Shape up shoes who needs them?

I have been asked 2-3 times per week lately about the new Shape up shoes by Sketchers. There has been a lot of positive word of mouth reports that they help reduce back pain and leg fatigue. These shoes use a rocker bottom sole which we as foot and ankle specialists have used for years in custom molded shoes for people with severe foot and ankle deformities either excessively high or low arched feet.
I feel that these shoes do have a place, especially for the high arched foot, people who need shock absorption like those who may weight more than their recommended weight, those people who have extensive osteoarthritis of the foot, ankle, knee, hip, or back.
I also like the Sketcher shoe because a custom made orthotic which we provide for many of our patients can still fit in this style of shoe.
But be careful if you choose this shoe since there have been reports of injuries to the Achilles tendon. Also, they do take some getting used to the change in gait and can make you unstable when you walk. If you question you need for this or have a foot problem and you wonder if they help it may be best to come see us for our thoughts!!!

Stretching to do or not to do that is the question!!

Stretching is a subject that is very controversial. A new article about runners that just came out continues to question the value of stretching. USA Track and Field looked at 3000 runners to see if stretching made any effect on injury rates. These runners where split into two categories, those that did stretch and those that did not. No reference was made about if the stretching was before or after running or about the stretching technique. The overall injury rate was the same for both groups (16%). One finding that was significant was that if you normally stretch and then stopped stretching this rate of injury almost doubled. Thus,if you are used to a certain routine-stick with it!!
I believe stretching is most important once a muscle is completely warmed up ie. right at the end of the exercise. Holding a stretch as is done in Yoga, until the muscle stops resisting seems to have the greatest effect. People with plantar fascia problems seem to benefit from stretching both the calf and hamstrings.
Doing stretching will not hurt you. Doing it correctly has helped most all of my patients in my experience.