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Toe realignment

Discussion in 'Biomechanics, Sports and Foot orthoses' started by Flaco10004, Nov 7, 2014.

  1. Flaco10004

    Flaco10004 Member


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    Does anyone have any experience or feedback on the use of 'Smart Toes' or 'Correct Toes' separators for realignment of lesser digits?

    Subject (my eldest son) is a 30yo male, athletic (physically very active) with no remarkable medical hx and no hx of specific trauma to his feet. However, he carries a fair amount of muscle mass and his regular fitness regime also includes running.

    The r/f 2nd digit is markedly abducted at the DIPJ (approx 30 degrees lateral deviation) and there is an early indication that the l/f 2nd may also be tending toward a DIPJ abduction. I only have photographs to work from and I cannot perform a physical biomechanical assmt because he lives in Australia.

    I'm not sure on the wisdom of using corrective devices in the absence of trying to establish the cause of the deformity in the first instance. One thing I do note from the photographs is that the r/f 1st/2nd interdigital space is quite wide (appx 1cm), the 1st and 2nd digits do not even touch distally and I am wondering if the deviation is a consequence of that, i.e. 2nd is not supported or restricted. There is no visual suggestion of 1st ray deviation or deformity.

    This is not my usual area in real world practice so any advice welcome. Thanks.
     
  2. Craig Payne

    Craig Payne Moderator

    Articles:
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    There is no evidence that they work. The promoters of these products use pseudoscience and the natural fallacy to market a product and the gullible fan boys fall for it. The claims made for them are not backed by any evidence and given the range of problems (ie cure all) that the marketers claims for these products should set off red flags. The nature of the claims, the use of testimonials and anecdotes in marketing, the natural fallacy, etc etc are more than enough to make me stear clear of them.

    Having said that, the absence of evidence is not evidence that they do not work. It is just the marketers are going to have to come up with some good science to back up their claims. Anecdotes and testimonials do not stack up. I can see them being potentially useful in some conditions.

    As for using them in an individual case to correct the alignment of the toe, then you have to consider:
    - age
    - the forces causing the problem

    The later point is important; you can only wear the 'correct toes' device for limited periods of time --> as soon as you take it off and put the foot on the ground and into a shoe, what is the magnitude of the deforming force that is going to be applied for a much longer time than wearing the device?
     
  3. Flaco10004

    Flaco10004 Member

    Good points Craig, backed up by the fact that I couldn't find any meaningful references in academic databases re the use of these products and the outcomes.

    In truth I guess I'm asking a question that has a blindingly obvious answer to it, i.e. he needs to go and pay a visit to a biomechanist.

    Not sure if my next question is permitted on the forum, but if you have any pointers in terms of locating a good sports/biomech pod in the Sydney (Manly) area I'd be grateful.
     
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