Excersises to help with Metatarsalagia Pain

August 24, 2010 · Filed under Shoes for Metatarlagia

Metatarsalagia Exercises

I came across these exercises on a webiste called sportsinjurybulletin.com whilst looking at news items that our customers, you, may be interested in. Though I am no way a medical expert, and I cannot testify to the medical proof that these will work for you, I thought that it might be something that you would be interested in. Indeed, if you try them and they work please leave a comment for others to see.

Classic Exercise No 1 – The Achilles-Tendon Stretch

Stand with the toes and balls of your feet on a kerb or step. Then, drop your heels down as far as possible, without causing significant pain, of course. Rest in this position for a few seconds, and then rise up on your toes, holding this position for a few seconds as well. Carry out three sets of 12 reps of this exercise per day, with 15-30 seconds of rest between sets. Over time, make the exercise progressively more difficult by wearing a weighted vest with increasing amounts of weight or by holding dumbbells in your hands.

Classic Exercise No 2 – Ankle Flexion

Simply sit on an elevated flat surface with the leg associated with the affected foot crossed over the opposite thigh. Grab the affected leg at the ankle with the hand of the opposite side, and grasp the toes of the affected foot with the same-side hand. Gently pull the toes of the injured foot inward towards the lower leg, until you begin to experience pain. Back off slightly to lessen discomfort, and hold this position for five to 10 seconds. Relax for 10 seconds before repeating, and perform this sequence for three sets of eight reps.

Classic Exercise No 3 – Ankle Extension

Sit on an elevated flat surface with the leg of the affected foot crossed over the opposite thigh. Grasp the affected-side leg at the ankle with the same-side hand, and grasp the toes of the affected foot with the opposite-side hand. Then, gently pull toes and sole of the affected-side foot toward the body to the point of significant pain. Hold this position for five to 10 seconds, and then relax for 10 seconds. Use three sets of eight reps per day.

Classic Exercise No 4 – The Ankle Turn-In

Sit on an elevated flat surface with the leg of the affected foot crossed over the opposite thigh. Hold the affected leg at the ankle with the hand of the same side, and grasp the toes of the affected foot with the opposite-side hand. Cautiously bend the foot upward at the ankle towards the inner leg to the point of significant pain. Again, hold this position for five to 10 seconds, with 10 seconds of relaxation following. Perform this sequence 10 times, three times daily.

Review the full article on the Sports Injury website.

Stylish Shoes for people who suffer from Metatarsalagia

The good news is that we have a great seletion of shoes available for you if you suffer from this painful condition. Click Here to view available styles now.

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Flip Flops injure 200,000 a year costing the NHS £20 million

August 2, 2010 · Filed under General News, Shoes for Arch Pain, Shoes for Flat Feet, Shoes for Heel Pain, Shoes for Pregnancy

Daily Mail report that Flip Flops are no good for your feet!

Well, no surprise there then! For those of you who haven’t had a chance to read the piece in the Daily Mail by Sophie Borland last week, let me summarise for you.

Flip Flops cost NHS around £40 million a year

This is based on 200.000 + per year visiting GPs and even hospital with injuries resulting from trips or falls and even other more long-term injuries.

Health professionals warn of danger from prolonged wearing of Flip Flops

They can change the way you walk and put pressure on the outside of the foot rather than the heel when you walk and  causing long-term damage. More common short-term complaints include twisted ankles, aching toes and other injuries resulting from trips and falls. I can count at least 4 painful injuries from wearing them!

What are the Risks?

Wearing Flip Flops, the risks

So should we stop wearing them?

I think that there is a time and a place for Flip Flops, I couldn’t face going in a shower on a campsite without mine on but I would agree that as an everyday shoe, they are certainly not my first choice. In fact any shoe that I have to fight to keep on is a big no no, my life is hectic enough! I understand why they are a firm summer favourite though, easy to slip on and off, accommodate foot swelling, let the air to your feet and look like they should be comfortable and can be quite stylish. Read the Daily Mail story in full>>

Mephisto Helen Sandals, our answer to Flip Flops

Thankfully we at CheerfulSoles have a great alternative that you can wear all summer long without fear of the risks associated with wearing Flip Flops. The Mephisto Helen Sandal has long been a stylish firm favourite of ours as you can see from Kate’s review. It has a cushioned Nubuck Footbed for ultimate comfort, good arch support and a toepost that won’t hurt your toes! The adjustable strap over the foot also means that there is no need for that awkward toe gripping action that can cause aches and pains from regular use. Trust us, we believe that these sandals really live up to our statement that you will wear nothing else all summer!

