Toning Shoes....Worth the Hype?

In an recently published article, Reebok International Ltd., which is owned and operated by Adidas, has been ordered to return $25 million to consumers over reported false advertising with its’ toning shoes, which include “EasyTone”, “RunTone” as well as several types of flip-flops and clothing.

These so-called “toning” shoes, which have been available for the last couple of years, have been a popular trend, and are manufactured by many of the big shoe companies such as Sketchers, New Balance, Reebok, and MBT. However, Reebok is the first company to be penalized for making advertising claims that the shoes can result in measurable changes in muscle tone and size, specifically in the buttock and upper legs. Apparently, there was a lack of scientific evidence to support these claims.

Many of my patients have tried similar toning shoes, and the overwhelming response has been negative. I recommend to my patients to refrain from wear if they have any underlying foot deformity and/or pain due to wear of shoes further exacerbating the condition.

If you or someone you know is suffering from foot pain due to wear of toning shoes please give our office a call, 440-946-5858, for evaluation and treatment.

Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon is the large tendon that attaches the powerful calf muscles to the back of the heel bone. It is important for stabilizing the foot during jumping and running and is a common area where injury occurs. Achilles tendonitis typically occurs at the tendon's weakest spot which is a few centimeters above the heel bone. This is also the area where weakening and tearing of the tendon usually occur(tendinosis).

Achilles tendonitis/tendinosis can be aggravated or caused by tight calf muscles. Calf muscle stretching on a daily basis can help prevent tendon problems. Adding heel lifts to shoes helps reduce strain on the Achilles tendon. Be sure to add heel lifts to both shoes to maintain postural stability.

Achilles tendon pain may not mean inflammation is present. Tendon pain is often caused by micro-tears and weakening of the collagen within the tendon and shows minimal (if any) inflammation at the cellular level. This gives insight as to why anti-inflammatory drugs may not alleviate the pain.

Pain at the heel bone where the tendon attaches, is more than likely not tendonitis and/or tendonosis, but bursitis. Bursitis is inflammation of a pocket of fluid (bursa) near the bone.

For more information about common types of tendonitis that affect the foot and ankle, please visit our website, www.drrobertrosenstein.com and/or give our office a call, 440-946-5858, for a consultation.

High Heels....Dangerous for Women

As a podiatrist, much of my day involves treating fellow ladies who have fallen victim to fashion with frequent wear of high heel shoes.

The human foot was once described by Leonardo Da Vinci as “a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art”, and this is evidenced by our ability to walk, run, jump, and play. However, it doesn’t take much to upset the fine balance between precision function and disaster. High heels, by their nature shift the body’s anatomy into foreign territory, causing marked postural and alignment strain.

By elevating the heel bone (calcaneus) there is an immediate change in the distribution of weight under the feet from the heel to the forefoot – the percentage of which is directly proportional to the height of the heel. With regular use, the calf muscles in the lower leg can permanently shorten, leaving you unable to comfortably wear flat shoes and further increasing pressure under the ball of the foot.

Habitual high heel wearers will invariably, at some point, suffer pain and disability because of this alteration in the way our body adapts to the ground and distributes weight.
Common complaints can include calluses, corns and blisters to more permanent deformities including bunions, hammer toes and acquired flat feet. It additionally can contribute to increased incidences of fractures of the ankle and metatarsals (forefoot), arthritis, pinched nerves, tendonitis and other soft tissue injuries and inflammation.

Before you lose faith and trust in all things fashionable, here’s some tips on how to minimise risk while wearing your heels:

• Moderation is the key: Avoid wearing heels when walking to and from work. Also, kick off the pumps in the office and replace with flats.
• Pick shoes that suit the activity for the day: Flats or shoes with only a slight heel are best for standing and walking, whereas heels may be suitable during a seated meeting or dinner date.
• Keep the heel height sensible: Anything over 5cm is hazardous and should be for only special occasions.
• Stilettos: A dangerous shoe for ankle sprains and fractures. Try broader heels with more stability and tread on the ground.
• Stretch your calf muscles regularly to improve fl exibility and reduce the likelihood of muscle contraction.

Seek immediate assistance from our office, should you experience pain, swelling or a change in shape of any part of your foot. Our office number is 440-946-5858.

March is Women's Health Month

In spirit of March being Women's Health Month, I have a created a list of 10 things all women should know before they go to pamper them self with a pedicure at their local salon.
1. Bring Your Own Instruments:
This will help decrease the risk of catching viruses, bacteria and fungus. Things to bring include: nail nipper, cuticle nipper, cuticle pusher and curette cleaner.
2. Ask About Instrument Cleaning:
Does the salon sterilize their instruments or do they just disinfect? Sterilization of instruments by autoclaving is the better choice.
3. Ask What Type of Foot Bath is Used:
Usually the whirlpool foot bath is either piped or pipe-free. It is thought that pipe-free is better because piped whirlpool foot baths have been found to contain bacteria in their pipes, jets and water filtration systems. The pipe-free whirlpool foot baths can easily be removed for cleaning. If the foot bath uses a liner, make sure that a new liner is being used each time.
4. Ask If Disposable Items Are Used Only Once:
Items such as nail files, foot files, buffers and toe separators should be used only once. You may want to consider bringing your own disposable items with you.
5. Make Sure Technician's Hands Are Clean:
The nail technician should wash their hands in between clients. If they do not wash their hands, request that they do or that they wear gloves. Be cautious of a technician with fake (artificial) fingernails. It is hard to clean the area between the fake fingernail and the real fingernail.
6. Ask If the Salon and Technician Are Licensed:The salon and technician should both be licensed by their state governing board. Usually the board of cosmetology. The licenses should be clearly displayed at the salon.
7. Don't Shave Legs 24 Hours Before Appointment:Nicks and cuts from shaving create small openings in the skin where bacteria can enter. If you have any open sores, wait until they heal before getting a pedicure.
8. Tell Technician Your Medical Conditions and Medications:
Certain medical conditions and medications can increase the risk of infection. Examples include: diabetes, lymphedema, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), neuropathy, HIV and autoimmune diseases like lupus. Examples of medications include: chemotherapy agents and blood thinners such as coumadin.
9. Check If the Salon is Clean:
The salon itself should be clean and well kept. This is usually a good indicator of how well they take care of their instruments and other salon equipment.
10. You Should Have No Pain:
Getting a pedicure at the salon should not be a painful experience. Just like any business, there are good salons and not so good salons. Find a pedicure salon that follows strict sterilization procedures and find a technician who does not cause pain or bleeding.

Please keep the tips listed above in mind when treating yourself to a mani/pedi. However, if you fall victim to a bad experience resulting in a nail and/or toe issue, please give our office a call for consultation, 440-946-5858.