Saturday, February 12, 2011

What Size Toes Fit in Performance Injinji Toesocks?



GENERAL INJINJI QUESTIONS:

Q: What’s the advantage of Toe Socks?
A: The key design principal in the development of the Tetratsok was to create the best possible interface that allowed the entire foot to perform naturally and freely inside our shoes, just like being barefoot. Everything about the conventional tube sock works against your feet’s natural form and function. Consider the difference between gloves and mittens: Mittens keep your fingers together to create a warmer, oven-like environment, while gloves offer less warmth but more dexterity. The same principles can be applied to our feet. Conventional tube style socks force your toes to work together as one unit creating heat and moisture build up, unprotected skin on skin friction and reduces healthy air and blood circulation to the foot. Why have we been wearing mittens on our feet all this time?

The human foot has toes to facilitate proper balance, posture, stability and grip. Each series of Injinji patented tetratsoks are specifically designed to enable your entire foot to perform naturally and efficiently from your heel to five toes inside your shoe. By providing a restriction free environment, your toes are able to become activated, providing you with increased dexterity, tactile sensitivity and allowing them to perform as they were intended. In addition, the flat knit weave and seamless construction of the Tetratsok means there is nothing to rub or irritate the foot within the shoe providing an excellent interface to prevent common foot problems from developing; blisters, hotspots, moisture build-up, transference of fungal conditions and neuromas caused by improper footwear and athletic form.

Q: Doesn’t it feel funny having something between your toes?
A:You will definitely notice a new sensation when you first slip on your Tetratsok as your body and mind is not accustomed to the luxury of having individual compartments for your toes. This sensation soon dissipates much like putting your watch on the other arm; you know it’s there for the first few minutes then your body becomes accustomed to it. You will soon feel that separating the toes prove to be exceptionally comfortable.

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Q: Are they hard to get on?
A:Compared to a normal tube style sock, when fitting straight out of the packaging it will take you approximately
10 – 20 seconds longer to properly fit the Tetratsok. This is due to the toe compartments being flat and yet to form to your particular toe shape. Once you have worn and washed your socks once or twice you will find that the sock material has a memory and your toes will slide into the pockets with relative ease.

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Q: My toes are a funny shape, will they fit?
A: We have seen short toes, long toes, fat toes, skinny toes, overlapping toes and even a variety of each on the one foot! However, the Lycra component of the sock uniquely allows the Tetratsok to conform and mould to the myriad of different toe shapes and sizes.

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What’s the difference between the Performance and Outdoor Series?
Each series of the Tetratsok is designed with the same patented AIS technology. The primary difference being the Performance Series uses 70% CoolMax to provide the exceptional cool, moisture wicking properties of the sock. The Outdoor Series utilizes the natural fibers of Australian Merino Wool to provide a transeasonal sock that keeps your skin temperature refreshingly cool in summer and warm in winter.

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Q: I am a men’s 10.5 foot, which size should I wear; medium or large?
A: Sizes that lie in between two sizes (As Above), we recommend sizing up to the next size (ie) 11 or Large.

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Q: Wouldn’t Toe Socks be hot?
A: Conventional Tube style socks act like mittens on your feet creating an oven like environment. On the contrary, separating the toes significantly increases the flow of air between the toes and forefoot. This combined with the breath ability and moisture wicking properties of CoolMax provides an extremely dry and cool interface.

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Q: What does Injinji mean and how is it pronounced?
A:“Injinji“ is pronounced (In-gin-ji) and is an African term which describes when a drumming circle reaches a climax, the peak in the performance, when all of the participants are at one with the rhythm, when everyone hits a stride and there is unison among all.

Things You Need to Know About Buying Z-CoiL's at Your 2 Feet

Some FAQ:
Q: Do I need an appointment for shoe fitting?
A: No. Shoe fitting does not require an initial appointment. If you have special needs plan extra time for an expert to properly evaluate your individual needs. We have most products in stock, including many discontinued styles.


