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.

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.

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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

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

MBT Sport

RYN X-Run

Z-CoiL Z-Trek

Introduction

Rocker sole shoes have become the latest trend in active walking, comfort footwear. Almost every manufacturer of comfort shoes is entering the marketplace with a rocker sole shoe. With so many options to choose from, and millions spent in advertising these brands, there will no doubt be some confusion about which brand to buy. The purpose of this discussion is to provide a better understanding of the rocker sole footwear category.

Rocker sole shoes have long been known for their therapeutic benefits. They can protect the heels and the balls of the feet from repetitive impact with concrete and hard surfaces. They can be helpful for those suffering from heel and arch pain. They promote good posture and can improve circulation. Rocker soles tend to engage core muscles and can improve proprioception. But rocker sole shoes are not for everyone. If you have problems with vertigo or dizziness, for example, a rocker sole shoe may not be appropriate.

There are 2 Subcategories of Rocker Sole Shoes: Unstable and Stable

Unstable rocker shoes are designed to induce instability in all planes of motion. The idea is that if you walk in an unstable shoe, your body is forced to adapt, thus simulating the effect of walking on soft, uneven terrain. Your core muscles are strengthened as your body adapts to the instability of the shoe. Unstable shoes use soft EVA memory foam or pods to create instability. MBT pioneered this concept, but brands like Skechers, Reebok, Joya and Z7 now have offerings in the unstable subcategory. If you have good control over your lower extremities - an unstable shoe may be right for you.

Stable rocker shoes rock straight ahead, but offer much better medial/lateral stability. These shoes are better suited for people that want to enjoy the exercise & postural benefits of a rocker-sole shoe, but need stability and support as well. People that over-pronate or have unstable feet tend to feel much better in a stable rocker-sole shoe. I encourage the use of custom or over-the-counter orthotics in stable rocker-sole shoes to achieve the greatest amount of stability and control. Brands like RYN, Finn Comfort “Finnamic”, Mephisto Sano and Cogent all are good examples of stable rocker shoes. Z-CoiL shoes actually function as a stable “double-rocker” shoe. As the coil compresses, it returns energy across a firm orthotic into a forefoot rocker.

Within these 2 subcategories, the degree of the rocker will determine the amount of muscle activation. In the unstable subcategory, the MBT Sport and Chapa models probably provide the greatest muscle activation. The RYN shoes provide the most aggressive rocker in the stable rocker shoe subcategory. People that buy “active walking” shoes to get the most out of their walk will probably favor MBT and RYN. The key decision will be whether they prefer an unstable or stable shoe. Here’s a breakdown of unstable and stable rocker sole shoes:

Unstable MBT (shown) Skechers Shape Up Reebok Easy Tone Joya Z7

Stable RYN (shown) Chung Shi Z-CoiL Mephisto Sano Finn Comfort “Finnamic” Cogent XSensible

Source: http://goo.gl/5O2N

The key culprit is contemporary running-shoe design, which interferes with the body’s natural ability to absorb forces through the foot, says lead author Casey Kerrigan, who published the study in the journal PM&R: The Journal of Injury, Function and Rehabilitation. Most troubling is the finding that running with running shoes leads to a 38% increase in pressure to a part of the knee — the medial tibiofemoral compartment — particularly prone to joint degeneration.

Three Key Joints Feel The Pressure

“It was surprising that the percent increase was so high with running shoes,” says Kerrigan, an expert in biomechanics, human movement and gait who has a medical degree from Harvard University. “We really didn’t see those dramatic increases in walking.”

Overall, the study finds that while today’s running shoes do a good job of protecting the foot, wearing them dramatically increases pressure in three lower-extremity joints — the hip, knee and ankle — when compared to running barefoot. For example, researchers note that wearing running shoes while running leads to an average 54% increase in what’s called hip internal rotation torque, pressure that may increase the risk of osteoarthritis in the hip joint.

