Causes Of Pigeon-Toe Feet In Children:
Some of the causes of pigeon-toe feet in children are:

• Metatarsus Adductus: It is the curve which is found in the foot. This can be clearly noticed in the foot of your baby. These curves are actually formed when the baby is inside the uterus in their fetal stages. This curves straightens up as the child grows. The doctor can try some straightening exercises to stretch the foot of the baby or use some casts or braces for the same purpose.
• Internal Tibial Torsion: It is the twist in the tibia bone (which is the bone in between the knee and ankle). This twist is noticed at the time when the child begins to walk. In case the twist is inwards then it is normal and gets straighten up as the baby attains age. But in case the twist do not straighten up for the feet to point in the outward direction then it can result in pigeon toed feet.
• Excess Femoral Anteversion: It is the inward twist in the femur bone of the leg in babies. Although most of the babies are born with some kind of twist in their femur bone which reduces as the baby grows. This condition is usually noticed when the baby starts walking and can be corrected with the use of casts and brace in the affected part. In case it is left untreated, it results in the development of pigeon-toes.

Source: http://bit.ly/c75Gco

Believe it or not, many people do not have a podiatrist whom they see regularly. And while regular visits to the podiatrist’s office may not always be a necessity, there are some certain times when you should know that it is time to go give your local podiatry clinic a visit. Situations such as possible toenail fungus or plantar warts are a good indicator that it is time to seek professional help from an expert in the medical treatment of feet. To help you figure out when it is time to give the podiatrist a visit, here are some of the signs that let you know that it is time to seek professional medical intervention.

*Discolored or Crumbly Toenails. Discolored or crumbly toenails can be a very clean indicator of toenail fungus, and usually require medical intervention. Toenail fungus, contrary to popular belief, cannot be treated at home or with over the counter medications, as they are almost always completely ineffective. Rather, this problem needs medical treatments, such as the innovative and revolutionary laser treatment that is only available at the podiatrist’s office.

*Pain in your Heels. While pain in your heels can sometimes be a sign of an innocent and easily treated problem, it can also be a sign of a bigger and more serious problem, such as bone spur. A podiatrist will be able to determine the source of the problem, and help to work with you to figure out the best course of treatment and the best way to ease your pain. If you are feeling any pain in your heels, it is a good idea to take it easy and rest until you can get in to see a professional podiatrist. Remember, exacerbating these problems can only make them worse.

*Hard Lumps in the Pads of the Feet or Toes. Hard “lumps” in the pads of the feet or twos could be one of two things; they could either be unsightly warts, or painful bunions. Either way, it is crucial that you book an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible to ensure that your problem does not worsen. Whatever the condition may be, it can only get worse if left untreated.

If you ever suspect that pain or swelling in your feet may be a result of something serious, it is best to schedule a visit with your podiatrist.

Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/knowing-when-it-is-time-to-visit-the-podiatrist-milwaukee-foot-care-2761106.html#ixzz0sZOQzPb5

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A perfectly preserved shoe, 1,000 years older than the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt and 400 years older than Stonehenge in the UK, has been found in a cave in Armenia.

PLoS ONE / Ron Pinhasi, Boris Gasparian, et al

What were the fashion-conscious cave-dwellers wearing 5,500 years ago? Archaeologists may just have found out.

A perfectly preserved shoe, 1,000 years older than Egypt’s Great Pyramid and 400 years older than Stonehenge, has been found — buried in sheep dung in a cave in Armenia.

The 5,500 year-old shoe was discovered by a team of archaeologists in a cave in the Vayotz Dzor province of Armenia, on the Iranian and Turkish borders. The shoe is the oldest piece of leather footwear in the world, a fact that came as a shock to the discoverers.

“We thought initially that the shoe and other objects were about 600-700 years old because they were in such good condition,” said Dr. Ron Pinhasi, an archaeologist with Ireland’s University College Cork. “It was only when the material was dated by the two radiocarbon laboratories in Oxford, U.K., and in California, U.S. that we realized that the shoe was older by a few hundred years than the shoes worn by Otzi, the Iceman.”