Q: How long are shoe fitting appointments?
A: Fitting apointments are usually 15 to 30 minutes long depending on the level of exam required to properly evaluate your individual needs.


Q: Do you charge for shoe fitting appointments?
A: No. A $10.00 service fee may be assessed for adjustments or modifications made to footwear not purchased directly from Your 2 Feet.



Q:Will my insurance cover some of the cost of Z-CoiL® shoes?
A: Buying Z-CoiL® footwear directly from Your 2 Feet will most likely not be reimbursed from most insurance companies. Your 2 Feet has no contractual relationships with any insurance company. Some employers have safety or workplace shoe reimbursement programs. Check with your HR Department. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) will often reimburse with a store receipt as justification for the medical expense since the shoes are therapeutic.


Our onsite podiatrist Dr. Kerch participates contractually with most insurance companies. Medicare has a diabetic shoe reimbursement program that you may qualify for. Z-CoiL® shoes are not part of this program, but hundreds of other styles and brands are included. New appointments are being accepted to review your treatment options.

101 Ways to Show You Love Somebody

101 WAYS
to show you love somebody

(without having sex)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tell the other person that you love them
Give or get a hug
Make sure the other person feels important and respected
Kiss when people are looking
Kiss when people aren't looking
Tell the other person that you care
Hold hands
Go for a long bike ride
Give a special present
Be there when they need a friend
Spend time together
Go to see a film
Walk arm in arm in the woods
Make a special tape of love songs
Talk about your feelings
Share dreams with each other
Snuggle up together
Sit together in the park
Take a walk together
Go out for a meal
Have a picnic
Play a game of frisbee
Give compliments
Relax in a jacuzzi
Go swimming
Just be close
Go shopping for food
Cook a meal together
Touch each other in a loving way
Do homework together
Plan and go on a trip together
Throw a party together
Bake a cake
Go to the library
Browse in a museum
Just be there
Find out what's special for the other person - and do it
Exercise together
Gaze at each other
Wash each other's cars (or bikes !)
Go fishing
Talk to each other
Listen to worries
Cut each other's toenails
Choose a special favourite song
Listen to joys
Hold one another close
Catch their eye
Write one another letters
Talk on the telephone
Trust one another
Give or receive a ring
Meet each other's family
Go hiking together
Make sacrifices for each other
Send chocolates
Respect each other
Go for a moonlight walk
Hide a love note where the other will find it
Give each other sexy looks
Write a poem
Send flowers
Eat dinner by candlelight
Go to a concert
Watch the sunrise together
Remember anniversaries
Give each other pet names
Go sightseeing
Rent a video
Do things for each other without being asked
Propose marriage
Whisper something nice into the other's ear
Be best friends
Have fun together
Go out dancing
Play music together
Flirt with each other
Laugh at something funny together
Be faithful
Impress each other
Make a list of things you like about each other
Read a book and discuss it
Meet each other's friends
Go horse riding
Cook each other's favourite food
Find out what makes each other happy
Make presents for each other
Wash each other's hair
Watch the sunset
Go for a bus trip
Have a request played on the radio
Send a funny card
Share your plans for the future
Play footsie
Share private jokes
Think about each other
Find out what makes the other sad
Go skating
Swap rings
Share an ice-cream
Have your picture taken together

Friday, February 11, 2011

Stress Fractures Are Very Limiting




Stress Fractures

A stress fracture is a tiny or incomplete crack in a bone that is often caused by overuse. Stress fractures occur most frequently inthe foot and ankle. Our onsite podiatrist Dr. Kerch is well trained to diagnose and treat this problem.

Stress fractures may be caused by a number of factors. Overuse or strain in the foot (fatigue fracture) is one of the most common causes, while weak bones (insufficiency fracture), caused by medical conditions such as osteoporosis, can also be a factor. Medications such as steroids can lead to stress fractures, as can a sudden increase in activity levels. All of these causes can and should be evaluated by an appointment when you have the signs and symptoms of a stress fracture.