Mephisto Helen Sandals, available from CheerfulSoles

Mephisto Helen Sandal, Black PatentMephisto Helen Sandal in Light Taupe PatentMephisto Helen Sandal in Spice Patent

Mephisto Helen Sandal in Mauve PatentMephisto Helen Sandal in Lavender NubuckMephisto Helen Sandal in Kaki Scratch

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Growth in Orthotic use Good News for Orthotic Wearers?

July 28, 2010 · Filed under General News, Sandals for Orthotics, Shoes for Orthotics

Examples of smaller Orthotics that are availableGrowth in range of people wearing Orthotics

A report published by Biz Acumen states that there’s an increasingly diverse range of people who are wearing orthotics to compensate for wide-ranging health problems. The report summary states that the following groups are amongst the most common who wear orthotic inserts:

  • People who suffer from osteoarthritis, or severely debilitating chronic diseases
  • People disabled by traumatic incidents
  • People suffering with pre-mature wear out of joints
  • Injured athletes
  • People with minor/major musculoskeletal deformities

The report states that given the wide-ranging customer profile, together with rising disposable incomes, expanded coverage of health insurance and public health programs world over, there is now significant growth for the global orthopedic orthotics market. Revolutionary improvements in the material and modeling technologies have eased the task of customizing and/or standardizing specifications of orthotic devices.

Information taken from Report Summary “Orthopedic Orthotics, Global Market Trends” November 2009, Published by Biz Acumen

Good News for Orthotic Wearers?

Time will tell, but if the demand for orthotics is on the up then surely we will see a rise into research and development of many more orthotics that will meet consumer demands for inserts that will fit more stylish footwear.

It may all inevitably come down to which manufacturers the medical profession use to produce prescriptions for orthotic inserts and of course cost. What we can say is that from our experience of attending Podiatry Conferences and speaking to Podiatrists that we know, there are lots of orthotic manufacturers out there who are developing new ways of making inserts and they are promoting these to Podiatrists.

If you are unhappy with your orthotics then talk to your Podiatrist, there may be alternative products on the market that will enable you to increase the range of footwear that you are able to wear, but it does all depend on your personal circumstances and of course money.

Lets be honest, it is not rocket science. I think that we have proved at CheerfulSoles that there is footwear out there that will satisfy not only the medical requirement for a stable sole unit and secure fit but also the stylish element that we as consumers all need to show our personality. It’s not as if you are expecting to totter into town in a pair of 8 inch Jimmy Choos!

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Advice for Bunion Sufferers

July 22, 2010 · Filed under General News, Shoes for Bunions

Badly fitting shoes and High Heels are not solely to blame for Bunions

It’s official, wearing high heels is no longer solely to blame for the groaning misery of bunions…Yeh! It’s all your families fault for passing down defective bunion genes. I am over simplifying here but in a press release issued by the Society for Chiropodists and Podiatrists earlier this year they state that contrary to popular opinion, bunions are not actually caused by shoes.

Yes, wearing tight-fitting heels and backless shoes will exacerbate the problem causing pain and deformity of the joint (known as Hallux Vagus), but worn in moderation they should be ok.

When should you be worried about Bunions

Lorraine Jones, podiatrist, The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists said: “While shoes do not cause bunions, they can aggravate the problem, so if you’ve noticed a bump developing where your big toe joins the foot, it may be time to switch your footwear. Try to opt for wider shoes that provide your toes with room to move and keep your heel height to no more than 4cm for maximum comfort.”

