From the perspective of Dr. Kevin Wong, DC, Orinda, CA “Every foot tells a story”, and here is a story about his practice. A patient comes into his office and complains of back pain or neck pain. She may be surprised to notice that Dr. Wong does not start the examination with her lower back or neck; rather he starts with examining her feet. She may be further surprised, when Dr. Wong concludes her problem is not the spine or neck, rather it is an imbalance in one or all of the three arches in the foot.

 “The body is a fluid, kinematic chain of events,” according to Dr. Wong, “and is not static.” Every heel-strike during the gait cycle causes a shock wave to travel up through the body, hitting stress points such as the feet, knees, pelvis, lower back, and neck. It only takes one of the three arches of the foot to be out of alignment to cause pain in another part of the body. Dr. Wong states, “Every biomechanical imbalance is transmitted to the spine.”

Properly supporting all three of the natural arches helps stabilize the spine. Over time, arches tend to flatten which place additional stress on the fore foot, leading to the development of bunions and bunion pain. Bunions further exasperate the imbalance, sending shock waves up through the body to structural stress points. 

Dr. Wong believes, “Using a bunion splint that provides support to the three arches is an effective way to prevent stress on other parts of the body. I noticed Bunion Aid^® because it is the only day or night splint that supports all three arches – longitudinal, medial, and transverse arches – while straightening the big toe.” This hinged splint facilitates a normal balanced gait cycle which helps stabilize the spine.
Read more at Alpha Orthotics

From the perspective of Dr. Kevin Wong, DC, Orinda, CA “Every foot tells a story”, and here is a story about his practice. A patient comes into his office and complains of back pain or neck pain. She may be surprised to notice that Dr. Wong does not start the examination with her lower back or neck; rather he starts with examining her feet. She may be further surprised, when Dr. Wong concludes her problem is not the spine or neck, rather it is an imbalance in one or all of the three arches in the foot.

 “The body is a fluid, kinematic chain of events,” according to Dr. Wong, “and is not static.” Every heel-strike during the gait cycle causes a shock wave to travel up through the body, hitting stress points such as the feet, knees, pelvis, lower back, and neck. It only takes one of the three arches of the foot to be out of alignment to cause pain in another part of the body. Dr. Wong states, “Every biomechanical imbalance is transmitted to the spine.”

Properly supporting all three of the natural arches helps stabilize the spine. Over time, arches tend to flatten which place additional stress on the fore foot, leading to the development of bunions and bunion pain. Bunions further exasperate the imbalance, sending shock waves up through the body to structural stress points. 

Dr. Wong believes, “Using a bunion splint that provides support to the three arches is an effective way to prevent stress on other parts of the body. I noticed Bunion Aid^® because it is the only day or night splint that supports all three arches – longitudinal, medial, and transverse arches – while straightening the big toe.” This hinged splint facilitates a normal balanced gait cycle which helps stabilize the spine.
Read more at Alpha Orthotics

A Bunion Self Treatment Guide that uses the Manchester scale for self-assessing the severity of Hallux valgus (bunions) is now available at Alpha Orthotics.com. This guide provides an easy way to identify the degree to which you may have bunions prior to seeking bunion treatment.

Until recently, only physicians used the Manchester scale to measure the medial deviation of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint with respect to the big toe. However, according to a recent study, the accuracy of patients using this scale to self-assess bunion severity is acceptable.

This guide includes the Manchester scale, assessment instructions, as well as recommended bunion treatments. It includes standardized photographs of feet with four grades of Hallux valgus (none, mild, moderate, and severe). These photographs represent real cases of Hallux valgus selected by a consensus panel of podiatrists to represent the full spectrum of the deformity.

Self-assessment helps you know whether to wear a bunion splint or to further seek professional medical advice. Repeat this assessment to measure the progress of bunion treatment over time. Awareness and early prevention of a bunion can reduce bunion pain and help avoid bunion surgery.

Read more at Alpha Orthotics

A Bunion Self Treatment Guide that uses the Manchester scale for self-assessing the severity of Hallux valgus (bunions) is now available at Alpha Orthotics.com. This guide provides an easy way to identify the degree to which you may have bunions prior to seeking bunion treatment.

