Day: January 7, 2016

Golf

Posted on by Staff

The feet are crucial in golf. They are used to walk around on all day and a the platform or foundation that the golf swing starts from.

Golf is a sport that’s all about precision, patience, and strategy. Unlike many fast-paced games, golf unfolds slowly and thoughtfully, giving players time to plan each shot. It’s typically played on expansive courses with 18 holes, each offering unique challenges like sand traps, water hazards, and varying terrain. The core goal? Get the ball into the hole in as few strokes as possible. What makes it interesting is that the course itself becomes an opponent—changing weather, tricky greens, and unpredictable bounces can all shift the tide of a game.

One of golf’s most iconic features is its equipment. Clubs are categorized mainly into drivers, irons, wedges, and putters, each designed for specific shot types and distances. Golf balls also matter—a lot. The number of dimples, the compression, and the material can all influence flight and spin. Add to that the importance of golf attire (hello, collared shirts and spikeless shoes), and it’s clear the sport balances tradition with a touch of flair. Unlike team sports, golf is mostly a solo mental game, which makes consistency and self-control major assets.

From a cultural standpoint, golf has deep roots, especially in places like Scotland, where the modern game was born. Over time, it’s grown into a global phenomenon, with major tournaments like The Masters, the U.S. Open, and The Open Championship drawing huge crowds and media attention. Big-name players like Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Scottie Scheffler have brought fresh energy and broader appeal to the sport. It’s also a favorite among business professionals—not just for the game itself but for the networking and conversations that often happen during a round.

Finally, golf isn’t just for the pros. It’s widely accessible through public courses, driving ranges, and even mini-golf setups. People of all ages and skill levels can enjoy it, and it offers both physical and mental benefits—walking the course provides light exercise, while planning shots and reading greens sharpens focus. Plus, there’s something therapeutic about spending a few hours in open, green spaces. Whether you’re chasing a birdie or just trying not to triple-bogey, golf invites you to slow down and enjoy the challenge.

Most Useful Resources:
Golf Threads (Podiatry Arena)
Golf and foot orthotics (PodiaPaedia)
Golf (Podiatry TV)
Golfshot (Podiatry Apps)
Foot Orthotics for Golf (Podiatry Update)

Haglunds Deformity

Posted on by Staff

Haglunds deformity is an anatomic variation in which the back of the heel bone is larger than normal. Generally there is nothing wrong with that except that pressure from the shoes can be painful.

Haglund’s deformity, sometimes nicknamed the “pump bump,” is a bony enlargement that develops on the back of the heel, right where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone (calcaneus). It gets its nickname because it often affects people who wear stiff, high-backed shoes—like pumps or certain dress shoes—that constantly rub against the heel. That repetitive pressure and friction can irritate the area, causing inflammation, swelling, and sometimes blistering or redness over the bony bump. It’s not just limited to fashionable footwear, though—any tight or poorly fitting shoe can contribute.

So what causes Haglund’s deformity in the first place? It’s often a combination of factors. Some people are just anatomically more prone to it—like those with a high arch, a tight Achilles tendon, or a naturally prominent heel bone. These structural factors put more pressure on the back of the heel when walking or running, especially if combined with the wrong type of footwear. Over time, that repeated stress can lead to bone growth and soft tissue irritation, particularly in the bursa—a fluid-filled sac that cushions the tendon. When this bursa gets inflamed, it’s called retrocalcaneal bursitis, and it makes the whole area painful and swollen.

Symptoms typically include a noticeable bump on the back of the heel, pain where the Achilles tendon attaches, and swelling or redness around the area—especially after wearing shoes that aggravate it. The pain often worsens with activity, particularly walking uphill or climbing stairs, and can make certain shoes impossible to wear comfortably. If the tendon gets involved due to chronic friction or inflammation, it can lead to Achilles tendinopathy, which adds even more discomfort and stiffness.

Treatment usually starts conservatively: switching to softer, open-backed shoes, applying ice to reduce inflammation, using heel pads or orthotics to relieve pressure, and stretching the Achilles tendon to loosen it. Anti-inflammatory meds (like ibuprofen) can help, too. If conservative methods don’t bring relief, especially if there’s significant pain or tendon involvement, a doctor might recommend physical therapy, cortisone injections (though cautiously around the tendon), or in more persistent cases, surgery to remove the excess bone and inflamed tissue. The key to managing Haglund’s deformity is early recognition and adjusting footwear and activity to prevent long-term complications.

Most Useful Resources:
Haglunds Deformity (Foot Health Forum)
The Haglunds deformity or ‘Pump Bump’ (Foot Health Friday)
Haglunds in an elite marathon runner (Podiatry Arena)
The Pump Bump (Podiatry Ninja)
Haglunds Deformity (Best Running Shoe)

Kinetic Wedge

Posted on by Staff

The kinetic wedge is an extension that can be used on the front part of the foot orthotic to assist in the clinical management of of functional hallux limitus.

The Kinetic Wedge is a specialized modification used in foot orthotics, primarily designed to improve the function of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (1st MPJ), which is the big toe joint. It was originally introduced by Dr. Howard Dananberg as a solution for functional hallux limitus—a condition where the big toe has full range of motion when non-weight bearing, but becomes restricted during walking. The wedge works by allowing more unrestricted motion of the first ray (the first metatarsal and associated structures), which helps promote efficient propulsion during gait. This modification typically involves removing material under the first metatarsal head while maintaining support under the lesser metatarsals.

Biomechanically, the Kinetic Wedge helps “free up” the big toe during the push-off phase of walking. Normally, the first ray needs to plantarflex (drop down) to allow proper dorsiflexion (upward movement) of the big toe. When this doesn’t happen due to joint restriction or poor foot mechanics, it can lead to a range of issues like compensatory gait patterns, metatarsalgia, or even plantar fasciitis. The Kinetic Wedge alleviates this by creating a small cutout or depression under the first metatarsal head in the orthotic, which reduces resistance to first ray plantarflexion. This allows the big toe to dorsiflex more freely, facilitating a more efficient and less painful gait.

Clinically, the Kinetic Wedge is often used for patients with functional hallux limitus, forefoot pain, early-stage hallux rigidus, or abnormal propulsion mechanics. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, though—it requires proper biomechanical assessment to determine if the patient would benefit from improved 1st ray mobility. When used correctly, patients often report reduced forefoot pressure, improved comfort during walking, and better overall gait mechanics. However, in patients with structural hallux limitus or severe arthritic changes, this modification may be less effective, and alternatives such as rocker soles or more rigid orthotics might be more appropriate.

Most Useful Resources:
Kinetic Wedge (Foot Health Forum)
What is the Kinetic Wedge? (Foot Health Friday)
Kinetic Wedge (Podiapaedia)
Kinetic Wedges: Question (Podiatry Arena)
Kinetic Wedge Threads (Podiatry Arena)