Otzi the Iceman was a well-preserved mummy found in an Austrian glacier in 1991, also wearing shoes. Otzi’s shoes were surprisingly complex, said one Czech academic at the time. “I’m convinced that even 5,300 years ago, people had the equivalent of a cobbler who made shoes for other people,” Petr Hlavacek, a footwear expert from Tomas Bata University in Zlin told The Telegraph.

The newly found cow-hide shoe — cut and shaped from a single piece of leather — dates to approximately 3,500 BC and is in stunningly perfect condition, thanks to the cool and dry conditions in the cave — and the fact that its floor was covered by a thick layer of sheep, dung which acted as a solid seal over the objects. The cave also housed large containers, many of which held well-preserved wheat and barley, apricots and other edible plants.

A perfectly preserved shoe, 1,000 years older than the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt and 400 years older than Stonehenge in the UK, has been found in a cave in Armenia.

The shoe contained grass, although the archaeologists were uncertain as to whether this was to keep the foot warm or to maintain the shape of the shoe — a precursor to the modern shoe-tree perhaps? Pinhasi couldn’t determine whether the shoe belonged to a man or a woman. While small (approximately a woman’s size 7), “the shoe could well have fitted a man from that era,” he noted.

The shoe was discovered by Armenian student Diana Zardaryan in a pit that also included a broken pot and sheep’s horns.

“I was amazed to find that even the shoe-laces were preserved,” she recalled. “We couldn’t believe the discovery,” said Gregory Areshian, a research associate with UCLA’s Cotsen Institute of Archaeology, who was at the site when the shoe was found. “The crusts had sealed the archaeological deposits, and artifacts remained fresh dried, just like they were put in a can,” he said.

The graveyard of the gladiators in England, ancient cult sculptures from Israel, Rome's crumbling Colosseum, and more. The latest discoveries from the ancient world.

The oldest known footwear in the world, to the present time, are sandals made of plant material, that were found in a cave in the Arnold Research Cave in Missouri. Other contemporaneous sandals were found in the Cave of the Warrior, Judean Desert, Israel, but these were not directly dated, so that their age is based on various other associated artifacts found in the cave. And those shoes were of such different styles that the researchers believe a wide variety of styles existed at the time.

“Other 4th millennium discoveries of shoes (Italian and Swiss Alps), and sandals (Southern Israel) indicate that more than one type of footwear existed during the 4th millennium BC, and that we should expect to discover more regional variations in the manufacturing and style of shoes where preservation conditions permit,” they wrote.

But much about the shoe and the rest of the cave remains a mystery.

“We do not know yet what the shoe or other objects were doing in the cave or what the purpose of the cave was,” said Pinhasi. “We know that there are children’s graves at the back of the cave but so little is known about this period that we cannot say with any certainty why all these different objects were found together.” The team will continue to excavate the many chambers of the cave.

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1. Wear comfortable shoes preferably fitted by a foot care specialist. Shoes should have more depth in the toe box and a firmer outer sole. Higher heels should be avoided as they place too much load on the ball of the foot.

2. NEVER walk barefoot or in stocking feet! Diabetic individuals often will lose sensation in their feet. As a result, if such an individual would step on a foreign object such as a splinter, they often have limited ability to feel it. This will allow the injury to go unnoticed permitting the possibility of infection to occur. These infections can lead to more serious complications and often hospitalization.

3. Wash feet daily and dry thoroughly, especially between the toes, it is best to use pressure rather than vigorous rubbing when drying. Excessive dirt and debris especially between the toes can lead to underlying bacterial and fungal infections. If you cannot reach your toes, a soft shower brush can be used for washing.

4. Apply a gently moisturizer to the feet once or twice daily. Diabetic individuals are prone to dry skin. These subtle scales and cracks in the skin can server as an opening for bacteria invasion and lead to skin infections. A gentle moisturizer to the feet will keep the skin soft and supple. It is important to avoid applying the moisturizer between the toes. Excessive moisture between toes can lead to fungal infections.

5. Thick brittle toenails are often a sign of fungal infection and should be treated by a physician. Having toenails trimmed by a trained professional is often a covered benefit with Medicare and most insurance companies for people with diabetes and associated conditions.

