Anna's 8 week update

 After Jack's post yesterday it is time for Anna's update today. As usual, the original photo is at the top and the most recent are below.

It is so interesting once you get to 8 weeks because the changes are much clearer and easier to identify. Its even better when you get to 6 months (I posted some 6 month comparison photos on Instagram yesterday for those who are interested).

Anna has taken a while to develop the back of her foot despite having been out of shoes for a number of months before she came to me. 

Despite the slow progress her frog and digital cushion are improving and are noticeably more robust than before. Her landing is bearing this out, as she was toe first on video when she first arrived and is now just about heel first. It is not as overt as I would like or as it will be in 6 months time but we are heading in the right direction. 

This is a good illustration of why it is important to let a toe shorten in time rather than simply trim a foot in order to shorten a toe. It has taken more than 8 weeks for the back of Anna's foot to become strong enough to enable her foot to land; if you simply trimmed the toe back you would shift weight on to the back of her foot before it had strengthened which would likely make her less comfortable. 

If you compare her feet to Jack then her caudal hoof is weaker than his and it is clear from her landing as well. She is very competent on all surfaces though and likely has better sole depth.

The caudal angle is interesting because the frog development is clear to see along with a better digital cushion. We need more of the same over the next 4 weeks in order for her landing to be fully established.