Educational Articles: education-set-2

In this video, Dr. Ray McClanahan, a sports podiatrist at Northwest Foot and Ankle and the inventor of Correct Toes, discusses foot neuromas. A neuroma is an enlargement of a portion of a nerve and is caused by nerve irritation. Foot neuromas most commonly occur between the 3rd and 4th metatarsal bones. Dr. Ray states that foot neuromas are a relatively easy problem to treat if there... Read more

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot problem, but is this condition properly named? In this video, Dr. Ray McClanahan, a sports podiatrist at Northwest Foot and Ankle and the inventor of Correct Toes, reviews the underlying cause of this painful foot problem (improper toe alignment) and puts forth an argument in favor of renaming the condition plantar fasciosis, due to the tissue degeneration (not inflammation) observed in... Read more

In this video, Dr. Ray McClanahan, a sports podiatrist at Northwest Foot and Ankle and the inventor of Correct Toes, demonstrates a plantar taping technique to address bottom-of-foot pain or discomfort. Dr. Ray walks you through all the necessary steps required to wrap your own foot. Plantar taping is a simple, conservative, and effective way to relieve arch and heel pain. Learn how to perform this helpful... Read more

Raynaud’s is a health problem that affects the arteries. Raynaud’s sometimes is called a disease, phenomenon, or syndrome, and it’s characterized by brief bouts of vasospasm, or the sudden narrowing of a blood vessel, which results in a reduced flow rate through that vessel. Arterial vasospasm primarily reduces blood flow to the fingers and toes. Though most people with Raynaud’s experience reduced blood flow to the fingers,... Read more

Muscle cramps are sudden, involuntary spasms of one or more muscles that may occur while exercising or at night, during sleep. Muscle cramps typically last for a few seconds to several minutes. Common causes of muscle cramps, including foot muscle cramps, include the following: Muscle strains, dehydration, mineral depletion, and insufficient circulation. Several holistic remedies for foot muscle cramps may be effective. Massage therapy is an often... Read more

Irritation, imbalance, or fracture of two small bones—sesamoids—near the big toe is a forefoot problem that may cause pain in some individuals. These two sesamoid bones, located on the underside of the foot, directly below the first metatarsal bone—the long, thin bone that’s positioned between the ankle bones and the big toe—are approximately the size of corn kernels and act like pulleys. The sesamoid bones function like... Read more

In this video, Dr. Ray McClanahan, a sports podiatrist at Northwest Foot and Ankle and the inventor of Correct Toes, discusses the common and painful condition known as sesamoiditis. Sesamoiditis occurs when the two floating bones beneath the base of the big toe (sesamoids) are forced to deviate from their natural position and then become inflamed or irritated. Dr. Ray looks at the underlying causes of this... Read more

Tarsal bones are the short bones located in the midfoot and rearfoot that form a bridge between the ankle and the metatarsal bones. The tarsal tunnel is a space located just below the bony prominence on the inside of the ankle, or medial malleolus, and is made up of bone on the inside and the flexor retinaculum—a band of connective tissue—on the outside. Several important structures pass... Read more

Be Real Shoes have it all: A flat sole from heel to toe, a flexible sole with great traction, and one of the widest toe boxes in the business (not to mention the fact that these foot-healthy shoes are made in the USA using recycled, non-toxic materials!). In this video, Be Real Shoes founder Jason Applegate discusses and demonstrates his amazing creation. Be Real Shoes work great... Read more

The natural foot health revolution is here. Increasing numbers of people are liberating their feet from the shackles of conventional footwear and realizing the benefits of more minimalist footwear. For the first time ever, footgear is now available to consumers that supports and respects the brilliant design of the human foot and helps correct toe deformities caused by years of inappropriate footwear use. We are rediscovering our... Read more