6. Corns and calluses can be treated at home with the gentle use of a pumice stone to the affected areas after bathing. Avoid the use of sharp objects or blades. Accidental cuts can serve as a source of bacterial infection and more serious foot complications. Avoid the use of commercial “corn and callous” removers. These are often mild acids and can lead to open wounds if not used properly.

7. Socks should be loosely binding and be comprised of cotton blend material. Cotton serves to absorb moisture while other materials such as acrylic will “wick” out moisture. White socks enable on to visualize if there is drainage or active bleeding from the feet and therefore are preferred over colored socks.

8. Inspect your feet daily. Look or open cuts or wounds. If you have difficulty seeing the bottom of your feet, hold a mirror underneath the sole for inspection.

9. Avoid extreme temperatures——do not soak feet in hot water or walk barefooted on hot surfaces. Diabetic individuals will often have decreased sensation to temperature changes and scalding injuries can go undetected.

10. Should you develop a wound cleanse the area and apply topical antibiotic ointment with sterile gauze of band aid. Consult your family physician or podiatrist immediately if any signs of redness, swelling, or increased pain.

People with diabetes are at increased risk for skin breakdown, foot ulceration and infection. A minor cut or blister can have serious consequences. By taking these necessary precautions, one can avoid injury and reduce the risk of serious foot problems.

original source: http://bit.ly/bltpRK

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(NAPSI)-If you’re like most people, you take 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day. Here are 12 more steps you can take to keep your feet in good shape, especially during the warmer months:

1. Sunny days and warm nights may encourage wearing flip-flops, but it’s a good idea to get the kind made of high-quality, soft leather to minimize the potential for blisters. Make sure your foot doesn’t hang over the edge and beware of irritation where the toe thong fits. It can lead to blisters and infections. Don’t wear flip-flops to play sports, do yard work or walk long distances.

2. Keep your feet healthy with a waterproof,oil-free sunscreen every time you wear sandals outdoors.

3. Dr. Kathleen Stone, president of the American Podiatric Medical Association, says, “Pampering and grooming your feet promotes good foot hygiene and should be done frequently to contribute not only to your foot health in warmer weather but also to your body’s overall health.” Try soaking your feet for at least five minutes in a bucket of cool water.

4. Use a foot file or pumice stone to gently smooth the skin around the heel and the balls and sides of your feet.

5. Gently push back cuticles with a cuticle pusher or manicure stick. Cuticles provide a protective barrier against infection and should never be cut.

6. To prevent fungal infections, and viruses that cause warts, wash your feet daily with soap and water, drying carefully, especially between the toes.

7. Change your shoes regularly.

8. Avoid walking barefoot, particularly in public showers and locker rooms. Bare feet are exposed to plantar warts and athlete’s foot.

9. To prevent hot, sweaty feet and foot odor, rub cornstarch or roll-on antiperspirant directly on the soles of your feet.

10. Use a nail clipper to cut toenails straight across. Then, use an emery board to smooth the nail edges by filing in one direction without drastically rounding the edges. When toenail edges are rounded, it increases the chances for painful ingrown toenails.

11. Consult a podiatrist if you have any foot pain or other problems affecting your feet. Podiatrists, explains Dr. Stone, are uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat conditions of the foot and ankle.

12. For more information about foot care or to find a podiatrist near you, visit www.apma.org.

source:  http://bit.ly/bewK7R

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Ta k e C a r e o f Yo u r F e e t f o r a L i f e t ime . Foot Tips

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We caught up with Holly before her appearance on Oprah tomorrow to get her thoughts on our new rock&tones, and did we get them soup to nuts. Being a fitness expert, Holly is obviously interested in how, why and what therock&tones work. Everything from the technicals to where she wears them, our question and answer session generated enough information to make anyone a toning shoe expert.

Q: What is “rock&tone”?
A: rock&tone is New Balance’s first entry into toning footwear. At its simplest; it is a rounded bottom shoe that allows your feet to move in a more natural way that optimizes muscular involvement and caloric expenditure. At its most exciting and interesting, it is a concept in footwear that will show you a whole new way to use your body. The New Balance rock&tone shoe features a rounded sole unit made of a soft, lightweight cushioning material (Acteva Ultra LITE) that is incredibly comfortable and shockingly effective.