Those signs may include pain that increases with activity and decreases with rest, pain that increases over time, or pain that persists even at rest. Often a stress fracture will result in swelling and a spot that feels tender to the touch.

If you experience any pain during physical activity or any of the symptoms described, you should make an appointment with Dr. Kerch or your own podiatrist. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of a stress fracture can often prevent further injury. Dr. Kerch will ask you to describe your signs and symptoms and then physically evaluate your foot. While x-rays will most likely be used for diagnosis, often stress fractures do not appear on regular x-rays for several weeks after the symptoms begin. In some cases, the fracture may never appear on an x-ray. In those cases, other diagnostic testing such as MRIs, ultrasounds, or bone scans may be recommended.
Many stress fractures can be treated with rest, ice and over-thecounter pain relievers. For most people, an appropriate period of rest will be sufficient for the bone to heal. In other cases, Dr. Kerch will develop a treatment program customized to your needs

Dr. Kerch has noticed an increase of patients presenting with stress fractures recently. "Be on the alert for signs and symptoms of a stress fracture. A thorough exam with X-ray and bone scan may be indicated if a stress fracture is suspected."
She says, " Take preventative actions to lower the severity of your stress fracture, to speed up healing or to prevent recurrence. Bracing or custom orthotics and proper shoe gear may be recommended as symptoms necessitate ."
At Your 2 Feet "therapy package" recommendations are available for purchase. You may need to immobilize the affected bone with a pneumstic boot, fracture shoe, or choosing from various foot and ankle splints. Dr.Kerch may be able to bill your insurance company for many items. They may be covered depending on your benefits.





More info:
The repetitive loading which produces these fractures is similar to repetitive bending of a paper clip which eventually breaks. Once broken, it can have a major impact on your workout program and life in general.The loading can be due to many factors, but Dr.Kerch tells her patients, "The factors over which we have some control are distance, shoe wear, surfaces and flexibility. Don't increase the distance or activity more than 10% per week. Shoe wear which is specific to an activity, such as a running shoe for running, are more than marketing hype. They provide both support as well as partially compensate for the hardness of your workout surface. Using a treadmill reduces impact forces compared with running on asphalt, and a dirt trail is likely to be less problematic than an asphalt surface. Similar to the 10% rule for distance, you need to gradually transition from indoor treadmill to outdoor surface activities as the weather improves. Warming up and maintaining flexibility, and especially stretching of the Achilles tendon, will reduce forefoot impact and help to preserve normal foot shock-absorbing mechanics.
Again,the typical symptom of a stress fracture is pain, which may occur suddenly or may gradually increase over several days. Swelling in the foot and lower leg is also common. Treatment for a stress fracture of the foot includes activity modification and use of a stiff-soled shoe for approximately 2-4 weeks after injury. Depending on the location of the fracture, immobilization in a cast boot or use of crutches may be needed. Fractures in the 5th metatarsal, talus and navicular bone heal very slowly or may not heal at all due to poor blood supply. Longer periods of treatment or surgical intervention may be necessary in order to heal these types of fractures.
The best way to avoid a stress fracture of the foot when starting an exercise program is to take it slow, know your limits and follow a sensible program.
Red flags to watch for after any workout include:
.Pain in the foot or lower leg that persists more than 72 hours
•Swelling of the foot or leg that persists for more than 24 hours
•Pain which increases with exercise or walking
•Pain at rest or with elevation of the legs

Preventative measures include:
•Select the proper footwear for the specific type of exercise
•Start out slowly when beginning an exercise program following a layoff period
•Walk and stretch to warm up gradually before running or walking
•Focus on stretching and strengthening the muscles in the calf
•Increase running or walking distance and speed gradually, in increments no greater than 10% per week
•Avoid unaccustomed strenuous sprinting
•Take the time to cool down properly after exercise
These simple measures may prevent stress fractures of the foot and ankle and allow you to achieve success.
Visit Your 2 Feet or make an appointment with Dr. Kerch at 206-786-0064. We are located at 1201 Pine St.at the base of Capital Hill in Seattle.