Summary
Overview
In this Doctor's Notes bonus episode, twins Dr. Chris and Dr. Zand van Tulleken continue their conversation with Professor Anthony Redmond, a clinical biomechanics expert and foot specialist. The discussion covers his experience writing the foot and ankle chapter for Grey's Anatomy, the mechanics of walking, the impact of high-heeled shoes, and practical advice for common foot problems including bunions, plantar heel pain, and foot care for people with diabetes.
Writing Grey's Anatomy: An Academic Honor
Professor Redmond shares the extraordinary experience of being invited to write the foot and ankle chapter for Grey's Anatomy, the world's longest-running medical textbook now in its 43rd edition spanning 166 years. Despite having written about 20 textbook chapters previously and making an agreement with his wife to stop taking on such time-consuming projects, this particular invitation was too significant to decline. His wife, also a clinical academic, joked that writing for the Grey's Anatomy TV series would have been more impressive than contributing to the legendary medical text.
- Grey's Anatomy is in its 43rd edition across 166 years, making it the world's longest-running medical textbook
- Redmond received an email invitation to write the foot and ankle chapter, which he considered an honor worth breaking his agreement with his wife
- He has contributed about 20 chapters to various medical textbooks throughout his career
" When you're asked to contribute to the world's longest-running medical textbook in its 43rd edition in 166 years, I think it is, you certainly give it thought. "
The Biomechanics of Walking: A Complex Dance
Using an elegant hand analogy, Redmond explains the sophisticated mechanics of how feet function during walking. The foot operates through a complex interplay of bones, muscles, and tendons that automatically adjust to provide both shock absorption and energy efficiency. When the heel strikes the ground, intricate mechanisms engage to first allow flexibility for shock absorption, then create rigidity for efficient push-off. This involves the talus bone, subtalar joint, intrinsic muscles, and the coordinated firing of various tendons that act like stirrups controlling foot position.
- The foot functions similarly to the hand, with intrinsic muscles preventing clawing of toes just as they prevent finger curling
- During heel strike, the foot lands on the outer heel and muscles fire to control how the foot meets the ground and absorbs shock
- As you pass over your foot, it automatically transitions from flexible to rigid through bone coupling mechanisms, creating an energy-efficient push-off
- The position of your pelvis, knee, and entire body affects the energy return mechanism in your foot
" The position of your pelvis can affect the energy return mechanism in your foot when you're running. "
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