Popular Q&A: Regions

Are Metatarsal Pads Better Than Orthotics for Flat Feet?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

Flat feet, also known as pes valgus or pes planovalgus, is a health problem in which the foot lacks a normal or discernible arch when weight-bearing. Flat feet may be caused by numerous factors or other health problems, including—but not limited to—tendon injury or illness, neuromuscular conditions (e.g., cerebral palsy), conditions causing extremely flexible soft tissues, and tight Achilles tendons. Advanced age, excessive body weight, traumatic foot or ankle injuries,... Read more

Are There Any Natural Approaches to Sesamoiditis?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

We understand how painful this problem can be and the degree to which it can affect your ability to perform weight-bearing activities. Considering the relatively small size of the sesamoid bones, the discomfort that's sometimes associated with them can have an outsized effect on your well-being and quality of life. Fortunately, we've found that natural treatment approaches can be quite helpful for this problem in many cases. We'll list some... Read more

At What Age Can Kids Start Wearing Correct Toes?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

This is a great question, and one that the team here at Natural Footgear often receives from curious parents. Quickly, though, before we dive into that topic, it’s important to note that long-term foot health is an incredible gift that parents can give to their children—a gift that will pay large quality of life dividends over time. It’s natural that parents want to ensure that their little ones put their best foot... Read more

Can Flat Feet Be Turned Into Arches Through Foot Exercises?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

In most cases, yes! In our experience, we’ve found that a combination of certain foot exercises and proper foot and toe positioning is a helpful and effective way to build or restore your main foot arch: the medial longitudinal arch. Many people who have flat feet benefit from exercises that return the big toe to its normal anatomical position; that is, splayed away from the second toe. Proper toe orientation... Read more

Can Hallux Limitus Be Reversed or Improved Through Natural Means?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

While every case is unique and some individuals may have more advanced joint degeneration than others, we firmly believe that hallux limitus can often be significantly improved—and in some cases, substantially reversed—through natural, non-invasive means. At Natural Footgear, we've seen firsthand how powerful it can be when someone takes a proactive, holistic approach to foot health, especially when they catch the condition early or are willing to commit to consistent... Read more

Can I Wear Correct Toes in Popular Athletic Shoes?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

This is an important and frequently asked question, especially among those looking to combine the benefits of natural foot alignment with the performance of athletic footwear. At Natural Footgear, we advocate for tools and approaches that work with your body, not against it, and Correct Toes toe spacers are a cornerstone of that philosophy. Designed to realign your toes to their natural anatomical position, Correct Toes can yield remarkable improvements... Read more

Can Natural Approaches Help Address Neuromas in the Elderly?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

First, we’re truly sorry to hear that you're experiencing discomfort from Morton's neuromas in both of your feet, especially at 84 years old. It's wonderful that you're actively seeking ways to alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life, though. While we’re not able to comment on your specific case without the benefit of a full health history interview and physical examination, we can offer some general suggestions on... Read more

Do Men Develop Bunions?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

Bunions are often considered to be a female-specific foot problem, but the truth is, these deformities frequently occur in people of all genders and ages (apart from the very youngest in our society, at least until conventional footwear is adopted). For women who wear high-heeled footwear frequently throughout their life, the likelihood of developing a bunion is quite high. However, due to the flawed shape and construction of modern shoes,... Read more

Does Correct Toes Need to Sit at the Base of the Toes to Be Effective?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

Some Correct Toes wearers may find that the spacers tend to sit a little further out on the toes, toward the ends of the toes, and this is perfectly fine. It does not in any way impact the effectiveness of the device or (for most people) how comfortable it feels on the toes. Many of the images showing the spacers in use have the device positioned near the base of... Read more

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 Prevent Blisters When Transitioning to Minimalist Shoes?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

When transitioning to minimalist shoes or increasing the distance you walk, preventing blisters and calluses comes down to a gradual adjustment process and paying close attention to how your feet respond. The key is to allow your feet to slowly adapt to the new footwear by gradually increasing the amount of time you spend in them. This lets your feet and lower legs strengthen without overwhelming them. Start with short... 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 Track Foot Health Gains While Using Correct Toes?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

At Natural Footgear, we often say that foot health is a journey, not a destination. While Correct Toes is a powerful tool for realigning your toes, addressing a variety of common foot and toe problems, and restoring natural foot function, the changes they help create are often gradual and subtle at first. Tracking your progress can help you stay motivated and tuned in to the ways your body is responding.... Read more

How Do Metatarsal Pads Help Restore Proper Forefoot Fat Pad Positioning?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

