Don't neglect fitness in your feet!

My apologies for not blogging for a few weeks. I have been busy attending conferences and sharing the benefits of BAREFOOT SCIENCE™  with many healthcare practitioners around the conntry.

With Summer already here, it is great to see so many people to be aware of getting and staying fit by joining the gym, training with personal trainers and staying active, but not many of them actually realise that muscles in their feet need to get fit, too.

 

Recent research shows that 60-85% of runners are injured every year, and conventional sports shoes are to blame. They are deemed to be too restrictive by bracing the feet and not allowing enough movement for the foot muscles to strengthen naturally.

These alarming figures have prompted major sportswear companies like Nike and Vibram to develop minimalist footwear to “tackle” the problem-- Nike has removed support from their fastest growing sports model since 2005, while Adidas is scheduled to launch its first barefoot shoe in 2012. This phenomenon is growing especially after a considerable amount of discussion in the media in past few months along with several prominent running events.

It is great to see such an awareness of barefoot walking and running developing, but I can't stress enough that consumers should be careful when making the change over.

This is because Conventional footwear and orthotics have stiff components and do not allow the muscles to strengthen, so your feet end up becoming weaker through inactivity, and runners and walkers can aggravate their injuries further if they change to those minimalist shoes straight away.

I have been using BAREFOOT SCIENCE™ to treat my patients for the last seven years and I see that results have been positive. It is an insole system that stimulates and activates intrinsic muscles in the feet, while promoting better movement patterns and posture.

Backed with 20 years of research, BAREFOOT SCIENCE™ is clinically proven to build strong feet and stimulate neurosensory input or “biofeedback”. It is the only insole system that works along barefoot lines, enhancing proprioceptive input and resulting in better foot placement and less risk of injury. I believe this is the future of healthy feet. 

BAREFOOT SCIENCE™ acts like a gym for neglected postural muscles of the foot and stimulates weaker muscles to increase resistance level as they become stronger.It allows runners and walkers to transition from fully supportive shoes, whether sports, casual or dress to minimalist or no support footgear safely and pain-free.

Why not book in an appointment to see me and let me help your feet get fit this Summer?

Activate Expo Visitors Enlightened

'Minimal'- Vibram FiveFingers

There has been a considerable amount of discussion in the media lately about the development and benefits of barefoot running. Even though many walkers and runners are keen to change to a minimal shoe but they are often confused about how they should go about choosing the right one for them.

While exhibiting at the 2011 Activate Expo at Newcastle Entertainment Centre over the weekend, I presented an overview on the four different categories of footwear and how to choose the suitable one for each individual.

'Supportive'- Adidas Supernova

In my talk “The Truth about Sport and Walking Shoes”, I explained there are currently four distinctive categories of sports shoes on the market which are—'Minimalist', 'Supportive', 'Neutral or less supportive' and 'Therapeutic'. 

‘Minimalist’ is a type of footwear that does not provide any support; ‘Supportive’ provides full support to the foot and restrict foot function; while ‘Neutral or less supportive’ only has a support to the foot to a certain extend; and ‘Therapeutic’ offers physiological benefits like improved posture and circulation, and are normally fitted by healthcare practitioners.

'Neutral or less supportive'-
Asics Nimbus Gel

I don’t think that all of them would help improve musculoskeletal function, as most of them restrict the runner or walker from utilising the full function of their feet and do not allow neurological feedback. However, I believe that it is only through properly planting the feet that would optimise better foot function but also build strong feet. This is because strong feet are the base of support for everything up through the body. The ultimate goal for all should be to build strong feet.

'Therapeutic'- MBT

Many of the audience came to our stall afterwards commented that they were never able to understand why their comfy shoes or sport shoes were not work for them. They now see that the well-being and conditions of their feet are far more important than shoes.

With October as “Foot Health Month”, do you know how strong and well are you feet? Why not start now with a pair of BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ Insole System and let them get stronger?