Tops Tips from the Society for Chriropdists and Podiatrists to maintaining Happy High Heeled Feet

  • Wear backless high-heeled shoes in moderation. Backless shoes force your toes to claw as you walk, straining the muscles if worn over a long period.
  • Vary your heel heights from day-to-day, one-day wearing low heels, and the next day slightly higher heels. Current footwear fashion is great for this – lower-shoes, wedges, and mid-heels are all on-trend so whatever heel height you opt for, you never have to feel out of vogue.
  • If you want to wear a heel every day, keep heel heights to 4cm and below
  • Wear a shoe with a strap or lace over the instep to hold the foot secure. This acts a bit like a seatbelt in a car and helps stop your foot sliding forward.
  • Do calf stretches to counteract the shortening of the calf and help to keep feet supple; keeping a good range of movement. To stretch your calf and heel, stand facing a wall with feet hip width apart and slightly bent at the knee. Take one step forwards, and using your arms to lean against the wall, keep your leg in front bent and the leg behind straight. Both feet should be flat on the ground. Lean in towards the wall, as you do, you should feel your muscles stretching in your calf and heel. Hold and slowly return to a standing position. Do this with each leg about five times.

For further information and advice and where to find your nearest HPC Registered podiatrist, visit www.feetforlife.org

Good News! At Cheerfulsoles we have lots of shoes that are suitable for people who have bunions

We have a fantastic selection of shoes and sandals that will accommodate bunions in style. Click here to view now>>

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Top World Cup Injury – Metatarsal Fracture

July 13, 2010 · Filed under General News, Sandals for Orthotics, Shoes for Metatarlagia, Shoes for Orthotics

Ok so it’s all over, we won’t say anything about England’s performance – we had a week of football mourning in our house before we could bring ourselves to watch another match in a tournament that we would no longer be in. We adopted Holland and Spain so were pleased with the Final and thought Spain thoroughly deserved to win.

Picture of Foot with Fracture of Second Metatarsal Bone

The Foot with Fracture of Second Metatarsal Bone

A Closer look at the foot problem; Metatarsal Fracture

I wrote about the fact that a Metatarsal Fracture was one of the most common foot injuries that footballers suffer during the tournament in one of my previous blog entries. As this type of pain is also something that many of our customers suffer via Metatarsalgia, I thought that it might be of interest to you to learn more about it.

What are Metatarsals?

Metatarsals are five long bones in the forefoot. You have one leading up to each toe and forming the metatarso-phalangeal (MTP) joints with the phalanges (toe bones) at the base of each toe. They form the tarsal-metatarsal (TMT) joints with the tarsal bones towards the ankle.

Stress Fractures

This usually will involve the second, third or fourth metatarsal bones. Stress fractures to the metatarsals are the second most common location for a stress fracture, after the Tibia.

The most common position for a metatarsal fracture is the second metatarsal, especially in those whose second toe is longer than their big toe. It is also more common in those who overpronate with the first metatarsal in a dorsiflexed position as this places greater load on the 2nd metatarsal. Stress fractures in the other metatarsals are less common, although they do occur.

What are the Symptoms of Stress Fractrures?

  • Foot pain which comes on gradually
  • Pain is located towards the mid/front of the foot.
  • Pain is aggravated by weight bearing activities such as walking, running or dancing.
  • Pain to touch the bone at the point it is broken.
  • Swelling is often present.
  • An X-ray will often not show the fracture until two or three weeks after it has started to heal.

Treatment

  • Rest from weight bearing activities as much as possible.
  • For those whose job requires them to weight bear, a walking boot may be used.
  • The rest period should normally be around 4 weeks to allow sufficient healing.
  • Recommence activities only once all pain on touch and walking have cleared.
  • Start with a very slow return to activity and a gradual build of duration and intensity.
  • If the stress fracture may have been caused by abnormal foot mechanics such as overpronation or oversupination then orthotics may be required to correct this.

Acute Metatarsal Fractures

This is a fracture to the metatarsal bones caused by some kind of violent impact. Often something is dropped on the foot or the foot might be stamped on. Alternatively, a violent twisting or turning motion at the ankle may cause a fracture in the 5th metatarsal in particular.

What are the Symptoms of Acute Metatarsal Fractures

  • Acute pain at the point of trauma.
  • Rapid swelling.
  • Inability to weight bear.
  • There may be deformity in the foot.
  • Bruising will usually develop within 24 hours

Treatment

  • If the bones are not displaced then a short cast or boot will be fitted for the first three weeks.
  • After six weeks the foot should be X-rayed again to ensure it has healed.
  • More complex or displaced fractures may require surgical fixation.
  • Once the cast has been removed, a thorough rehabilitation programme should begin to regain full mobility and strength.
  • A gradual return to sport can then begin!

