Treating Big Toe Arthritis with a Carbon Stabilizer Rigid Plate

Big toe arthritis is a painful foot condition that is difficult to treat conservatively. Using a carbon stabilizer plate rigid insole is often overlooked when treating. Limitation of the 1st MPJ (big toe joint) is also called Hallux Limitus and Rigidus. Most of the pain in Hallux Rigidus/Limitus occurs at heel lift which causes dorsiflexion ( bending up) at the 1st MPJ (big toe joint).

When the big toe (hallux) bends upward (dorsiflex) it should glide over the 1st metatarsal head. When there is arthritis in the big toe joint, the first metatarsal head jams into the 1st metatarsal head and a bony spur will occur on the top of the big toe joint (first MPJ). The 1st MPJ joint will also narrow and become stiff. Range of motion of the big toe joint will become painful. Over time, the 1st MPJ will narrow, become arthritic and painful.

Treating it with a carbon stabilizer plate insole will limit the painful range of motion in these patients with Hallux Limitus and Hallux Rigidus (big toe joint arthritis). Carbon foot rigid plates are extremely thin, about 2 mm thick which allows easy shoe placement. They are also simple to remove and place in different shoes. They usually are placed under the shoe's insole. Some shoes, the insole will have to be removed. The carbon material is rigid to limit forefoot range of motion. A typical carbon rigid plate will last several years. One can either use the carbon foot rigid insole as a stand alone treatment or in conjunction with other conservative treatments. 

Teri Green

Atlas Biomechanics

About Atlas Biomechanics: We are a woman owned sports medical manufacturer of carbon rigid foot plates.

Atlas Biomechanics : Short Leg Syndrome (Unequal Limb Length) Biomechanics

Atlas Biomechanics : Short Leg Syndrome (Unequal Limb Length) Biomechanics:  Unequal limb length is a common condition seen in medical offices. A proper understanding of unequal leg length biomechanics will help the ...

Short Leg Syndrome (Unequal Limb Length) Biomechanics

 Unequal limb length is a common condition seen in medical offices. A proper understanding of unequal leg length biomechanics will help the medical practitioner to diagnosis short leg syndrome. A patient may not know that one leg is shorter than the other. They can present with other complaints that lead to this diagnosis. The presence of limb length discrepancy is usually associated with pelvic or lumbar misalignment. The short leg may be FUNCTIONAL, ANATOMICAL, or a COMBO of both.

Studies have found that the majority of patients presenting to our offices are functional, but a growing number seen are anatomical. This is the result of post hip or knee replacement surgeries. Many of these can be corrected with a simple shoe heel lift. You will need an understanding of unequal limb length biomechanics before prescribing a heel lift from Atlas Biomechanics.

FUNCTIONAL SHORT LEG:

1. The sacroiliac joint that is misaligned causing the sacral base to drop to one side.

2. Flexion or Extension with one of the iliac bones out of its normal anatomical position.

3. Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction causing the subtalar joint to overpronate, effectively shorting the leg.

ANATOMICAL SHORT LEG:

1. Hip or knee replacement surgery.

2. Polio.

3. Congenital, birth injuries and infections to the growth plates.

4. Fractures, especially ones at the growth plate.

BIOMECHANICS OF THE SHORT LEG:

1. Supination of the subtalar joint.

2. External rotation of the tibia.

3. External rotation of the knee.

4. Abnormal patella tracking.

5. Pelvic Tilt.

6. Shifting of the center of gravity to the short side.

BIOMECHANICS OF THE LONG LEG:

1. Pronation of the subtalar joint.

2. Internal rotation of the tibia and the knee.

3. Abnormal patella tracking.

4. Vaulting over the hip joint.

GAIT EVALUATION OF THE UNEQUAL LEG LENGTH:

1. Center of gravity shifted to the short side.

2. Unilateral early heel lift.

3. Pelvic Tilt.

4. Shoulder drop.

5. Unilateral subtalar pronation.

6. Unilateral shoe wear (lateral heel).

7. Abnormal knee rotation and patella tracking.

Shoe Heel Lifts manufactured by Atlas Biomechanics come as either EVA/Rubber heel lift or Cork/Rubber blend heel lift.

Heights are 3mm (1/8"), 6mm (1/4"), 9mm (3/8") or 12mm (1/2")

Teri Green

Atlas Biomechanics

About Atlas Biomechanics: We are a woman owned sports medical manufacturer of heel lifts, foot pads and heat mold orthotics.

Atlas Biomechanics : How to Use a Varus/Valgus Heel Wedge

Atlas Biomechanics : How to Use a Varus/Valgus Heel Wedge:  A Rubber Varus/Valgus Heel Wedge can be used for pronation or supination problems of the foot and ankle. They also are helpful for medical ...

How to Use a Varus/Valgus Heel Wedge

 A Rubber Varus/Valgus Heel Wedge can be used for pronation or supination problems of the foot and ankle. They also are helpful for medical knee issues. Heel Wedges are designed to help align the calcaneus (heel) during ambulation (gait) to limit excessive pronation or supination. Heel Wedges improve foot function by stabilizing weak, rotating ankles.

Rubber valgus heel wedge is useful for patients with overpronation, plantar fasciitis, heel spur, weak unstable ankles, and medial knee pain.

To correct pronation, place the heel wedge thicker side on the inside of the shoe. If supination is to be corrected, then place the thicker side on the outside of the shoe.

Research shows that patients with early medial arthritis of the knee were treated with lateral heel wedges and were followed for a period of 7 years and 5 months to 12 years. Those who were treated with valgus heel wedges and analgesics showed a significantly greater improvement in pain score than those treated with analgesics only.

Atlas Biomechanics' red rubber heel wedges have a 7 degree correction. The rubber is long lasting and will not flatten out. 

Teri Green

Atlas Biomechanics: We are a woman owned sports medical manufacturer

Atlas Biomechanics : Semmes Weinstein to Test for Loss of Protective Se...

Atlas Biomechanics : Semmes Weinstein to Test for Loss of Protective Se...: Diabetic patients and their doctors have to be proactive when it comes to preventing a small injury from becoming a major medical foot probl...

Semmes Weinstein Monofilament to Test for Loss of Protective Sensation in Diabetic Neuropathy Patients

Diabetic patients and their doctors have to be proactive when it comes to preventing a small injury from becoming a major medical foot problem. Loss of protective sensation (LOPS) is a significant medical neuropathy concern among diabetic patients and their physicians. Testing diabetic patients for LOPS is crucial for preventing foot ulcers that can lead to amputation. 

Approved for single patient use, our Semmes Weinstein 5.07 monofilament test for diabetic neuropathy presents an easy, inexpensive test to predict a patient’s risk for developing LOPS. They are calibrated to deliver the standard 10-gram force range. Screening a patient for LOPS using the Semmes Weinstein neuropathy skin test is simple and non-invasive for adults, children and seniors. Save money for your practice by ordering your diabetic foot neuropathy tests in bulk from Atlas Biomechanics. 

Semmes Weinstein Monofilaments 5.07 10g Neuropathy Diabetic Testing Kits

- 5.07 10g Neuropathy Diabetic Testing Kits

- 20 disposable monofilaments, all calibrated to deliver the standard 10-gram force range.

- Monofilaments are the most effective method of testing for loss of protective sensation (LOPS) in diabetic patients

- Uses stringent protocols to maintain the integrity of our product and 10-gram force range in full compliance with FDA standards.

Teri Green

Atlas Biomechanics

About Atlas Biomechanics: We are a woman owned sports medical manufacturer of Semmes Weinstein 5.07 10g Neuropathy Diabetic Testing Kits.