Educational Articles: Topics

If you look at the foot of a young child, you will notice that his or her toes are spaced well apart. The foot of a young child is naturally designed for optimal balance and gait, and if the foot maintains this shape, optimal stride is preserved through old age: a finding observed in barefoot populations the world over. In industrialized societies, however, people spend a lifetime... Read more

Foot pain while cycling (as well as foot pain after cycling) is a common experience for riders of all stripes. Almost all road cyclists, mountain bikers, and even bicycle commuters experience at least some degree of foot pain at some point during their riding careers. The pain may be so severe that it prevents participation in cherished... Read more

Your body functions best when it's mobile and strong, and your foot is no exception! The arch intrinsic muscles of your foot—the muscles that support your main foot arch, your medial longitudinal arch—can be trained and strengthened, just like any other skeletal muscle in your body, which can be very helpful in building strong, healthy feet and preventing common foot problems. This video demonstrates how to... Read more

In this video, Dr. Ray McClanahan, a sports podiatrist at Northwest Foot and Ankle and the inventor of Correct Toes, shares helpful tips on how to improve foot circulation (and offers suggestions on how to avoid common causes of poor circulation). Dr. Ray also highlights the importance of using products, such as warm and cool therapy gels, to enhance foot and toe circulation. Circulation is just one... Read more

Listed below are numerous journal articles, magazine and blog articles, and books that support a barefoot or minimalist shoe model for injury-free walking or running. These studies and books discuss the merits of barefoot living and the injuries commonly associated with the use of conventional footwear. Some of the articles discuss specific conditions, such as bunions, plantar fasciosis, and knee osteoarthritis. This body of work, in combination... Read more

Knee osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, is a common health problem in the United States, especially among the elderly. This health problem, notes the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, is one of the top five most common causes of disability in older individuals. The risk for knee osteoarthritis-related disability, states the Academy, is comparable to the likelihood of disability from cardiovascular disease. Knee osteoarthritis is defined by... Read more

Children spend much of their time on their feet, walking, running, and playing, and an active child takes about 20,000 steps per day. A question we often receive is: “What shoes are best for my child?” Concerned parents rightly wonder about the best ways to protect and support their child’s feet and prevent future health problems. Your child’s feet are naturally and brilliantly designed for optimal standing... Read more

Products offered by Natural Footgear are intended to improve your quality of life, reduce your likelihood of experiencing common foot and lower extremity problems, and address the underlying cause of your foot pain or discomfort. Many people derive significant benefit from our products and information, but the use of these things does not guarantee a favorable health outcome and... Read more

In this video, Dr. Ray McClanahan, a sports podiatrist at Northwest Foot and Ankle and the inventor of Correct Toes, demonstrates a two-part stretch that can be used to help rehabilitate hammertoes and restore toe alignment. Hammertoes are caused by an imbalance between toe flexor and extensor tendons. The stretches shown in this video help restore tendon balance and realign the toes to the position that nature... Read more

In this video, Dr. Ray McClanahan, a sports podiatrist at Northwest Foot and Ankle and the inventor of Correct Toes, discusses how conventional footwear alters normal foot and toe anatomy, leads to excessive pronation, and causes a variety of otherwise preventable foot problems. Learn more about natural foot health and wisdom from Dr. McClanahan, who is one of the most talented, progressive, and naturally-minded foot care specialists in the... Read more