07/11/2025
Let's get candid. As a functional podiatrist, here are a few "truths" I'll share without worrying about stepping on any toes (pun intended!)
#1: Two of the most popular shoe brands... Maybe Not the Best Fit
Nike and Converse- While stylish, they often squish your toes and don't give your feet the natural support they need. Think of it like trying to fit your hand into a glove that's too tight and pointy. This can lead to deformities like bunions, hammertoes, and progressive flatfoot.
#2 Orthotics Aren't Always the Magic Fix
While custom inserts can be incredibly helpful for some, they're not a universal solution for every foot ache. Sometimes, we need to dig deeper.
#3 Barefoot Shoes Aren't for Everyone
The idea of "barefoot" style shoes is great for some, but jumping into them too quickly or without proper guidance can actually create new problems. Your feet need time and the right training to adapt!
#4 Stretching Alone Won't Solve Chronic Pain
If you've been stretching for ages and still have chronic foot pain, it's a sign you need a different approach. Pain is complex, and often requires more than just elongating a muscle.
#5 Your Feet are Connected to Everything!
This is a big one. It's easy to think foot pain is just about your foot. But often, the true source of your discomfort could be hiding somewhere else – in the way you walk, other medical conditions, poor nutrition, dehydration, high stress. Imagine trying to revive a wilting plant: you wouldn't just water the leaves if the roots were rotting, or the soil was poor, or it wasn't getting enough sunlight. You'd investigate all the environmental factors around it. Your body is the same! We often have to look at the whole ecosystem of your body to find the real root cause.
Ready to understand your feet in a whole new way? Let me know what resonates with you!
