A gait analysis is an assessment of the way that someone runs or walks. Everyone walks differently and more often than not, those variations are not a problem. Sometimes the variations are more pronounced and can contribute to symptoms that develop in people. The purpose of the gait analysis is to try and identify those variation that may be contributing to the symptoms. There are many variations that could do this and many are subtle that a sloe motion video or some other technology may be needed. Once a deficit is identified and is considered as contributing to the symptom, there are a number of strategies that clinicians can use, such as inserts, exercises or gait retraining that can be used to alter the abnormality toward a more normal gait.
A ganglion is a soft tissue herniation, usually in a tendon sheath or joint capsule in which the soft tissues form a mass outside the tendon or joint. The enlargement is usually full of synovial fluid. Ancient myth is that you can hit the ganglion with a big book, traditionally a Bible then the enlargement can be forced back into the tendon sheath or joint capsule. It does not work very well and more conventional methods of treatment are usually needed.
Freiberg’s disease is a painful condition that mostly affects the 2nd metatarsal head. It can also affect the 3rd or 4th metatarsal bones, though these are much less common. Most are in females and most commonly occur in young women up to around 20 years of age. It is most likely due to a disruption of blood flow to the end of the bone occurring because of excessive pressure. This may be a single traumatic event such as a heavy blow, or a multitude of small overuse type injuries. The treatment of Friebergs Disease is the offloading of the area. Some cases need surgery.
What is forensic podiatry? It is probably two things. Some podiatrists work in a forensic role and aid in criminal investigations such as identification of foot prints and different gaits on video. It also refers to the use of podiatry techniques in forensic investigations, not necessarily by a podiatrist. Forensic podiatry is becoming a more prominent use of podiatry skills and there are many podiatrists who now consult in this area.
