Bunions are in the genes

According a national survey by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons more than half of American women sufferbunions (lateral deviation of the hallux ≥ 20 degrees). They report nine out of 10 bunion cases affect women. The common sexist misconception to prevail has been bunions were caused by constrictive footwear and hence more prone to affect females. The Framingham Foot study is a new study into Hallux Abducto-Valgus (that’s bunions to lay peeps), has found genes more than shoes are likely to be the cause of the most common foot deformity. This is the first study to examine heretibility of foot disorders in white men and women of European descent, and 1,370 subjects were involved. Both men and women took part (mean age of 66 years and 57% were female) and the frequency of foot problems, including bunions as well as hammer and claw toes was recorded. Using estimated heritability software to perform genetic analyses of familial data (pedigree structures) they were able to estimate association. Hallux abducto-valgus and lesser toe deformity were found to be highly heritable depending on age and sex. The researchers suggested certain foot shapes, as determined by genetics, were predisposed to developing bunions. Previous studies have shown up to 60% of older adults have foot disorders which may limit mobility and reduce their quality of life. Despite its prevalence and sequestra there is little understanding of the genetics involved in the development of hallux abducto-valgus .The role of ill fitting footwear may exacerbate shear and friction across the skin surface and hence increase heat damaging the skin cell reproction resulting bursae formation and or callus and corns. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommend people with prominent bumnions should wear good fitting shoes and avoid seems. Protective pads may also be used to help cushion the painful area. When persistent pain and difficulty walking follow it may be appropriate to undergo surgery. Bunion surgery realigns bone, ligaments, tendons, and nerves, bringing the big toe back to its normal position. Following bunion surgery, a long recovery is common and may include persistent swelling and stiffness.

Power generating shoes : Work in progress

After researching a device that draws energy from knee movement, some mechanical engineering students at Rice University decided to see if they could get the same result from another, less intrusive wearable item: a shoe. With help from the Movement Analysis Laboratory at Shriners Hospital for Children in Houston, the resulting PediPower shoes harness energy from the force of the heel hitting the ground. The prototype demonstrates the simple act of walking may one day power a wide range of electronics, including medical devices such as pacemakers and artificial hearts. The PediPower, built into the heel of the prototype shoe, hits the ground first, at which point a lever arm strikes. This turns gears in a gearbox in the shoe's sole, which then drives an electricity-generating motor mounted on the outside of the shoe. The shoe, which delivers almost 400 milliwatts of power during walking tests, sends the energy through wires to a belt-mounted battery pack. A voltage regulator keeps the flow steady even in the mid-stride moments of rest. The students developed PediPower for Cameron, an international, Houston-based company that forged a partnership with the Texas Heart Institute to apply its flow-equipment expertise to next-gen artificial heart pumps. The students are optimistic another team at Rice will turn their proof of concept into bigger and better power-generating shoes.

Cosmetic surgery brings an end to Hobbit Feet

Apparently an increasing numbers of men are becoming concerned at the sight of hair on their feet and are turning to doctors to have laser treatment to remove the hair from their feet. Dubbed ‘Hobbit feet’ trendy dressers do not want to be seen wearing flip-flops and sandals with hairy feet. Currently laser treatment can cost as much as £700 A Harley Street dermatologist was reported to perform two sessions each day on men worried about hirsute feet. The treatment involves a laser that damages the follicles and prevents hair growth. The hair will normally grow back within a few months or years depending on the individual. Cosmetic surgery for men has increased in recent years and the Private Clinic on London’s Harley Street reported men wanted to have their ‘man boobs’ removed had risen by 38 per cent in a year. According to the British Association of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgeons males account for ten per cent of all cosmetic surgery procedures in the UK.

New research into ballet shoes

Australian researchers at the University of Canberra are undertaking a major redesign of ballet slippers. Professor Gordon Waddington and Assistant Professor Jeremy Witchalls are working to give dancers extra "grip" and more control over their movements to prevent lower leg injuries. Dr Waddington has developed an insole made from textured PVC which has a lined pattern to lock into the skin. This is currently being used by ballet dancers for barre work only, in the testing environment. Should it prove to increase surface perception and decrease ankle and lower limb injuries, the insole would be worn during all practice sessions, rehearsals and performances.

