Barefoot running

There is a lot of discussion in the media right now involving barefoot running.  Many people claim it is a wonderful way to run.  However, as a podiatrist, I will have to say I can not agree that it is safe.  Many different things have to be considered.  Does the runner have a high arch foot?  If this is the case, I do not believe that the foot can adapt to the ground well.  This sets the runner up for stress fractures and degenerative arthritis.  If the runner has a low arch or "flatfoot,"  I believe that this will make it hard for the runner to go through the propulsive phase of running setting him or her up for tendinitis and various deformities such as hammertoes and bunions.  The running surface also needs to be considered.  A sandy beach is probably better than concrete.  When a patient tells me going barefoot is natural, I often tell them that even if that is true, the ground we often walk on is not.  I tend to believe shoes are important, especially when we are active.  I have seen a lot of injuries from barefoot activity.

Steven Tyler's Foot Deformity

I admit it, I am still a fan of American Idol.  I wasn't sure last season if I would miss Simon Cowell too much to continue watching, but I found that I actually liked Steven Tyler better.  Speaking of Steven Tyler, there is much talk recently about, of all things, his feet.  He stated that he has foot pain due to a "morton's neuroma" and has had surgery.  I did not examine Steven Tyler to know for sure but, on his right foot he has a severe hammertoe looking at the picture.  Perhaps his left foot had a neuroma which is essentially an inflammed nerve between the metatarsals (or bones below the toe joints).  A neuroma is usually between the 3rd and 4th toes but can also be between the second and third toes.  Conservative treatment includes padding and injections but sometimes surgery is necessary to remove the nerve.

With regards to the hammertoe, short of padding to prevent rubbing, conservative options to actually correct the deformity itself are limited.  For a toe as deformed as Steven Tyler's, surgical correction is actually complex and usually requires a wire to hold the toe in place as it heals.

I have years of experience treating both of these conditions.  If Steven Tyler is ever in Central Florida, I would be happy to see him and I will continue to enjoy watching him on TV in the meantime.