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 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 […]
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 If you’ve been spending a lot of time at home in ugg boots, not doing so much exercise and stacking on the coronakilos over the past two years or so, you may have noticed something strange going on with your feet. They may not fit back into leather shoes. Or if you do manage […]
Shutterstock Ankle sprain is one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries, particularly in sports like netball, basketball and football where jumping, landing on one foot and sudden direction changes are part of the game. Ankle sprains can be painful, debilitating and may result in ongoing ankle problems. In fact, people with a history of a […]
Shutterstock You might have noticed a buzz on social media about barefoot running, with many proponents breathlessly describing it as the most natural way to run. But not everyone is a fan. The claims made about going barefoot can range from, “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done” to “I tried it and now I’m […]