Best practice guidelines: Wound management in diabetic foot ulcers

Best practice guidelines: Wound management in diabetic foot ulcers B Braun is a clinical guide developed by experts for specialists and non-specialists to approach wound management with best practice for diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). The clinical guigeline concentrates on the importance of wound assessment, debridement and cleansing, recognition and treatment of infection and appropriate dressing selection to achieve optimal healing for patients. Further the role of diabetic control, offloading strategies and an integrated wound care approach to DFU management are also addressed. Download the pdf .

Adidas Nitrocharge

The adidasNitrocharge incorporates two new patents i.e. the Energysling ©and the Energypulse©. The former according to Adidas is a supporting sidecut and turn movement that helps players sharpen their reactions on the pitch. The Energypulse is inspired by spring technology and provides "premium energy" during the toe-off phase when sprinting it is claimed by the manufacturer. The Nitrocharge also features a protection mesh layer around the foot and protection pads around the Achillies tendon. The Adidas Nitrocharge is compatible with Adidas' miCoach speedcell technology and will be available from June in two colours: beautiful blue and running white. Players signed up to promote the new boots are Daniele De Rossi (A.S. Roma), Dani Alves (Barcelona), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris Saint Germain) and Javi Martinez (FC Bayern Munich).

Imelda Marcos is a shoe in

Imelda Marcos (84) was the wife of former President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos ousted from power twenty-seven years ago. The famous shoe collector is however back on the political campaign dazzling voters with her bouffant hairstyle, oversized jewelry and big talk in a bid to keep her seat in Congress. She is widely expected to win in congressional polls. The lady has never shown any remorse for her past and against all the odds succeeded in orchestrating the rebirth of a political dynasty tainted by allegations of corruption and abuse during her husband's rule. Despite her reputation for extravagance, including expensive shopping trips and lavish beautification projects in a nation where a third of about 94 million live on $1 a day, Marcos twice ran unsuccessfully for president and won seats in the House following her return from exile. She is currently campaigning for a second of a maximum three terms to represent Ilocos Norte, a vote-rich agricultural region where many are fiercely loyal to the late dictator because of the money he poured into development. The Marcoses are among the most prominent of at least 250 political dynasties or families that have monopolized power across the Philippines. Such dynasties are prohibited under the 1987 constitution, but Congress which is long controlled by members of powerful clans targeted by the constitutional ban has failed to pass the law needed to define and enforce the provision.

Dont’ Go : New book about a podiatrist

Bestselling author Lisa Scottoline latest thriller Dont’ Go tells the story of a soldier who discovers what it means to be a man, a father, and ultimately, a hero. Dr. Mike Scanlon is a podiatrist called to serve as an army doctor in Afghanistan. He leaves behind his wife Chloe and newborn baby. In an ironic turn of events, as Mike operates on a wounded soldier in a war-torn country, Chloe dies at home in the suburbs, in an apparent household accident. Devastated, he returns home to bury her, only to discover that the life he left behind has fallen apart. His medical practice is in jeopardy, and he is a complete stranger to the only family he has left, his precious baby girl. Worse, he learns a shocking secret that sends him into a downward spiral. The plot twists and secrets are uncovered as Mike discovers his friends and associates may or may not be worthy of his trust. Ultimately, Mike realizes that the most important battle of his life faces him on the home front and he’ll have to put it all on the line to save what’s dearest to him, his family. The author came up with the podiatry hero after she had bunion surgery. She learned about the profession by watching and listening to podiatrists and how others in the medical profession view them. Although podiatry was not considered to be the most prestigious specialty on the homefront, she thought a podiatrist is Afghanistan and Iraq where many injuries are caused by Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) and involve the lower limb would be the ideal background for her fictional hero. Mike Scanlon is no fool and is completely dedicated, but does feel at times like a a second banana. He has to overcome that, and everything he goes through in the novel actually ends up being a blessing.

Gale-EttrickTrempealeau High School do Vans

Jenny Johnson is an art and graphic design teacher at Gale-EttrickTrempealeau High School in Galesville, Wis. The small school has about 418 students is competing against much bigger East Coast schools. She came across the Vans Custom Culture Contest decided to use Vans competiton for high school students to custom design four pairs of white Vans sneakers. The grand prize for the winning school is $50,000 for their arts program and the chance for their design to be reproduced and sold by Vans. Johnson’s students’ shoes were a collaborative effort that creatively utilized such materials as a mix of paint and hot glue, skateboard wheels, actual parts from musical instruments and the image of a Holstein cow. Results are based on online voting, and G-E-T High School needs to finish first in their region to move on. You can vote for the students—who are in the “Northeast Region” at Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau High School. The voting deadline is Monday, May 13.

Barefoot running strategy meeting