Until recently, only physicians used the Manchester scale to measure the medial deviation of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint with respect to the big toe. However, according to a recent study, the accuracy of patients using this scale to self-assess bunion severity is acceptable.

This guide includes the Manchester scale, assessment instructions, as well as recommended bunion treatments. It includes standardized photographs of feet with four grades of Hallux valgus (none, mild, moderate, and severe). These photographs represent real cases of Hallux valgus selected by a consensus panel of podiatrists to represent the full spectrum of the deformity.

Self-assessment helps you know whether to wear a bunion splint or to further seek professional medical advice. Repeat this assessment to measure the progress of bunion treatment over time. Awareness and early prevention of a bunion can reduce bunion pain and help avoid bunion surgery.

Read more at Alpha Orthotics

Tiburon, Ca – February 22, 2011 – Alpha Orthotics Corp., distributor of the award-winning hinged Bunion Aid® splint, released its latest patient education eBook, When the Foot Hits the Ground from Toe to Heel: Bunion Self-treatment Products. With warm weather around the corner and women wanting to wear sandals, it is time to treat unsightly or painful bunions. This complimentary eBook is a single source that provides an overview of non-invasive bunion treatments and bunion splints.

In the Bunion Busters feature on the Dr. Oz Show, Dr. Oz remarked that wearing bunion splints is an effective way to treat bunions. However, there is very little published information about the role of wearing bunion splints in relieving bunion pain and straightening the big toe,” says Marianne Mullins, author of When the Foot Hits the Ground from Toe to Heel and Director of Marketing at Alpha Orthotics Corp. “My objective for this guide is to inform the reader about how a splint must address the underlying causes of a bunion in order to be effective”.

Patients and doctors share opinions and comments in this concise format. Patients witness visible straightening of the big toe with daily use of bunion splints. Doctors recommend bunion splints to relieve bunion pain and to prevent further progression of a bunion. Although there are bunion pads, toe separators, and toe straighteners on the market that help bunions, these treatments do not treat the entire foot function. The hinged Bunion Aid splint is the most effective treatment for addressing the underlying causes of a bunion. Marcus Striebeck DC, DABCO, agrees, “Bunion Aid offers an advantage during the straightening process. That is why I have added Bunion Aid as part of my bunion management regiment.”

To learn about bunion treatments and bunion splints, visit http://www.bunion-aid.com/alphaOrthotics-bunions-ebook/ and download this complimentary Bunion Splint Buyer’s Guide.

About Alpha Orthotics

Alpha Orthotics Corp. (http://www.alphaorthotics.com) is a wholly owned subsidiary of German Hallufix Corporation.  Alpha Orthotics markets and sells patented, German-engineered non-invasive orthotic products directly to consumers and to the medical community.

###

Read more at Alpha Orthotics

With warm weather and wearing sandals around the corner, it is time to treat those unsightly or painful bunions. There are so many types of bunion treatments on the market; it can be quite confusing on what really works. To help navigate through these options that promise to relieve bunion pain and straighten the big toe, download, for free, When the Foot Hits the Ground from Toe to Heel: Bunion Self-treatment Products, a buyer’s guide about bunion treatments including a review of day and night bunion splints. 

Here are a few tid-bits about bunion treatments that you should know:

• Dr. Oz, during his Bunion Busters feature on The Dr. Oz Show, proclaimed that bunion splints are quite effective in treating bunions.
• A bunion splint needs to address the entire foot function. A bunion deformity is not just in the forefoot where the bump is located; rather, the deformity is caused by malfunctioning biomechanics of the entire foot.
• Bunion pads and gel toes or caps only protect bunions, while well-designed bunion splints, such as Bunion Aid, support the mid-foot arch, straighten the big toe and protect the bunion.
• Wearing a wedge between the big toe and 2^nd toe can place unhealthy pressure against the neighboring toes.
• A bunion cannot be “cured”; rather ongoing preventive care prevents further progression – avoiding bunion surgery – or the reappearance of a bunion after surgery.

Read more at Alpha Orthotics

Tiburon, Ca – February 22, 2011 – Alpha Orthotics Corp., distributor of the award-winning hinged Bunion Aid® splint, released its latest patient education eBook, When the Foot Hits the Ground from Toe to Heel: Bunion Self-treatment Products. With warm weather around the corner and women wanting to wear sandals, it is time to treat unsightly or painful bunions. This complimentary eBook is a single source that provides an overview of non-invasive bunion treatments and bunion splints.