Q: How does rock&tone work?
A: New Balance rock&tone causes your feet to move differently in the ideal movement (i.e. heel-to-toe) pattern to create a stronger, more functional body. With every step you take in New Balance rock&tone shoes, the heel to toe rocking motion demands a greater range of front to back motion and can increase muscle use up to 27%. Also, the soft material in the sole unit simulates walking on sand, making your muscles work harder which can lead to up to an 8% increase in calorie burning over traditional walking shoes.

Q: What are the benefits of wearing rock&tone shoes?
A: When you walk in New Balance rock&tone shoes, you can tone muscles from your legs (calves, quadriceps, hamstrings) to your core (glutes, hips, abs) and can inspire increased calorie burning. It’s a workout in a shoe — simply by walking as you normally do throughout your day in rock&tone, you can give your entire lower body a strength-training workout. This can cause up to an 8% increase in total calorie expenditure! Even more important is that rock&tone can help your body help itself. rock&tone can inspire your body to activate the muscles that it’s designed to use. In addition to the strength-training you can receive, you can also teach your body to be more functional. You can move better AND burn more calories.

Q: How do you know rock&tone shoes work and what is the history of rocker shoes?
A: Rocker bottom shoes have been used extensively in the pedorthic and rehabilitation communities for years. They change the way you strike the ground causing an improved plantarflexion (toe-pointing) and dorsiflexion (foot-flexion/toes up). New Balance has tested rock&tone in their Sports performance lab and discovered that there can be an increase in muscle activation up to in 27% and an increase in calorie burn up to 8%. But the proof is in your own experience. A 30 minute brisk walk can demonstrate the degree of stimulus from the shoes. You likely will feel an undeniable activation in your high hamstrings where they meet the glutes. These shoes were intentionally built with a soft and thick midsole. While results may vary, this has been proven to make your muscles work harder during activity thereby increasing your total calorie burn.

Q: How is your product different from those others currently on the market?
A: While rock&tone provides similar benefits to other shoes on the market, they have two key benefits over other brands: 1) they look amazing—even a little hip and 2) they are incredibly comfortable. rock&tone don’t look like an orthopedic or traditional “toning” shoe— they look more like normal shoes. Beyond the mechanical benefit of these shoes, there is a comfort level that is hard to match, plus they are so lightweight!

Q: Is there something that these shoes offer that consumers can find elsewhere?
A: In my experience I have found rock&tone to be the most comfortable rocker bottom on the market. In fact, this might be hands down, the most comfortable shoe of any kind that I’ve ever worn. I also feel they are the most visually appealing since they offer a subtle aesthetic that doesn’t scream “toning shoe”. No one knows that I am getting a workout when I wear these shoes. I won’t sacrifice comfort and ease-of-wear just to get a toning benefit from a shoe. Other brands are hard to wear and not as comfortable or as lightweight as rock&tone.

Q: How long did it take for you to see a difference in toning, tightening, etc?
A: As soon as I received my New Balance rock&tone shoes, I wore them while cleaning and hanging around the house, running errands and grocery shopping, and taking the dog for a walk. The more exposure your body has to the shoes, the more quickly you can start to feel the effects. Personally, I noticed an immediate response; I could feel definite action in my hamstrings and glutes—exactly where I like to feel a workout. I knew right away that the rock&tones were working—and working really well.

link : http://www.newbalance.com/performance/walking-toning/holly-on-b-rock-and-b-tones/

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How often do you slip on a pair of flip flops before heading outside? You may have  never thoughttwice

about what you put on your feet, but its time to give your feet the TLC they deserve by following these must-know foot care tips!

Q: Are there any special precautions that I need to take concerning my feet in the summer?
Absolutely. Warmer weather means freeing our feet from confining shoes. However, there are many dangers to going barefoot or wearing a flimsy flip flop-feet must be protected at all times- even in the summer.  Danger comes from many directions:

- Sharp objects
- Hot surfaces
- Insect bites and stings
- Infections and bacteria from tiny abrasions
- Bacterial, fungal and allergic reactions to plants or other substances

Q: If all those things can happen what should I do to protect my feet?
A well fitted sandal is your best line of defense from these problems.  Your feet can enjoy the warm summer air while still being protected from injury. A well fitted sandal offers the support your foot needs, especially if you have had problems with your feet.
- Look for a sandal with extra depth (so you can easily wear your custom orthotic in them) or a stylish sandal with a built in orthotic.