PRESS RELEASE - Visitors enlightened by Podiatrist Talk

Visitors to the 2011 Activate Expo over the weekend were left impressed and enlightened following Podiatrist Bronwyn Cooper’s presentation on the four different categories of footwear and how to choose the suitable one for each individual.

Cooper of Sydney's Dr Foot Solutions, held the audience captive with her presentation “The Truth about Sport and Walking Shoes” on Centre Stage on both days of the Expo, at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre.

She explained there are currently four distinctive categories of sports shoes on the market which are—'Minimalist', 'Supportive', 'Neutral or less supportive' and 'Therapeutic'. 

• 'Minimalist’— a type of footwear that does not provide any support;
• ‘Supportive’— provides full support to the foot and restrict foot function;
• ‘Neutral or less supportive’— only has a support to the foot to a certain extend;
•  ‘Therapeutic’— offers physiological benefits like improved posture and circulation, and are normally fitted by healthcare practitioners.

However, according to Cooper, not all of them would help improve musculoskeletal function as most restrict the runner or walker from utilising the full function of their feet and do not allow neurological feedback. She further explained how the proper way of planting the feet would not only optimise better foot function but also build strong feet.

“The ultimate goal for all should be to build strong feet” said Cooper. “As strong feet are the base of support for everything up [through the body].”
 
The crowd was captivated and enlightened that the well-being and conditions of their feet in reality, are more important than shoes.

“I’ve always had a lot of problems with my feet like flat feet, bunions and weak ankles,” said one visitor. “I had never understood why my comfy shoes were not working for me.”

“But Bronwyn has explained so clearly that I must get my feet stronger rather than relying on [passive] support.”

“I’m so glad I came to the presentation.”

For more information or arrange an interview or comment from Bronwyn Cooper, please contact:

Bronwyn Cooper
Podiatrist/ Footgear Clinician
0415 448 259 or walkbetter@drfootsolutions.com.au

DR FOOT SOLUTIONS PODIATRY/ FOOTGEAR CLINICS.
18 OCTOBER 2011.

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Barefoot is the Best Way to Rehabilitate

Sore, tired and achy feet are the long standing problems for nurses who must spend long hours on their feet on flat, hard floors everyday at work. 

It is important for nurses to take preventative measures of protecting their feet as part of their occupational health and safety and yet most nurses are often given the wrong advice in combating this problem.

They are often advised to wear cushioning insoles or conventional “comfy” shoes at work, which may feel good on the feet initially but not beneficial for the health of your feet in the long term. These conventional footwear and orthotics have stiff components that may correct your alignment, but they do not allow the muscles to strengthen and the foot muscles end up becoming weaker through inactivity. 

However, this is how BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ foot strengthening system can help.

With 20 years of clinical research, BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ is the only insole system that works along minimalist or barefoot lines, and safely stimulates neurosensory input or “biofeedback”, without bracing or cushioning the feet like conventional footwear and orthotics.

It features a distinctive “posture dome” design that assists the foot muscles to re-educate, remodel and strengthen. This allows foot muscles to be placed in a correct position during walking and standing, but also improve the alignment up through the body, and resulting in a better posture. 

In fact, a recent clinical study conducted in Canada shows that over 96% of the ER doctors and nurses reported pain and reduction in both feet, ankles, lower legs, knees, hips, lower back, upper back and shoulders, and an overall reduction in fatigue by 22.7%.

BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ also significantly helps to improve movement patterns in patients whose balance and movement patterns are impaired, where traditional splinting/ bracing orthoses are unable to help, including head injury, stroke and M.S. In effect, this dynamic support of the “posture dome” eases tension on the feet and improves the circulation by massaging it with each step, providing ideal rehabilitation for both nurses and patients.

If you are a nurse or healthcare practitioner who spends long hours on your feet, why not come by and experience the benefits of BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ for yourself?