Wearing the right Shoes

Whether you are recovering from a Metatarsal Fracture or suffer from prolonged Metatarsalagia then it is important that you wear shoes that will help alleviate the pain symptoms that you are experiencing.

If you have been prescribed orthotics for foot problems that lead to metatarsal pain in the first place such as overpronating (your foot rolls inwards when you walk) then make sure that your footwear will accommodate them.

Take a look at our Problem Feet Guide for Metartarsalagia now and view shoes at CheerfulSoles that may be suitable for you and your Metatarsals.

Go to CheerfulSoles Metatarsalagia Problem Feet Guide Now>>

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Bionic Feet for Cat

July 13, 2010 · Filed under General News

Ok, so I know that this is not about human feet or shoes but I thought that if you hadn’t had a chance to see footage,(parden the pun) about Oscar the amputee cat then you really should.

Oscar the Cat Now has two prosthetic limbs and can walk again thanks to UK Vet

Take a look now at the full story about a cat called Oscar who lost both back feet in an accident with a combine harvester. You have to play the clip, what a feel good story pioneered by a UK Vet, Noel Fitapatrick who is based in Surrey. View Full Story and see Oscars first steps.

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Mephisto Helen Sandal £55: Reviewed by Kate CheerfulSoles

July 6, 2010 · Filed under What are we Wearing Reviews

More about the Sandal

Click here to view our Mephisto Helen Sandal Collection

Mephisto Helen Sandal in Light Taupe

The Mephisto Helen Sandal is tried and tested by us all at CheerfulSoles and we are quite literal in our product review that we really do wear nothing else all Summer. Well, maybe not that literal! Customers come back to us time after time to add new colours to their collection. The sandals have natural rubber soles that are durable and shock absorbing and the footbed is nubuck which helps to keep your feet cool and dry. The footbed is also cushioned with a good arch support for added comfort. Don’t be put off by the toe post, it is flat and doesn’t rub the toes and your foot is held into the sandal by the adjustable strap so that you don’t have to grip to stay in with your toes. View all colours now>>

My Review

I have been wearing these sandals every summer for years now and I can honestly say that they really do live up to the description above. Each year I add to my collection (on the basis that we need to show the latest colours available and keep a pair for best you understand). It is getting increasingly difficult to disguise how many pairs I actually have from my Husband, though this must be an indication of my testimony to how great they are. The straps across the feet are really comfortable and once you have found the right position for each foot they expand to accommodate the slight swelling that you can sometimes get during hotter weather. I can always adjust onto another hole on the strap if I need to. Unlike other similar sandals the footbed is extremely comfortable and cushioned and I can honestly say that there is nothing quite so comforting for my feet as putting on a pair of Helen Sandals for that feeling of cushioned arch support that you get with every pair.

Would I recommend to a Friend

Yes, and I have, lots of times. Jo now wears these sandals (her collection is also growing) and I regularly recommend to friends and customers as they are so stylish and come in lots of patent leathers that you can wear with anything, day time or evening.

Summary

Comfort – The Cushioned footbed and arch support provided by these sandals will not disappoint and the adjustable strap ensures that your feet do not slip about.

Style – They are shiny and look great, what more can I say? The fact that they come in so many colours and either Patent Leather or Nubuck means that you will stand out from the crowd for all the right reasons. People will ask you where you got them from, it’s up to you whether you let them in on the secret!

Have your Say

We love the Mephisto Helen Sandal, if you know any other brands that we should look at that give great arch support and all round comfort then let us know. Simply leave your comments on this post.

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Footballers Feet and World Cup Facts

June 25, 2010 · Filed under General News

Well the boys in my house are certainly getting excited about the pending England – Germany Match on Sunday and I must say that it is hard not to get excited about the prospect of making it through to those all important quarter finals.

It did get me thinking about what kind of state the Teams feet must be in after so long on the pitch. According to the BBC Sports Academy, Wayne Rooney alone covers on average 11.2 kilometres (about 7 miles in old money). All this jogging, sprinting stop and start action must take its toll on the feet and judging by the picture I have just seen of Ronaldo and his unidentified teams mates feet my concerns are justified. If you really want to see then click here.

