ipuwadol/Getty Images Every day in Australia, more than 400 people aged over 65 are admitted to hospital due to a fall. That’s around one person every four minutes. Although anyone can experience a fall, they’re a common cause of disability and loss of independence in older age. Sadly, 17 older people die as a direct […]
elinaxx1v/Shutterstock What do you get when a group of podiatrists (and shoe lovers) team up with a Barbie doll collector? A huge opportunity to explore how Barbie reflects changes in the types of shoes women wear. It all started with the blockbuster Barbie movie in 2023. In particular, we discussed a scene when Barbie was […]
Smileus/Shutterstock As temperatures rise and sandals make their seasonal debut, our feet step into the spotlight. But summer presents challenges that make foot care especially important. Heat, sun exposure and the temptation to go barefoot can lead to dry, cracked heels – leaving feet feeling uncomfortable. The good news? A few simple habits can keep […]
staras/Shutterstock Does your small toe hide beneath the next its next-door neighbour? Although there isn’t scientific evidence this condition known as “Irish pinky toe” is more common in Ireland, it’s a popular idea that it’s a genetic trait among some people with Celtic heritage. And as podiatrists in Ireland, it is certainly something we see […]
Marben/Shutterstock Popularised in the 2009 Drew Barrymore film, Whip It, roller derby is one of the fastest growing sports for women worldwide – particularly in the US. While this roller speed-skating competition was originally established as a marathon race in the 1930s, the modern, kick-ass, punk-inspired, version began in the early 2000s. Players wear four-wheeled […]
Parents can fork out big bucks for different shoes for different sports for their children. from www.shutterstock.com Over the past 40 years the “modern” sports shoe has evolved from the all-purpose sneaker to an abundance of sport-specific shoes. Given we have so much choice – and with encouragement from big brands and keen shop assistants […]
berez_ka/Shutterstock.com Humans have gone unshod for millions of years; it is only in the last few centuries that people have started wearing shoes. However, a recent survey shows that shoe wearing among young boys isn’t universal. German children and teenagers spend most of their day in shoes, while about 90% of their South African counterparts […]
Shutterstock Toe jam can be a source of fascination, disgust or barely noticed. It can be a sign you need to wash your feet or rethink your choice of footwear. It can also lead to major health issues. Toe jam, the gunk and debris between your toes, has even made it to a Beatles song. […]
Shutterstock A recent article in The Conversation raised unnecessary alarm about children’s flat feet. The article isn’t supported by the best evidence and may have worried parents. The most recent evidence confirms it’s normal for young, healthy and active children to have flexible flat feet, and these flat feet will get less flat over time. […]
Shutterstock Every day, parents around the world are told their child’s flat feet are normal and they will grow out of it. This isn’t true – they just grow up and out of their paediatricians’ practice. There’s no evidence children’s flat feet correct themselves with time. Failure to intervene when problem flat feet are identified […]