In the Bunion Busters feature on the Dr. Oz Show, Dr. Oz remarked that wearing bunion splints is an effective way to treat bunions. However, there is very little published information about the role of wearing bunion splints in relieving bunion pain and straightening the big toe,” says Marianne Mullins, author of When the Foot Hits the Ground from Toe to Heel and Director of Marketing at Alpha Orthotics Corp. “My objective for this guide is to inform the reader about how a splint must address the underlying causes of a bunion in order to be effective”.

Patients and doctors share opinions and comments in this concise format. Patients witness visible straightening of the big toe with daily use of bunion splints. Doctors recommend bunion splints to relieve bunion pain and to prevent further progression of a bunion. Although there are bunion pads, toe separators, and toe straighteners on the market that help bunions, these treatments do not treat the entire foot function. The hinged Bunion Aid splint is the most effective treatment for addressing the underlying causes of a bunion. Marcus Striebeck DC, DABCO, agrees, “Bunion Aid offers an advantage during the straightening process. That is why I have added Bunion Aid as part of my bunion management regiment.”

To learn about bunion treatments and bunion splints, visit http://www.bunion-aid.com/alphaOrthotics-bunions-ebook/ and download this complimentary Bunion Splint Buyer’s Guide.

About Alpha Orthotics

Alpha Orthotics Corp. (http://www.alphaorthotics.com) is a wholly owned subsidiary of German Hallufix Corporation.  Alpha Orthotics markets and sells patented, German-engineered non-invasive orthotic products directly to consumers and to the medical community.

###

Read more at Alpha Orthotics

With warm weather and wearing sandals around the corner, it is time to treat those unsightly or painful bunions. There are so many types of bunion treatments on the market; it can be quite confusing on what really works. To help navigate through these options that promise to relieve bunion pain and straighten the big toe, download, for free, When the Foot Hits the Ground from Toe to Heel: Bunion Self-treatment Products, a buyer’s guide about bunion treatments including a review of day and night bunion splints. 

Here are a few tid-bits about bunion treatments that you should know:

• Dr. Oz, during his Bunion Busters feature on The Dr. Oz Show, proclaimed that bunion splints are quite effective in treating bunions.
• A bunion splint needs to address the entire foot function. A bunion deformity is not just in the forefoot where the bump is located; rather, the deformity is caused by malfunctioning biomechanics of the entire foot.
• Bunion pads and gel toes or caps only protect bunions, while well-designed bunion splints, such as Bunion Aid, support the mid-foot arch, straighten the big toe and protect the bunion.
• Wearing a wedge between the big toe and 2^nd toe can place unhealthy pressure against the neighboring toes.
• A bunion cannot be “cured”; rather ongoing preventive care prevents further progression – avoiding bunion surgery – or the reappearance of a bunion after surgery.

Read more at Alpha Orthotics

Santa should be practical this year by filling your stockings with items that take care of your feet. That is what stockings are for, aren’t they? Stockings keep your feet warm and prevent blisters. So why not be healthy and clever with ten unexpected but thoughtful stocking stuffers for your feet!

1.   Start with socks. Your foot padding tends to deteriorate as you age resulting in increased foot pain. Plus, each foot has over 125,000 sweat glands that are activated by emotional stimulation. When barefoot, the moisture dissipates; but in footwear, the moisture has no place to go – resulting in excessive friction. A brand such as Thorlos® with extra-thick cushioning and moisture wicking is a great gift for preventing foot pain and blisters.

2.   Toe warmers are inexpensive and easy to stash away when the temperatures unexpectedly drop. A great place to conveniently place toe warmers is in the glove compartment of a car – just in case of an emergency.

3.   A gift certificate to a local foot specialty store where the staff is trained in biomechanics of feet and knows how to properly fit shoes. Comfort-fit shoes are surprisingly more stylish than ever before. It’s a great way to support your local retailer and your feet!

4.   “Off the charts” foot reflexology session! Do you ever treat yourself to foot reflexology? It reduces stress which, of course, can adversely affect various parts of the human body. Because feet and hands help set the tension level for the rest of the body, reflexology is an easy way to interrupt the stress signal and reset the body’s equilibrium.