Happy feet at Better Homes and Gardens LIVE 2011

We have never seen so many happy faces sighing with relief after being fitted up with the BAREFOOT SCIENCE™ foot strengthening insole system!

It was our first time exhibiting at the Better Homes and Gardens LIVE this year and it was a positive turn out in Homebush despite the wet and windy conditions over the last weekend. 

We had expected a lot of tired feet especially with the hard concrete floor at the exhibition hall, and many of the customers who visited our store complained that they are suffering from plantar fasciitis.

© www.austinfoot.org

So what exactly is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot problem that is a painful inflammatory condition causing chronic heel pain and arch pain in some cases. 

It can be caused by abnormal pronation of the foot and excessive forces at the toe off. Contributing factors include age, weight gain, long hours of walking and standing on hard surfaces, badly fitted shoes and shoes that are rigid that do not allow good foot function. Continuous pulling of the fascia at the heel bone can eventually lead to the development of bony growth on the heel, which is called heel spur.

During rest (e.g. when you're asleep), the plantar fascia tightens and shortens. However, when body weight is rapidly applied to the foot, the fascia must stretch and quickly lengthen, causing micro-tearing of the tissue. This is why the pain is more severe with your first steps in the morning or after sitting for a long period of time.

What are the usual treatments for plantar fasciitis?

Many healthcare practitioners would usually recommend rest (e.g. putting the feet up), stretching, massaging, physiotherapy, acupuncture and rigid orthotics to treat plantar fasciitis. However, we frequently see failures with these treatments in our clinic. Rigid orthotics and supportive footwear restrain foot movements and do not promote strong feet.

How can BAREFOOT SCIENCE™ help?

BAREFOOT SCIENCE™ insole system
in Full Length & 3/4 lengths

With the distinctive “posture dome design”, BAREFOOT SCIENCE™ safely stimulates the muscles in the foot, assists in their re-educating and remodeling, not only allowing them to be placed in a correct position during walking and standing, but also encouraging better alignment up through the body, resulting in a better posture. In effect, this dynamic support of the “posture dome” eases tension on the plantar fascia, massaging it with each step.

When the body is aligned, muscles are back to the correct position, which also improves blood flow circulation, carrying oxygen and minerals to help muscles to repair and recover. This significantly decreases the prolonging of the inflammatory in the plantar fascia and people suffering from plantar fasciitis are able to enjoy walking and running pain free sooner.

I find that plantar fasciitis is one of the easiest problems to treat when treated correctly. Unfortunately many practitioners tell patients the results can be poor and take a long time to achieve. If you have plantar fasciitis or you think you have it, why not book in an appointment and see how I can help you?

You’ve got the right shoes, what about your socks?

How often when we have found the right pair of shoes, we have actually forgotten to match them up with the right pair of socks? It is surprising that many of my patients have certainly overlooked this aspect of our daily life especially when our feet spend over 10 hours each day inside socks! 

Socks can be purchased everywhere and the price could range from $2 to $30. How do you know which one is the right for you? There is a misconception that socks made of cotton is the best option. Undoubtedly, cotton being a natural material feels nice; but it also absorbs and retains moisture within its fibers, sticking to the skin when it is wet and causing discomfort.

Conventional cotton tube style socks restricts healthy air and blood flow circulation to the foot, so the whole foot is forced to work as one unit. This causes heat and moisture build up, especially between the toes, which makes it the ideal environment for fungus to harbour and grow.

This is why we find that the Injinji Toesock is a great product to combat these problems.

The Injinji Toesock is designed to separate the toes, with a CoolMax© lining that wicks moisture from between the toes and throughout the entire toe box, and a resistant nylon outer shell woven with Lycra© that is light and breathable. It allows free movement from the heel to the toes, offers improved balance, posture and grip, encourages healthy circulation and eliminates skin on skin friction that prevents blistering; which is similar to being barefoot. 

