Exercising and Foot Gear

Over the past few weeks and months with the warmer weather out, I have been trying to get more and more exercising in. Usually that will be with bike riding, the elliptical machine, and running. One of the good habits that I have developed as a Podiatrist is constantly looking at ones feet or shoe gear. Its more apparent in the Summer months when people wear sandals and flip-flops.

As I talk about different shoes in this blog I would like to mention that I have no affiliations with these company's and I do not get paid for recommending their shoe gear. Its all from personal experience.

I have been amazed that when I went to the gym a few weeks ago what people are working out in. Or even cycling on trails. I have noticed a lot of sandals. They may feel fine while working out in them but it will catch up with them later. They will eventually develop foot problems. Sandals and flip flops offer no support at all. When exercising, your heel and the arches of the foot need to be constantly supported. There also needs to be some shock absorption as well. If not the knees then take a lot of that shock absorption. People will develop plantar fasciitis, arch pain, callouses, and knee pain as well.

Now i know there are a ton of different shoes and sneaker company's out there but not all have the APMA seal of acceptance. I will also post a link for them as well. As for shoes and sneakers I will recommend they are as follows:
Sneakers: New Balance, Asics, Saucony, Brooks, Mizuno, Aetrex
Shoes: Aetrex, Rockport, Ecco, Clark's, and Merrell's

And for a list of the APMA seal of acceptance for shoes and sneakers please see the following link:
http://www.apma.org/MainMenu/RecommendedProducts/SealofAcceptance/ProductsbyCategory.aspx#FOOTWEAR


http://www.podiatrycarespecialists.com/

Fractures

The foot has 28 bones. Fractures can occur in any of these types of bones. There are different types of fractures that people can sustain. Recently in the sports world, Yao Ming the basketball player for the Houston Rockets, had suffered a fracture of his navicular bone. He also has a history of different foot ailments. The Dr that is treating him had mentioned that the injury he has recently sustained "could end his career'. Very scary. So what is the navicular bone and why is this a problem for him.

The navicular bone has many different ligamentous attachments to it. It also has a main insertion attachment for the Posterior Tibial Tendon (PTT). One of the main functions of the PT tendon is to hold up the arch of the foot. The bone is the main corner stone of the arch of the foot. The navicular bone, also has a very poor blood supply to this area. When bones have a poor blood supply, it takes longer for them to heal. A CT scan was able to pick this tiny crack that he had in the navicular. Now, Yao's options include either conservative or surgical intervention. Conservative treatment would include casting, bone stimulator use, physical therapy, and most certianly orthotics to control his foot. Surgical intervention would consist of fixing the fracture.

So only time will tell to see how Yao's Dr's figure out a treatment plan for him. Yao's injury continued to get worse. That is why it is always important to consult your Podiatrist should you notice any foot pain.

http://www.podiatrycarespecialists.com/