Foot disorders might be passed down from one generation to the next, according to research presented at the 2010 American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting in Atlanta.
When analyzed using statistical genetics software, researchers found that hallux valgus was inherited in approximately 39% of the women and 38% of men in the study. They also found that, 89% of the participants under the age of sixty inherited the condition. These estimates of heritability are statistically significant. Additionally, in the subjects with pes cavus, 68% of the women and 20% of the men in this group were found to have inherited the condition. And of those under the age of 60 with pes cavus, 99% in women and 63% in men were inherited.
New studies find Ultrasound imaging beneficial in identifying pathology in hard to manage heel pain. The study shows that identifying the exact location of the injury is important in instituting the most effective treatment. Early imaging allows targeted therapy based on a definitive diagnosis.
Ultrasound scanning for recalcitrant plantar fasciopathy. Basis of a new classification.
It has been suggested that extracorporeal shockwave therapy is a safe and effective treatment for pain relief from recalcitrant plantar fasciopathy (PF). However, the changes in gait and associated biomechanical parameters have not been well characterised. This study demonstrated that patients increased their walking velocity and cadence as well indicating a decrease in pain after shockwave therapy. In the symptomatic foot, the peak contact pressure over the forefoot increased and the contact area over the digits decreased. The total foot impulse also decreased as did stance duration. The duration the centre of pressure remained in the hindfoot increased in the symptomatic foot after shockwave therapy. The differences in centre of pressure trajectory at baseline decreased at final follow-up. In conclusion, shockwave therapy not only decreased the pain VAS rating but also improved the gait parameters of the symptomatic foot in PF patients.
We all have nearly 200 different types of fungi colonising our feet, scientists have discovered.
Fungi live all over the human body, but their favourite spots are the heel, under toenails and between the toes, according to a US study.
The most common symptom of a fungal nail infection is the nail becoming thickened and discoloured. it can turn white, black, yellow or green.
A new treatment for Fungal infections of the toenails is a special wavelength of laser light. Research proposes that it works in a number of ways. Stay tuned, we are considering offering this therapy!