- Look for sandals that provide more protection for your skin especially when walking in the city, at ballparks or other areas of high traffic.

Q: You mention flip flops- why are they a bad thing to wear?
The construction of many flip flops is flimsy and very unstable. Wearers can easily stumble or trip in them. The thong between the big toe and the second toe can lead to irritation, blistering and even infection, ruining summer time fun. They have no support and are unsuited for anyone with health problems such as diabetes or circulation problems.

Q: I play a lot of sports in the summer what do I need to know about my foot health?

Well, would you go for a run in soccer cleats? Anyone playing any sport needs the proper shoe for the particular sport in which they are involved- and the shoe must be well fitted. Runners, joggers and walkers need the type of shoe designed for their specific activity. You shouldn’t wear a walking shoe to run in or a running shoe to play tennis. The wrong shoe means there is a potential for injury. The feet also need the proper sock, one that cushions the heel and forefoot area and wicks away perspiration, helping to prevent both shock and shearing forces. This combination of a proper fitted shoe and the well designed sock will help to prevent injury, blisters and burning, tired feet.   The use of the custom orthotic can be a great asset in the prevention of strains, sprains and serious injury.

Source: http://bit.ly/9TJ07V

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The skin on our feet is thicker than elsewhere; providing much needed protection against the stresses and strains we put them under. It is said that our feet absorb between three and four times our body weight whenever they touch the ground.

In an average lifetime, our feet walk the distance equivalent of four times round the earth – so its not surprising that they sometimes feel hard done by. Add the fact that they have around 72, 000 nerve endings and it is not surprising that they need some tender loving care.

* Here is how to give it.

Scrub Up Nicely

The most important thing you can do to promote healthy, beautiful feet is to scrub them. It is no good just giving them a quick wash at the end of a shower. Equally, it is no good using a flannel or a sponge. Instead you need a brush, or even a pan scrubber.

This will help to stop the build up of calluses and areas of hard skin that can prevent skin from absorbing moisture.

Once you have given your feet a really good scrub, them as a next step apply some rich moisturizing lotion. Useful ingredients in such a lotion are those containing Vitamin E oil or a Shea butter, both of which are wonderful for nourishing skin.

Massage Feet Regularly

A regular massage is superb for bringing tired feet back to life. You can either get someone to do this for you or do it yourself. If doing the latter, then start by cleansing your feet with a cotton wool pad soaked in either lavender or orange blossom water. These both have antiseptic properties and are cooling and refreshing to feet.

Next, apply a rich moisturizing or foot massage cream to the palms of your feet and gently work it into your feet one foot at a time. Do not forget the are between your toes.

Follow this by using firmer strokes, massaging from your ankles to your toes with both hands. Use your thumbs to massage the top of each foot, and your fingers on your soles. End your massage by gently massaging your toes – this will assist in helping to boost circulation.

Treat Your Toe Nails

Always remember that nails need regular attention as well. Toenails actually grow twice as quickly as fingernails and are twice as thick. You thus need to cut them regularly.

Trim them straight across with nail clippers and file the edges with an emery board.

If your nails are brittle or flaky, then you could be lacking in certain vitamins, including iron, calcium, manganese, silica, or zinc. If so you could consider using a daily multivitamin supplement.

Get Shoe Wise

The most crucial aid to healthy, pain free feet is adopting appropriate footwear.

Wearing your killer heels to the office may make a style statement, but will often have painful ramifications for your feet.

Wearing the wrong type of shoes for long periods can cause a range of foot problems. These include blister, corns, calluses, as well as potentially serious foot, knee and back pain, as well as damaged joints.

There is so much more to discover about avoiding foot pain and caring for your feet. We have only just scratched the surface here so do research further in order to achieve healthy, happy feet.

Discover more – there is a huge range of interesting and useful information on Foot Care Tips and the management of sore feet available over at:

http://www.sorefeetsolved.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eamon_Greville

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