Parents, don't neglect the well-being of your children's feet!

The new school year is fast approaching and undoubtedly, many parents are already thinking about the agony of having to purchase new school shoes for their children again. However, I need to point out that parents shouldn't neglect the well-being of their children’s feet.

I think it is great that children are encouraged to be active all the time, whether they are playing sports, in the playground or outside of school; and yet parents often forget that the feet are like other parts of the body, it is just as important for their childen's feet to get strong and healthy, too.

Many parents unfortunately have a misconception that comfort, cushioning and heavily supportive footwear are the best for their children because they spend at least 10 hours everyday in shoes. Parents don't realise that those conventional shoes and orthotics actually brace the feet and don't allow muscles to be used and exercised properly.

When foot muscles are strengthened and correctly utilised, not only can the child’s posture and gait pattern be improved, they will also have fewer injuries, less muscular soreness and fatigue, especially benefitting those who are going through growing spurts.

I have always believed that having strong and healthy feet should be a goal for all and this is the reason to why I "de-orthoticise" my patients, in order to restore natural foot function. It is a good idea to have a good habit to start in the young, to minimise weight bearing joint and muscle problems later in life.

If your child is having troubles with their feet, how about booking in an appointment to see me before school starts in two weeks' time?

What are your goals for 2012?

Happy New Year! I trust that many of you have had a relaxing and enjoyable break during the festive period!

While it’s still early in the year 2012, have you thought about what you would like to achieve this year? Many of my patients tell me of their New Year resolutions and most of them are reachable, like visiting their children and grandchildren overseas, going for a hiking trip or simply getting fitter. However, their foot, hip and back pain holds them back.

They say they have seen many specialists, they have been prescribed expensive custom made orthotics and footwear but their problems persist. I must point out that although there are cases where only custom made orthotics could help, many healthcare practitioners fail to understand that orthotics and shoes actually brace the feet and restrict the foot muscles functioning naturally to gain strength.

Like any other part of the body, the soles, muscles, ligaments and tendons in the feet need to be used, otherwise they atrophy. Over-cushioning and support make the feet weak over time and support often addresses the symptoms but not the cause!

This is why it is important to build strong feet and restore natural foot function. Once our feet are properly aligned, it encourages better alignment through the body, and results in better posture and gait pattern.

I “de-orthoticise” my patients by prescribing them physiological footwear like MBT, FitFlop and Skechers to strengthen their core muscles, buttocks, rear thighs and intrinsic muscles in their feet. In the last two years of my practice, I have also been using BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ Foot Strengthening Insole System to treat my patients. The clinical results are overwhelming and it’s great for patients with plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, flat feet, pre and post hip and knee surgery to strengthen and rehabilitate, as well as posture correction.

BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ has a “posture dome” designed to safely stimulate foot muscles to function correctly as you walk. By increasing the level of insert once you become comfortable with that level of intensity, you become stronger with each step you take.

So what are the goals you want to achieve this year? Why not let me help you and start from your feet up?

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?

PRESS RELEASE - OCTOBER IS 'FOOT HEALTH MONTH 2011'

According to the Australasian Podiatry Council, at least 85 people across Australia are losing a foot every week due to diabetes-related foot complications and this figure is on the rise.

In fact, recent research by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) shows that an estimated 898,800 Australians were diagnosed with diabetes in 2007-2008, with about 96% of them over 35 and 43% were aged 65 and above.

Foot Health Month 2011 aims to bring foot health awareness about the importance of healthy feet for diabetics as well as healthcare practitioners.

“Many diabetics seem to disregard the well-being and conditions of their feet other than keeping in between their toes dry,” said Foot Expert Bronwyn Cooper. “They often forget that the muscles in their feet need to be stimulated and strengthened up, too.”

Cooper, of Sydney’s Dr Foot Solutions, has been in the Podiatry industry for over 37 years. She has been actively “de-orthocising” her diabetic patients for the last seven years. Her treatment includes the use of BAREFOOTSCIENCE™, an insole system that stimulates neurosensory input and encourages proprioceptive feedback.

BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ features a distinctive ‘posture dome’ designed not only to ease tension on the foot and improves the circulation by massaging it with each step, but also ‘awaken’ neglected postural muscles of the foot and stimulates weaker ones to become stronger. This allows foot muscles to be placed in a correct position while walking and standing; thus, promotes better posture, movement patterns and blood flow circulation in the body and reduces pressure sores for diabetics.

“BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ is a great tool for those who suffer from diabetes in preventing damages to the feet due to poor circulation,” explained Cooper. “And this could be very beneficial in the long run like reducing the risk of diabetic neuropathy and other chronic problems.”

Research has shown as far back as 2004 that the small muscles of the foot have halved in size before detection of loss of sensation in a diabetic complication called ‘Clinical Neuropathy’ occur.

“Healthy circulation in the feet is important, but having strong feet is just as important for diabetics.” added Cooper.

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.
19 OCTOBER 2011.

Appendix:

Andersen, Gjerstad and Jakobsen 2004, ‘Atrophy of Foot Muscles: A measure of diabetic neuropathy’, American Diabetes Association, <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15451904>

Greenman, Khaodhiar, Lima, Dinh, Giurini and Veves, 2005, ‘Foot Small Muscle Atrophy Is Present Before the Detection of Clinical Neuropathy’, American Diabetes Association, < http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/28/6/1425.long>

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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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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?

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/