Background Hallux valgus deformity is not a single disorder as the name might imply, but a complex multifactorial deformity of the first ray that is often accompanied by deformity and symptoms of pain even in the lesser toes. Research into foot pain has been limited by the lack of a clear understanding as a whole as to what constitutes foot problems. The aim of this study was to measure the eff...

High background noise is an impediment to signal detection and perception. We report the use of multiple solutions to improve signal perception in the acoustic and visual modality by the Bornean rock frog, Staurois parvus. We discovered that vocal communication was not impaired by continuous abiotic background noise characterised by fast-flowing water. Males modified amplitude, pitch, repetitio...

BACKGROUND Hallux valgus (HV) is highly prevalent and associated with progressive first metatarsophalangeal joint subluxation and osteoarthritis. The link between structural HV deformity and foot pain is unclear. This study investigated possible explanatory factors surrounding foot pain in HV, including radiographic HV angle and signs of joint degeneration. METHODS Participants were 60 adults...

BACKGROUND Ageing is associated with changes to the structure and function of the foot and ankle, and there is preliminary evidence that foot problems impair balance and increase the risk of falls. To explore this in more detail, we conducted a study to determine the relative contribution of several foot and ankle characteristics to performance on a range of balance and functional tests. METH...

BACKGROUND First metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint pain is a common foot complaint which is often considered to be a consequence of altered mechanics. Foot orthoses are often prescribed to reduce 1st MTP joint pain with the aim of altering dorsiflexion at propulsion. This study explores changes in 1st MTP joint pain and kinematics following the use of foot orthoses. METHODS The effect of modifi...

BACKGROUND Clinical practice guidelines are recommendations systematically developed to assist clinical decision-making and inform healthcare. In current rheumatoid arthritis (RA) guidelines, management of the foot and ankle is under-represented and the quality of recommendation is uncertain. This study aimed to identify and critically appraise clinical practice guidelines for foot and ankle ma...

BACKGROUND Knowledge of gender differences in foot shape assists shoe manufactures with designing appropriate shoes for men and women. Although gender differences in foot shapes are relatively known among young men and women, less is known about how the older men and women's feet differ in shape. A recent development in foot shape assessment is the use of 3D foot scanners. To our knowledge this...

BACKGROUND Surgical specialties have become increasingly subspecialized. An expanding demand for foot and ankle care administered by trained specialists has driven the need for foot and ankle-trained orthopaedic surgeons. This survey was designed to elucidate the reasons why residents choose a career in foot and ankle surgery. METHODS We conducted a national, anonymous, 11-question survey of ...

Background The Centre of Pressure Progression (COPP) is thought to be a useful measure of dynamic function of the foot [1]. The COPP has been used as an outcome measure in flat foot surgery, with an improved COPP defining a successful surgical result [2]. It is, however, unclear how the COPP varies in children with flat feet (FF) compared to those with normal arches (NA) and how this relates to...

Background Diabetic foot complications are the leading cause of lower extremity amputation and diabetes-related hospitalisation in Australia. Studies demonstrate significant reductions in amputations and hospitalisation when health professionals implement best practice management. Whilst other nations have surveyed health professionals on specific diabetic foot management, to the best of the au...