Gearing up for City2Surf 2011

I have noticed that with the improved weather, more people have started to gear up their training for the City2Surf at the bay run recently. 

However, it is quite alarming to find that 60-85% of runners are still injured every year*. Running with a straight posture with a shorter stride can help to prevent injuries, but it is also important to remember that strong muscles also play a significant role in the prevention, too.

Canadian fitness trainer Roland Semprie explains that strong muscles are able to withstand more damage and impact and therefore, able to repair quickly**. With the BAREFOOT SCIENCE™ foot strengthening system, the intrinsic muscles conform around the dome which stimulates the muscles in your feet, while your neurosensory motor input is stimulated for better cadence.

It is also crucial to have well-fitted and good running shoes. I recommend Earth Shoes and Hoka Oneone to assist with the development of correct stride and strong feet, which are both available from my specialised footgear clinic.

Earth Shoe Exer-Walk Blue

The renowned -3.7° heel of Earth Shoe is designed to provide the feeling of being barefoot on soft ground. It subtly shifts your body weight back over your heels so your posture is automatically corrected to be more upright, with a slight activation to your core muscles. When running in Earth Shoe, it promotes the natural barefoot way of running. it is easier and more efficient to strike with the forefeet rather than striking with the heel first.

Hoka Oneone Bondi B. Unisex

Hoka Oneone is new in Australia and was awarded as the “Footwear Product of the Year” at the Outdoor Trade Show (UK) Novel Awards and “Innovation of the Year” by Endurance Trail in 2010. 

The word Hoka is derived from ancient Maori meaning "now it is time to fly". Notably with being 15% lighter than conventional trail running shoes, the sole features a 50% rockering profile that propels you forward by providing a smooth and energy efficient stride. Hoka Oneone also features a 35% wider platform designed to enhance underfoot stability. Numerous experienced runners have praised the French footgear for the great comfort and less soreness during and after the race.

With only two weeks to go until City2Surf, and if you are currently suffering from injuries, I strongly advise you to book in a consultation with me for an assessment. And feel free to email me for a copy of blister prevention guide— a must have for all runners!

Besides from that, this is our first year participating at the City2Surf Expo to be held at Sydney Town Hall on 11-13 August. We will be showcasing the benefits of BAREFOOT SCIENCE™ muscle strengthening system for your feet, so make sure to bring your family and friends to Stand 15 and check them out!

Stay Active

Did many of you get involved at the National Diabetes Week here in Sydney last week (10-16 July 2011)?

This year’s theme was on “Diabetes: Don’t be blind to the risk”. Undoubtedly, our eyesight is very important, with recent research released today from the Centre for Eye Research Australia suggests that 35 per cent of Australians with diabetes, did not have their eyes checked at least every two years as recommended in the NHMRC guidelines, while 17 per cent had undetected diabetic retinopathy*.

However, as a Podiatry Clinician, I cannot help to remind you the importance of looking after your feet and staying active, especially to improve your diabetes management. As we know, we all benefit from regular exercises, not only that it allows the insulin to work better; it helps to better your weight management, lower your blood pressure, but also reduce risks of heart attacks and levels of stress.

Remember to take it slowly and always increase the intensity of the exercises slowly when you commence a regular exercise regime. Low impact sports such as walking is a great way to start, and we are excited to be the Australasian distributors of the “anti-orthotic” muscle strengthening Insole System - BAREFOOT SCIENCE™. 

Through 20 years of research and using the latest advances in medicine and technology, BAREFOOT SCIENCE™ doesn’t brace the foot like ordinary orthotics. Rather, it helps to enhance balance by gently pressing on sensory nerves in centre of arches of feet and strengthen your feet by stimulating the intrinsic (small) muscles and proprioceptive mechanism in your feet. This helps to restore optimal foot health by the improvement of circulation and resulting in stronger feet for a better base of support.

BAREFOOT SCIENCE™ comes with up to seven insert levels to keep challenging muscles in the feet. I always recommend wearers to keep stepping up to the next insert level once they have become comfortable with a certain intensity of challenge. BAREFOOT SCIENCE™ are easy to use and readily fits into high heels, ballet flats, and the usual business and sports footwear, with a choice of three-quarters and full lengths.

Why not take up the BAREFOOT SCIENCE™ challenge and walk healthier this winter?

*Source: http://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/en/Media-Centre/Media-Releases/175000-Australians-not-being-checked-for-diabetes-related-blindness/

Welcome!

Welcome to the blog of Dr Foot Solutions Podiatry and Specialised Footgear Clinic!

My name is Bronwyn Cooper and I am the principal podiatrist at Dr Foot Solutions. For six years of my 37-year-career, I have been utilising in-shoe devices and “active-orthotic” soled shoes that reduce peak forces and stimulate neglected postural muscles. The results of these clinically proven devices and techniques are outstanding such that I am able to “de-orthocise” over 95% of the feet that I now see— and patients love the freedom this brings.

Whether you are a runner, having overuse injuries such as achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, being on your feet all day on hard floors, suffering from arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes or neuromuscular problems such as head injury, stroke, or M.S. I can help you to achieve improved weight-bearing function.

If you are recovering from surgery or trauma, I can assist you with techniques that will get the swelling down sooner and returning you to everyday activities at an earlier stage than traditional approaches.

As the exclusive distributor for BAREFOOT SCIENCE™ Foot Strengthening System in Australasia, I am able to help more sport participants achieve fitness goals through pain free walking and running. For those transitioning to minimalist running shoes, BAREFOOT SCIENCE™ will help you to build stronger feet, promote better balance and cadence while you walk or run.

Feel free to drop me a comment, contact me on (02) 9181 2113 or email me walkbetter@drfootsolutions.com.au.