81. Foot Pain 101: Everything You Need to Know with EDS and HSD with Lisa Ralston, PT

Bendy Bodies with the Hypermobility MD, Dr. Linda Bluestein

In this episode, YOUR guest is Lisa Ralston, a physical therapist with over 30 years of experience in orthopedics, joint hypermobility, foot pain, and sports medicine. Since 2009, she has traveled internationally treating Team USA Olympians and World level figure skaters. Lisa was the physical therapist for Team USA figure skating for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. Lisa is the owner and founder of Ralston Physical Therapy and Wellness in Arvada, CO.

YOUR host, as always, is Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD.

Takeaways

• Posture and alignment play a crucial role in foot pain in people with joint hypermobility.
• Orthotics can be an effective intervention for managing foot pain in hypermobile patients.
• Assessing and addressing foot pain early in children can prevent the development of other pain problems.
• Proper shoe selection and tying techniques are important for managing foot pain. Failed physical therapy may be due to a lack of addressing all systems and factors contributing to the condition.
• Orthotics can fail if they are not properly assessed and customized to the individual's foot flexibility and posture.
• Over-the-counter orthotics can be a more affordable option, but it is important to choose ones that provide proper support and alignment.
• Self-mobilization exercises, such as using a foam ball to mobilize the foot joints, can help improve foot mobility and relieve pain.
• Addressing foot stability and proprioception is crucial for maintaining proper foot alignment and preventing issues related to hypermobility.
• Hypermobility in ice skaters is a specific topic that may be worth exploring in a future episode. Foot problems are common and can cause significant discomfort and pain.
• Proper lacing techniques can help alleviate foot pain and discomfort.
• Lisa Ralston provides valuable insights and tips for managing foot problems.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

02:05 Causes of Foot Pain in People with Joint Hypermobility

06:12 Approach to Hypermobility Patients

08:18 Common Causes of Foot Pain

10:10 Pain Begets Pain

11:36 Approach to Hypermobile Patients

14:59 Orthotics for Children

17:02 Different Approach for Hypermobile Patients

19:06 Assessment and Treatment of Foot and Ankle

21:00 Shoe Selection and Tying Techniques

23:19 Different Foot Types and Shoe Recommendations

26:31 Importance of Firm Heel Counter in Shoes

27:45 Tying Shoes Properly

31:40 Recommended Shoe Brands

34:53 Orthotics and Failed PT

39:51 Addressing Failed PT

47:51 Orthotics and Failed Orthotics

53:48 Over-the-Counter Orthotics

56:06 Self-Mobilization of Feet

01:08:46 Hypermobility in Ice Skaters

01:09:16 Hypermobility Hacks

01:09:26 Foot Problems and Solutions

01:10:21 Lacing Techniques for Foot Comfort

01:10:54 Finding More Information Online

This important conversation about foot pain and orthotics in people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS), Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) and other hypermobility conditions will leave you feeling more knowledgeable, better prepared to advocate for the care you need, and with a better understanding of the contributing factors to suboptimal foot function.

Connect with YOUR Bendy Specialist, Linda Bluestein, MD!

Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them.

Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/.

YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!

Products, organizations, and services mentioned in this episode:

https://lisaralstonpt.janeapp.com/

https://www.bauerfeind.com/b2c/

https://www.oofos.com/

https://www.abeofootwear.com/

https://www.humanlocomotion.com/

https://www.brooksrunning.com/en_u

https://www.hoka.com/en/us/

https://www.aetrex.com/home

https://yoursole.com/us

https://www.vasylimedical.com/

https://www.birkenstock.com/us

https://www.nike.com/

https://www.saucony.com/en/home

https://naot.com/

https://www.keenfootwear.com/

https://www.merrell.com/US/en/home

https://www.chacos.com/US/en/home

https://www.mephisto.com/us/

https://www.theballetblog.com/about-us/lisa-howell/

https://nyulangone.org/locations/harkness-center-for-dance-injuries

https://www.vasylimedical.com/products/easyfit

https://www.humanlocomotion.com/product/peel-and-stick-balances-sesamoid-balance/