Educational Articles

Tendinitis

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

Disclaimer:

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.

Related articles:

Achilles Tendinosis

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

The Achilles tendon is a strong cord made of fibrous connective tissue that attaches the calf muscle group to the calcaneus, or heel bone. The Achilles tendon is located at the lower end of the calf, and it is the continuation of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. This tendon is one of the strongest tendons in the body and is essential for performing many occupational and recreational activities, especially athletic... Read more

Causes of Outer Foot Pain in Runners

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

Outer foot pain is a symptom that may occur in runners, especially runners who record high weekly mileage or who use conventional athletic footwear. Numerous factors may contribute to outer foot pain in runners, including running shoes that contain injurious design features, excessive training (i.e., overtraining), an insufficient warm-up, and poor nutrition. Outer foot pain, while potentially debilitating for runners, typically responds to natural, noninvasive, and conservative therapies, such as... Read more
Comments
December 15, 2016
D

How about a dedicated article on the peroneals, including stretching and strengthening exercises, rehab ideas, etc.? Thank you! I’ve got a very stubborn case of peroneal tendinosis with lateral band PF, all while having flat feet :(

December 15, 2016
Natural Footgear

Hi, D,

Thank you for your comment and request! We’ll take your request for that new article into consideration.

Kind regards,
Marty Hughes, DC

June 04, 2025
Sharon

I have very tight tendons in my feet. What foot pads may help?

June 04, 2025
Natural Footgear

Hi, Sharon. Thank you for your question! Tight tendons in the feet can often be a sign of muscular imbalance, restricted joint mobility, or altered foot and toe alignment—factors that can be influenced by years of conventional footwear use or by biomechanical compensation patterns. To help address this issue, foot pads that promote proper foot function can be especially beneficial. For example, metatarsal pads like Pedag metatarsal pads or Strutz Pro foot pads can help reposition the forefoot’s soft tissue structures, offload pressure from sensitive areas, and encourage a more balanced distribution of weight across the foot. These pads can reduce excessive tension in the plantar fascia and toe flexors by enabling the foot to function more naturally during standing and gait.

Additionally, using toe spacers—particularly Correct Toes, which are designed to be worn inside wide toe box footwear—can gradually restore natural toe alignment, reducing strain on tendons that may have become tight from years of toe crowding. When combined with key stretches—especially the absolutely crucial Toe Extensor Stretch—and the consistent use of healthy-foot-shaped shoes that respect your natural anatomy and toe alignment, these pads can be powerful tools for both immediate relief and long-term foot health improvement. As always, it’s best to ease into use gradually and observe how your feet respond, adjusting your routine as needed to suit your unique needs. We hope this info helps! Please let us know if you have any follow-up questions.

Yours in Foot Health,
Drs. Marty & Robyn Hughes

Join The Discussion

Please note that we do not provide medical advice or comment on specific health problems.

Comments need to be approved before showing up.