Dr Steven D. Stark news

Why did my arches fall?

Thu, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Arches don’t fall. Increasing hypermobility of the forefoot results in compensation (pronation) of the midfoot (the arch) in order to keep the ball of the foot on the ground. The changes in the arch are the secondary changes, the increasing hypermobility and displacement of the forefoot are the primary changes.

Dr Steven D. Stark - Podiatry, Orthotics, Sports Medicine - Vancouver, White Rock

Why do people shrink?

Thu, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 -0400

People don’t shrink as they age, they compensate. Everyone’s posture changes as they age because of the loss of ligament integrity in their joints, especially in the feet. Ligaments stabilize joints, and are made of collagen. Ligaments weaken and lengthen over time and use. This is called plastic deformity of ligament structures. The resulting hypermobility (abnormal motion) and displacement of the joints results in compensation of the foot. These changes are magnified up the leg from the foot, and the resulting changes in the pelvis and spine are greater than the changes in the foot.

Dr Steven D. Stark - Podiatry, Orthotics, Sports Medicine - Vancouver, White Rock

Great foot, wrong century!

Thu, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 -0400

The human foot has 107 small ligaments holding 28 bones and 33 joints together.

Our ancestors spent over 500,000 years running barefoot on uneven surfaces. Over that time they developed an amazing mobile adaptor - called the foot. That is the reason there are so many small bones, joints, ligaments, and so much motion in the foot. Unfortunately the foot is not ideal for people in the 21st century who live on asphalt, concrete and hard surfaces!

Dr Steven D. Stark - Podiatry, Orthotics, Sports Medicine - Vancouver, White Rock

I’ve lost a lot of weight, will I need new Orthotics? - Orthotics, Podiatry, Sports Medicine in Vancouver, White Rock

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Yes, if you’ve lost in excess of 30 lbs, you will require new orthotics.

Dr Steven D. Stark - Podiatry, Orthotics, Sports Medicine - Vancouver, White Rock

Do children need Orthotics? - Orthotics, Podiatry, Sports Medicine in Vancouver, White Rock

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Many do. Children & adolescents who complain of knee pain, foot soreness (especially heel pain), restless legs, cramps (growing pains) and other chronic aches when they participate in various activities have early structural changes. They should be evaluated by a Doctor who specializes in Biomechanics. These symptoms should not be ignored and often result in the need for Orthotics.

Dr Steven D. Stark - Podiatry, Orthotics, Sports Medicine - Vancouver, White Rock

How long do Orthotics last? - Orthotics, Podiatry, Sports Medicine in Vancouver, White Rock

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0400

The Orthotics shell (the arch) should last approximately 3 years with normal wear & tear. The top covers can be upgraded at anytime. The forefoot post, which is a two polymer forefoot stabilizer, will last 18 months to two years. This is the most important part of the orthotic. Athletes or professions such as chefs, landscapers, postal employees or others who spend a majority of their day outdoors or on their feet should have their Orthotics evaluated yearly to ensure they are performing optimally. Children will outgrow their orthotics approximately every two shoe sizes.

Dr Steven D. Stark - Podiatry, Orthotics, Sports Medicine - Vancouver, White Rock

Are there different stretches for different sports? - Orthotics, Podiatry, Sports Medicine in Vancouver, White Rock

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0400

No! Your anatomy does not change because of what sport you participate in. Please refer to “The Stark Reality of Stretching” book for comprehensive details on this subject.

Dr Steven D. Stark - Podiatry, Orthotics, Sports Medicine - Vancouver, White Rock

How long should I hold a stretch? - Orthotics, Podiatry, Sports Medicine in Vancouver, White Rock

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0400

You cannot time a stretch! The tightness of your muscles varies with the exercise and activity level of the previous days. You must hold your stretch until the muscle’s relaxation and elongation occurs and you feel no more tension. The harder you load a muscle group in a stretch, the longer you will have to wait for the muscles to relax. You stretch does not start until the muscles stop burning calories and working. “The Stark Reality of Stretching” explains the science of stretching and is your best resource for information regarding proper stretching techniques.

Dr Steven D. Stark - Podiatry, Orthotics, Sports Medicine - Vancouver, White Rock

Can I do YOGA in my sports shoes & orthotics? - Orthotics, Podiatry, Sports Medicine in Vancouver, White Rock

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Why not?

Dr Steven D. Stark - Podiatry, Orthotics, Sports Medicine - Vancouver, White Rock

Are there different Orthotics for different shoes or activities? - Orthotics, Podiatry, Sports Medicine in Vancouver, White Rock

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Yes. Orthotics are customized for certain sports such as soccer, figure skating, hockey, and skiing. The Sports Specific Forefoot Post Orthotic must match the profile of the shoe/boot in order to stabilize the forefoot without displacing the foot inside the shoe/boot.
Most running shoes, walking shoes, golf shoes and the like are more standardized and therefore the regular orthotic should fit them all.

