Podiatrists often get asked about foot reflexology and if it works. Foot reflexology is based on the principle that each body system or organ can be mapped to a part of the foot, so any problem with one of these body systems occurs, it is reflected in the foot and treatment of that part of the foot can help. This is essentially what reflexology is. Basically, reflexology is absurd and nonsense. The research evidence has clearly shown that it does not work. A soothing foot massage can have positive effects as it makes people relax, which has potential to make people feel better. To claim that they feel better because of the reflexology is nonsensical.
How do foot orthotic work in Achilles tendonitis? It always used to bug me how so many claim a pronated foot can cause Achilles tendonitis and you should use foot orthotics for it. I could never understand the rationale behind how a pronated foot could cause achilles tendonitis. There is no doubt that foot orthotics do help Achilles tendonitis (and there is at least one study showing that). Achilles tendon treatment is obviously multifactorial and involves a lot more than just foot orthotics, but I finally understand that rationale for foot orthotics. The soleus muscle that attaches to the Achilles tendon is a very power supinators of the foot (as the Achilles attaches medial to the subtalar joint). Several studies have showed the reduction in the ankle inversion or supination moment with inverted foot orthotics. Foot orthotics reduce the force that the soleus muscle has to contract with and lessons the load on the Achilles tendon. Problem solved.
Chi Running is a running technique, developed by Danny Dreyer who is an ultramarathon runner and practices Tai Chi. Its focus is to get runners to move in what he claims is a more efficient and natural way. He considers the traditional approach to running as focusing on the use of power and strength to push the runner along the ground as fast as possible, whereas the focus of Chi running to be more efficient and more relaxed and to feel ‘at one with the road’, much like the spirit of Tai Chi and Yoga. This is supposed to make the running experience more of a religious experience.
A key component of Chi running is the use of a midfoot strike and New Balance has developed a runner shoe specifically for this. A number of unsubstantiated claims are made for Chi running, but one study does suggest that there is a reduction in injury in those who practice Chi running. While the results of this study were not strong, they are certainly exaggerated by the proponents of Chi running. Experts do disagree over the validity of changing the running style to being a midfoot striker. Changing a running style does increase oxygen consumption which could be considered a sign of an inefficient gait. Opinion is clearly divided on this and there are a number of You Tube videos touting the benefits of Chi Running, but there is more reasoned discussion elsewhere.
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