To put things in perspective, walking in high heels — long considered a joint-busting exercise — increases knee joint torques (a pressure measurement) by no more than 26%, while the effect of running shoes on knee joint torques while running leads to up to a 38% increase, the researchers say.

With all the runner’s out there — the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says more than 7% of the U.S. population regularly runs for exercise — the increased potential for osteoarthritis is a big concern. There’s no cure for the degenerative joint disease, the most common form of arthritis, which costs about $186 billion a year in the U.S. to treat. 

First Athletic Shoe In 1972

So why is it that with the first athletic shoe invented in 1972, designers nearly four decades later still haven’t figured out how to make a shoe that can spare us from all these joint problems? Despite increasingly expensive shoes, there’s been little change over the years in the rate of injury of runners. 

Kerrigan argues that despite recent advances in gait analysis, the increased understanding of biomechanics hasn’t yet been incorporated into shoe construction. While the cushion in the heel and the medial arch may keep the foot comfy in existing designs, they disrupt how the foot helps mitigate forces. 

When running barefoot, people typically come down on the heel but quickly roll over to the inside of their foot. “Running shoes typically inhibit your ability to do that,” says Kerrigan, who ran track in high school and college and continues to run today. “Ideally, what you want to do is enhance those abilities.”

Running barefoot, however, isn’t the answer, she says, unless you can run on grass with spongy topsoil underneath. “When you’re running on hard surfaces, you just don’t have that springy interface,” says Kerrigan, a former professor and chair of the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Virginia. “Unfortunately, our feet haven’t evolved to accommodate hard surfaces.” 

Current Shoe Design Found Lacking

As chairman of the Charlottesville, Virginia-based “optimal” shoe-design firm JKM Technologies, it’s no shock that Kerrigan’s research finds faults with current running shoes. But it actually builds on loads of previous research suggesting there is something lacking in current running-shoe design.

“A lot of foot and knee injuries currently plaguing us are caused by people running with shoes that actually make our feet weak, cause us to over-pronate and give us knee problems,” Daniel Lieberman, a professor of biological anthropology, told the U.K. newspaper the Daily Mail earlier this year. “Until 1972, when the modern athletic shoe was invented, people ran in very thin-soled shoes, had strong feet and had a much lower incidence of knee injuries.”

In Kerrigan’s study, researchers looked at 68 healthy young adult runners (31 men and 37 women) who each run at least 15 miles a week. An integrated measurement system that included a specialized treadmill, computers, cameras and reflective markers placed on the runners’ “anatomical landmarks” calculated joint torques as they ran.

But as Kerrigan points out, there are limitations to this method: Researchers can estimate the net difference between the forces on either side of a joint, but not the actual joint-contact forces, the study says. “The only way would be to put a force transducer into a live joint,” says Kerrigan. “We haven’t been able to find any volunteers for that.”

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It starts as a twinge of pain on your heel every morning you step out of bed and onto the floor. And by the time you’ve walked around for a few minutes it’s gone. Except as the weeks go by, that little annoying pain seems to last longer and longer. You think it’s all in your head, and before you know it, it’s a throbbing pain severe enough it leaves you limping every time you exercise and have to put pressure on your feet.

For an avid runner, that pain is debilitating. It happened to me in September of 2008. I consulted with other runners, massage therapists and foot specialists, and the diagnosis was the same: plantar fasciitis.

I tried everything, deep tissue massage, traditional rehabilitative therapy, and orthotics of all kinds including an awful, enormous orthotic boot I have to wear to bed at night that keeps my foot propped at a ninety degree angle. Its purpose is to keep the muscles in my foot and calf from tightening up which is partly what leads to the heel pain. Well, after a night wearing that, my foot feels better in the morning, but the rest of me is exhausted because I didn’t get a wink of sleep.

Read the rest at http://www.kens5.com/community/blogs/healthy-living/Eliminating-the-pain-of-plantar-fasciitis-79096797.html

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