Educational Articles

Lower Leg Pain: Conventional vs. Natural Approaches

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

In this video, Dr. Ray McClanahan, a sports podiatrist at Northwest Foot and Ankle and the inventor of Correct Toes, discusses the most common underlying cause of lower leg pain. Dr. Ray notes that two common design features in conventional shoes act to shorten the muscles at the front of the lower leg: Heel elevation and toe spring. Both features encourage the toes to remain in an extended position over time. It's Dr. Ray's belief that, to achieve musculoskeletal balance in the lower leg, the muscles at the front of the lower leg should be antagonized by the muscles at the back of the lower leg—a situation that's impossible when wearing conventional footwear. In conventional shoes, including athletic shoes, the toe extensor muscles become too short and strong, and the deep toe flexor muscles become too weak and long. Learn more about conventional and natural treatments for lower leg pain by watching this video.

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The above content is for educational or informational purposes only and is not intended to replace or augment professional medical instruction, diagnosis, or treatment. Read full disclaimer here.
TAGS: ACHILLES TENDINOSIS, CONDITIONS, REGIONS, SHIN & CALF, SHIN SPLINTS, TENDINITIS
About the Author

Marty Hughes, DC
Dr. Marty Hughes is a chiropractic physician, or DC. He received his doctoral degree from Western States Chiropractic College (WSCC), now known as the University of Western States (UWS). Dr. Marty has always been interested in foot health, due to the connection between the feet and the spine. He has worked as a freelance writer for LiveStrong.com, for whom he contributed over 2,200 health-and-fitness articles. He is a co-founder of Natural Footgear and an ardent supporter of natural foot care approaches. Dr. Marty enjoys road cycling, trail running, hiking, canoeing, and cross-country skiing as well as exploring the mountains of Western North Carolina.

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Heel Elevation

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Heel elevation is a design element present in almost every shoe, from dress shoes to work boots to running shoes, though there is little (if any) compelling evidence to account... Read more

Toe Spring

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Toe spring is a toe-deforming shoe feature present in most shoes, including athletic shoes. Toe spring is the elevation of your shoe’s toe box above the ground or supporting surface.... Read more

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