Popular Q&A: How To's

How Can I Exercise if I Have Plantar Fasciitis?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

In most cases, the pain or discomfort associated with plantar fasciitis is usually sufficient to thwart participation in athletic activities. Still, athletes who experience this problem may wish to continue exercising while the condition heals, and this may be possible, depending on the severity of the plantar fascia pain and what steps are taken to address it. Plantar fasciitis, or more accurately, plantar fasciosis (renamed as such because the condition... Read more

How Can I Treat Numbness in My Second Toe?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

Numbness in the feet, including the second toe, may be the result of nerve impingement or nerve damage, and it can be caused by numerous health problems, including diabetes, Buerger's disease and other circulatory problems, vitamin B12 deficiency, and interdigital neuromas, among other causes. Diabetes is a common cause of foot numbness, and nerve damage is one of the principal consequences of diabetes. Alcohol consumption can increase the rate of... Read more

How Do I Fix My Flat Feet?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

Flat feet is among the most common foot ailments in adults and occurs when the tendons binding the foot together become loose. There are various causes of flat feet, including tendon injuries, neuromuscular disorders, conditions causing extremely flexible soft tissues, and tight achilles tendons (also known as equinogenic flat feet). In rare cases, flat feet may be caused by a condition known as tarsal coalition, which occurs when two or... Read more

How Do I Put on Vibram FiveFingers?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

Vibram FiveFingers are, for many, the ultimate minimalist shoe. Designed to fit your foot like a glove, these flexible-soled toe shoes enable a high degree of tactile feedback as you move about on varied terrain, and they allow your foot to act like a healthy bare foot inside your shoe. They meet our criteria for foot-healthy footwear—they are, in fact, exemplary of it—so for people who already have some experience... Read more

How Do You Prevent a Bunion From Getting Worse?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

A natural approach to bunion rehabilitation can, in many cases, be very helpful in preventing the deformity from getting worse, though this always depends on the severity of the bunion and how long the problem has existed before beginning a foot and toe rehabilitation program. In our experience, we have found that the Big Toe Stretch is an effective frontline approach in preventing the worsening of a bunion. This exercise... Read more

How to Tape Flat Feet to Prevent Pain When Barefoot?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

For a lot of people, plantar taping is a simple and effective way to relieve bottom-of-foot pain caused by a variety of foot problems. This video features sports podiatrist Dr. Ray McClanahan, who demonstrates the plantar taping technique. It does take a little bit of time to become proficient at this method, especially if you’re performing it on yourself, but most people find this to be a helpful approach to... Read more