EVORIDE 2
Hallux Rigidus
Forefoot rocker-soled shoes are designed to change propulsive movement during dynamic gait to help reduce plantar forefoot forces and improve locomotion speed. ASICS Evoride 2’s improved rocker is engineered to offer a smooth progression from midstance to forefoot, providing biomechanical running and medical advantages.
The EVORIDE 2 forefoot optimises curvature stiffness and absorbency, making it an effective tool in combating the medical condition Hallux Rigidus. This condition is characterised by the formation of dorsal exostosis along with a decreased or stiffened range of motion occurring at the first metatarsal phalangeal joint (MPJ). Hallux Rigidus is thought to be caused most often by a traumatic episode, leading to the loss of articular cartilage, and is associated with repetitive micro trauma, although in some cases it can be hereditary. The resulting restriction in motion causes foot pain, limiting the individual’s ability to perform regular daily activities.
Hallux Rigidus is accountable for limiting the correct sagittal plane motion of the 1st MTJ, due to the notable loss of dorsiflexion, significantly prolonging the stance phase, and creating a greater centre of pressure during peak propulsion. This will have a significant effect on foot and ankle kinematics, which can then lead to gait abnormalities.
Because it has an improved structural midsole design, the EVORIDE 2 should be considered as a conservative option before other Hallux Rigidus treatments. This is facilitated by its wider base of gait which creates midfoot stability for the rocker to achieve a smoother propulsive progression, thereby improving foot biomechanics. The activation of the forefoot propulsion rocker in the correct plane will help correct an improperly functioning accelerative gait, allowing the forefoot centre of mass to roll over, assisted by improved ankle motion to hopefully reduce foot pain.
With the incorporation of newly engineered midsole tooling, the EVORIDE 2 can also be beneficial for the following lower limb conditions:
Ankylosing Spondylitis: EVORIDE 2’s responsive midsole design along with its active forefoot rocker facilitates forward progression, enhancing mobility in each step to reduce foot pain.
Achilles Tendinopathy: This can be a complex foot problem. The EVORIDE 2 can assist by improving stability during contact while also helping to decrease plantar flexion during dynamic gait. This in turn causes less stress to the inflamed tendon, reducing micro-tearing and aiding in the healing process.
Ankle Arthrodesis: This condition is when the ankle is fused into one bone also known as fusion. The EVORIDE 2 rocker produces a functioning rolling effect during propulsion thereby improving cadence during active gait.
Diabetic foot ulceration: Preventing ulceration is key to treating the Diabetic foot. The stable midsole and rocker in the EVORIDE 2 plays an important role here in off-loading foot pressure to help prevent ulcerations. The rigid design unloads pressure exclusively at the forefoot, decreasing mean peak plantar pressures.
Anthony Ng
B.Sc (Pod), B.Ed, Dip Tch