World Cup Football Facts and Trivia to Impress your friends and other halves

  • The most popular brand of Football boot worn by the team in this years World Cup is Nike, worn by the likes of Rooney, the two Coles, James Milner, Theo Walcott and the ever controversial choice Heskey.
  • The player that everyone in moaning about for this World Cup; Emile Heskey. Why? Well according to the vocal majority, he doesn’t score goals and he injured Rio Ferdinand (even if it was an accident)
  • One of the most common foot injuries for footballers is a metatarsal Fracture (as suffered by Rooney & Beckham)
  • Our next game is against Germany on Sunday 27th June, IF we win this, we are likely to meet Argentina and Spain in the next stages…..ARGHHHH!
  • Footballers have difficulty finding boots to fit their Orthotics too! Football boots need to be close-fitting to the foot and there simply isn’t room for most insoles.
  • Remember, Germany has never won the World Cup, it was West Germany that won it twice!!

If you would like to know more about caring for the footballer in your life’s feet then take a look at this article on the Society for Chriropody and Podiatry Website (Feet for Life), Football by Lindsay A Fitzgerald

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CheerfulSoles Shoes on display for Podiatrists

June 10, 2010 · Filed under General News

CheerfulSoles shoes will be on display for Podiatrists at the Annual Britpods Conference this weekend

We were really pleased to be asked to supply some of our stylish shoes so that podiatrists can see that comfort really can be stylish. We met Podiatrist Helen Branthwaite at the annual conference for Chropodists and Podiatrists in Harrogate last year. Little did we know that Helen would then come all the way to Grassington to see us and find out more about CheerfulSoles and the shoes that we sell. Britpods is a smaller and more practical conference for Podiatrists to keep up to date with the latest developments in their field so we are really proud to be asked to play a small part.

Podiatrist Helen Branthwaite loves the shoes that we sell at CheerfulSoles

Helen is also a Senioir Lecturer in Clinical Biomechanics at Staffordshire University, she loves the stylish and comfortable shoes that we sell at CheerfulSoles so much that she is going to use them in her lecture and workshop for Podiatrists at the Annual Britpods Conference this week end.

What is helen wearing from the CheerfulSoles Collection

Helen is proudly wearing a pair of  Theresia M Mona shown below, these have been really popular and it’s not hard to see why. They have removable insoles and will accommodate orthotics, they are really comfortable and ooze style. I think that we will get her to write a review for the website.

Click here to view the Theresia M Mona in Sand

Want to find out more about the Britpods confernce?

If you would like to know more about what Britpods is all about and what lecture and workshop Helen will be using our shoes in then simply click on the Britpods link below. We will let you know how our shoes went down with the Podiatrists who attended later.

click here to go to the official Britpods Site

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New! Paul Green Shoes available at CheerfulSoles

May 25, 2010 · Filed under General News, Shoes for Arch Pain, Shoes for Arthritis, Shoes for Bunions, Website News and Updates

We are really excited to tell you that we have introduced a new brand into the CheerfulSoles family.

Click here to view Paul Green Shoes at CheerfulSoles

 

 

  

Paul Green, quick overview
Paul Green shoes are a balance of attractive design and comfortable fit. Paul Green was founded on the notion that a shoe is not a shoe unless it meets the highest standards of both visual appeal and a perfect fit. Unfortunately, many companies have sacrificed function for form, but not Paul Green. Finding the perfect fit is not only central to every shoe that Paul Green makes? it is an obsession. Read more about the Paul Green brand

Paul Green Black Patent Pump £98

Paul Green Black Patent Pump

Recommended for the following Problem Feet

  • Arch Pain – All Paul Green shoes have leather sock linings and long leather counters, these support the instep and the arch of your foot ensuring maximum comfort.
  • Arthtitis – They have a good, supportive insole with a nice arch support and the edge of the shoes have a material edging so the leather won’t “dig in” when worn.
  • Bunions – Deep toe box that shouldn’t cut across any enlarged joints or bunions

More Paul Green arrivals throughout 2010

Our first Paul Green arrival is a smart and elegant Black Patent Pump, we have more styles arriving for Autumn / Winter this year so watch this space. If you would like to be informed when new Paul Green shoes arrive then please send us a quick mail or sign up to receive our free newslter on the CheerfulSoles home page.

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