5.   Know anyone with a bunion? A bunion splint that reduces bunion pain for a friend or relative can be a thoughtful, unexpected gift. The adjustable hinged splint from Alpha Orthotics®, Bunion Aid®, supports the mid-foot arch and corrects the bunion while walking. Because one size fits most, and can be worn on the left or right foot, this splint is easy to include in a stocking.

6.   And what about a treatment for toenail fungus? Fungus affects about 6-8% of the adult population. Although there are prescription ointments on the market that treat nail fungi, the newest drug-free treatment is a laser-based method. It can be effective after only one visit but may depend on the severity of the toenail fungus.

On the lighter side. . . .

7.   For those who like to pamper their feet, give a pedicure gift certificate to a local nail salon.  Nail art is in, so add a few extra $$ for a toenail bling! Check out some of the nail art for the holidays!

8.   Colorful nail polish – forget the black; go with some opulent and metallic nail polishes such as OPI Burlesque Collection. So easy to drop into a stocking.

9.   Marbles. But why marbles? A great little item to have for exercising your feet. Try picking up marbles with your toes; it’s a great exercise for your feet in preventing hammertoes, ball of foot pain, and toe cramps.

10.  Foot crèmes. There are many wonderful foot crèmes and scrubs that hydrate and exfoliate even the toughest feet. Bliss® Foot Patrol is packed with peppermint; it’s like wrapping your feet in candy cane!

Read more at Alpha Orthotics

Santa should be practical this year by filling your stockings with items that take care of your feet. That is what stockings are for, aren’t they? Stockings keep your feet warm and prevent blisters. So why not be healthy and clever with ten unexpected but thoughtful stocking stuffers for your feet!

1.   Start with socks. Your foot padding tends to deteriorate as you age resulting in increased foot pain. Plus, each foot has over 125,000 sweat glands that are activated by emotional stimulation. When barefoot, the moisture dissipates; but in footwear, the moisture has no place to go – resulting in excessive friction. A brand such as Thorlos® with extra-thick cushioning and moisture wicking is a great gift for preventing foot pain and blisters.

2.   Toe warmers are inexpensive and easy to stash away when the temperatures unexpectedly drop. A great place to conveniently place toe warmers is in the glove compartment of a car – just in case of an emergency.

3.   A gift certificate to a local foot specialty store where the staff is trained in biomechanics of feet and knows how to properly fit shoes. Comfort-fit shoes are surprisingly more stylish than ever before. It’s a great way to support your local retailer and your feet!

4.   “Off the charts” foot reflexology session! Do you ever treat yourself to foot reflexology? It reduces stress which, of course, can adversely affect various parts of the human body. Because feet and hands help set the tension level for the rest of the body, reflexology is an easy way to interrupt the stress signal and reset the body’s equilibrium.

5.   Know anyone with a bunion? A bunion splint that reduces bunion pain for a friend or relative can be a thoughtful, unexpected gift. The adjustable hinged splint from Alpha Orthotics®, Bunion Aid®, supports the mid-foot arch and corrects the bunion while walking. Because one size fits most, and can be worn on the left or right foot, this splint is easy to include in a stocking.

6.   And what about a treatment for toenail fungus? Fungus affects about 6-8% of the adult population. Although there are prescription ointments on the market that treat nail fungi, the newest drug-free treatment is a laser-based method. It can be effective after only one visit but may depend on the severity of the toenail fungus.

On the lighter side. . . .

7.   For those who like to pamper their feet, give a pedicure gift certificate to a local nail salon.  Nail art is in, so add a few extra $$ for a toenail bling! Check out some of the nail art for the holidays!

8.   Colorful nail polish – forget the black; go with some opulent and metallic nail polishes such as OPI Burlesque Collection. So easy to drop into a stocking.

9.   Marbles. But why marbles? A great little item to have for exercising your feet. Try picking up marbles with your toes; it’s a great exercise for your feet in preventing hammertoes, ball of foot pain, and toe cramps.

10.  Foot crèmes. There are many wonderful foot crèmes and scrubs that hydrate and exfoliate even the toughest feet. Bliss® Foot Patrol is packed with peppermint; it’s like wrapping your feet in candy cane!

Read more at Alpha Orthotics