Dr Steven D. Stark - Podiatry, Orthotics, Sports Medicine - Vancouver, White Rock

I’m overweight, should I jog for weight loss? - Orthotics, Podiatry, Sports Medicine in Vancouver, White Rock

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Walking, not jogging, is the ideal exercise for weight loss. The force of your feet hitting the ground walking equals your body weight plus 20%. Jogging or running doubles or triples the weight bearing impact on the feet. This causes excess stress for the muscles & joints of the lower back, hips, knees and feet.

Dr Steven D. Stark - Podiatry, Orthotics, Sports Medicine - Vancouver, White Rock

How do I stop my Bunion from recurring? - Orthotics, Podiatry, Sports Medicine in Vancouver, White Rock

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0400

A biomechanical assessment from a qualified doctor is necessary to evaluate the biomechanical & structural changes that cause the bunion. Custom Functional Orthotics are required to correct and maintain good alignment and proper joint motion of the forefoot in order to prevent the bunion from recurring.

Dr Steven D. Stark - Podiatry, Orthotics, Sports Medicine - Vancouver, White Rock

Do Bunions Recur? - Orthotics, Podiatry, Sports Medicine in Vancouver, White Rock

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Statistically a bunion (joint deformity) will recur after it is surgically removed if the cause of the bunion is not addressed. Removing the excess bone (exostosis) and straightening the joint corrects the result of the problem. The cause of the problem is the structural changes in the foot that results in the blockage of the big toe joint motion when walking, forcing people to spin off the side of the big toe joint.

Dr Steven D. Stark - Podiatry, Orthotics, Sports Medicine - Vancouver, White Rock

What is a Bunion?

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Bunions are a growing bone deformity with ligament tearing and secondary joint dislocation. Increasing hypermobility and compensation of the forefoot blocks the motion of the big toe joint. When the big toe joint won’t bend enough for you to go up on your toes, you start to abduct (spin) off the side of the big toe joint. This abnormal function and pressure on the joint every step you take is what causes the bone growth (exostosis) and the ligament tearing and gradual dislocation (subluxation) of the big toe joint.

My heel hurts. Do I have Plantar Fasciitis? - Orthotics, Podiatry, Sports Medicine in Vancouver, White Rock

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0400

If the pain in at the bottom of the heel, then probably. If the pain is at the back of the heel, then that is most probably an achilles problem.

Dr Steven D. Stark - Podiatry, Orthotics, Sports Medicine - Vancouver, White Rock

Puberty & Pregnancy. What do they have in common? - Orthotics, Podiatry, Sports Medicine in Vancouver, White Rock

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Both cause hormonal changes & hypermobility in the ligaments of the body. This affects all joints, especially the 107 small ligaments of the feet. Good supportive shoes are necessary to minimize the changes and compensation which will cause long term problems.

Dr Steven D. Stark - Podiatry, Orthotics, Sports Medicine - Vancouver, White Rock

What’s the difference between an Arch Support and an Orthotic? - Orthotics, Podiatry, Sports Medicine in Vancouver, White Rock

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0400

You can buy an arch support at the drugstore but not a “custom” orthotic. Orthotics are a medical device, prescribed by a qualified doctor and manufactured with the specific requirements necessary to help correct biomechanical & structural changes.

Dr Steven D. Stark - Podiatry, Orthotics, Sports Medicine - Vancouver, White Rock

I have one foot that is bigger than the other - Orthotics, Podiatry, Sports Medicine in Vancouver, White Rock

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0400

It is a misconception that one foot is bigger than the other. Everyone has one foot that compensates more than the other. This compensation involves increasing pronation (the arch lowering), elongation, and widening of the forefoot.

Dr Steven D. Stark - Podiatry, Orthotics, Sports Medicine - Vancouver, White Rock

Why does my shoe size change as I get older? Why do people shrink? Great foot, wrong century! - Orthotics, Podiatry, Sports Medicine in Vancouver, White Rock

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Our feet change in width, length, and function as we age due to increasing compensation. This compensation is due to the loss of ligament integrity in the joints of the feet. Ligaments stabilize joints, and are made of collagen. The ligaments weaken and lengthen over time and use. This is called plastic deformity of ligament structures. The resulting hypermobility (abnormal motion) and displacement of the joints results in compensation of the foot.

Did I inherit my bunions from my Mother or Father? - Orthotics, Podiatry, Sports Medicine in Vancouver, White Rock

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0400

You do not inherit bunions, and they are NOT CAUSED by tight shoes or high heels.

You inherit your ligament integrity and neuromuscular function. These are 2 of the things that determine how you walk…and you walk your way into bunion deformity!

Dr Steven D. Stark - Podiatry, Orthotics, Sports Medicine - Vancouver, White Rock