The Performance series is suitable for runners and we have a good range of selection available here at the clinic. Remember 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, it is a must have for all runners!

All the best on Sunday for the Sydney Marathon and happy running!

Great success at the City2Surf Expo 2011

Our stand at the City2Surf Expo.

It was a great success at City2Surf in August. Many of our customers have given us positive feedback from wearing BAREFOOT SCIENCE™, and some of them have shared with us their testimonials:

“My experience with BAREFOOT SCIENCE™ has been nothing short of a miracle cure for my knee pain. I ran the City2Surf without any problems, and wasn’t even sore afterwards. It exceeded my expectations.” —T.H.

“I completed the 14km run in a time of 1 hour 30 minutes with no prior training beforehand because I could not physically run any amount of kilometers without severe achilles pain in my foot… I am so amazed at how well BAREFOOT SCIENCE™ serviced my needs and I am at a loss to comprehend something so good would work immediately even at walking pace.” —S.S.

“I noticed a reduction of intensity to back pain [Hx of spondylilothesis] with the use of BAREFOOT SCIENCE™.” —L.W.

“I stuck with my orthotics for the City2Surf run, but took my BAREFOOT SCIENCE™ with me, thinking that changing into them after the long run could be a blessing for my feet. And it was!” —K.J.

“I have some pain I my arthritic toes and shin splint. I only wore the basic BAREFOOT SCIENCE™ on the City2Surf and they went well.” — J.D.

“I can say I have found the BAREFOOT SCIENCE™ very convenient and comfortable to use in my boots and shoes where my orthotics do not fit. Quick and easy to fit into dress shoes and they stop my aching foot problem.” — L.B.


BAREFOOT SCIENCE™ is designed to easily fit into your existing shoes. The distinctive dome design promotes a progressive treatment like a mini foot massage that stimulates the intricate muscles in your feet and allow them to get stronger. Once the sensation fades (usually within a week), your feet are ready to move up to the next level of insert, and your feet become stronger and more efficient with each step you take.


Still not sure about the effective benefits of BAREFOOT SCIENCE™? Why not book in an appointment with us and experience them for yourself?

Get a step ahead and maximise your performance

A few new patients I saw recently were complaining about their feet being sore especially after going for a run or a long walk. I find that most of these problems in fact relate to the footwear they have been wearing, with most of them being over supported. You might be asking, “But isn’t that what our shoes should be?”

Recent research shows that cushioning and supportive footwear and orthotic products inhibit the natural foot dynamics. Cushioning prevents the sensory input required for Optimal Foot Dynamics. Rather than supporting and upholding the structure and alignment of your feet, those muscles are thus more prone to be “asleep” and become weaker through inactivity, resulting in being more reliant on artificial support. These conventional footwear actually do you more harm than good.

Francis Obikwelu, Olympic Silver Medallist
(100M Athens 2004), has been using
BAREFOOT SCIENCE™ since 2000.

Conversely, BAREFOOT SCIENCE™ Foot Strengthening System does not brace the. Instead, the distinctive dome design promotes a progressive treatment to re-educate and remodel the foot towards a biomechanical ideal. 

In addition, research shows that it is six times more effective than other insole products at increasing strength, improving structural alignment and reducing stress in lower limbs. BAREFOOT SCIENCE™ safely and naturally simulates, strengthens and restores healthy foot function, and optimises performance and comfort while you are walking or running.

Therefore, with consistent use, your feet will be strengthened and more stable, while allowing better bone alignment, not only in the feet but also up through the body. This greatly helps to manage greater forces with reduced stress, and thus minimise the risk of injuries.

City2Surf is fast approaching. Why not step ahead of others and maximise your performance this year with BAREFOOT SCIENCE™?

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We will be showcasing the benefits of BAREFOOT SCIENCE™ muscle strengthening system at the City2Surf Expo to be held at the Sydney Town Hall on 11-13 August, make sure to bring your family and friends to Stand 15 and say Hi!

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/