence of this if you are back in your sandals, flip-flops, or going barefoot. As we have talked about many times before, the heel, the arch, and the whole foot need to be supported properly in order to prevent foot pain from recurring.

There are new sandals that are out there that actually have removable foot beds that we are looking into to see if these can help relive foot pain. We will keep you posted on these. One that we will have in our office are the Aetrex Sandalistas. The foot bed can removed to place in insert or an orthotic in there to help out.

For more information please visit our website or call to make an appointment

Enjoy the warmer days,

Chad Friedman, DPM

http://www.podiatrycarespecialists.com/