Two of the main metatarsal pad functions—restoring proper forefoot fat pad positioning and spreading out the transverse foot arch—are quite independent. In the case of the former, it's really the toe spring built into conventional footwear—and the associated toe flexor/extensor muscle imbalance it creates—that's responsible for shifting the fat pad to a position further out on the foot, closer to the ends of the toes. Metatarsal pads, which should be... Read more

How Do Metatarsal Pads Work?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

Metatarsal pads may be small and unobtrusive, but they are mighty when it comes to aiding the foot and addressing a variety of foot ills. The forefoot fat pad—a natural structure in all feet—is intended to sit underneath the ball of the foot and cushion and cradle the metatarsal heads at the point where they contact the ground. Wearing conventional shoes (i.e., shoes with elevated heels, tapering toe boxes, toe... Read more

How Does the Big Toe Affect Athletic Performance?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

The big toe plays a far more significant role in athletic performance than most people realize. Often overlooked in conventional training programs, this powerful digit is crucial for balance, propulsion, and overall movement efficiency. Whether sprinting, cutting, jumping, or stabilizing, a strong and mobile big toe provides the foundation for optimal biomechanics. Unfortunately, restrictive footwear and poor movement habits often limit big toe function, leading to diminished athletic potential and... 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

How Will the Use of Natural Footgear Help Address My Metatarsalgia?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

First things first, the term “metatarsalgia” is a general, or umbrella, term for any cause of pain or discomfort in the ball of the foot. Possible causes of metatarsalgia include neuromas, sesamoiditis, capsulitis, gout, and metatarsal fractures, to name a few among many. Determining the precise cause of the ball of foot pain is important in deciding how to address it. Of course, it's always important to get evaluated by... Read more

Is Correct Toes Meant to Be Worn All Day?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

This is a question we often hear from folks beginning their journey toward optimal foot health. At Natural Footgear, we consider Correct Toes to be a tool for long-term transformation, not just a temporary fix. While the ultimate goal is to wear Correct Toes comfortably for extended periods—including all day, if possible—this outcome depends on the individual’s starting point. Factors such as foot structure, footwear choices, activity level, and how... Read more

Is It Helpful to Stretch the Bottom of the Foot for Plantar Fasciitis?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

Countless individuals suffer from heel pain stemming from plantar fasciosis (or, as the condition is commonly mislabeled, plantar fasciitis). The agitating pain associated with this foot problem leaves many folks desperate for relief. Unfortunately, not all of the information about how to relieve plantar fascia pain is accurate or helpful. A lot of people, for example, have heard that stretching the plantar fascia (i.e., the bottom of the foot) is... Read more

Is the Little Toe a Vestigial Structure? Why or Why Not?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

A vestigial structure is an organ or physical attribute that has lost some, most, or all of its original or ancestral function but yet is still retained by members of a given species. Examples of vestigial structures in humans may include the palmaris longus muscle, the pyramidalis muscle, wisdom teeth, and the plica semilunaris (a fold of conjunctiva at the eye's inner corner). Suggesting that the little toe is a... Read more

What Are the Best Shoes for Bunions?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

While footwear alone is not likely to fully correct or heal a bunion, it can certainly have a massive impact on any bunion-related discomfort you experience as well as whether or not your bunion progresses and becomes more severe. The right footwear can also give you the best possible shot at rehabilitating your toes and restoring optimal foot health. So, paying close attention to the footwear you use on a... Read more

What Are the Best Ways to Strengthen the Ankle?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

There are a number of exercises you can do to strengthen and stabilize your ankles as a way to prevent (or recover from) ankle sprains. In our experience, we have found the most helpful exercises to be the ones associated with the BlackBoard Basic, Human Locomotion ToePro, Human Locomotion Two-to-One Ankle Rockboard, and Naboso Kinesis Board foot gym tools. These tools are fantastic for improving ankle strength, and they allow... Read more

What Is the Best Advice to Deal With Shin Splints?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

Shin splints is among the most painful lower leg problems experienced by athletes and active individuals. The pain associated with shin splints is caused by a disruption of Sharpey’s fibers—collagenous fibers that connect lower leg fascia to the tibia’s periosteum. The impact forces that occur during repetitive stress (especially when using poor footwear) cause excessive pulling on these fibers, which leads to irritation of the periosteum and shin splints. This... Read more

What Role Does Arch Function Play in Cross-Country Skiing?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

Arch function plays a critical role in cross-country skiing performance, and understanding how to optimize it can have a profound impact on both your efficiency and long-term foot health. The arch is not just a static structure—it’s a dynamic, spring-like system designed to absorb impact, store energy, and facilitate powerful movement. In Nordic skiing, where propulsion and glide efficiency are paramount, a well-functioning arch helps you generate and transfer force... Read more

Why Are Conventional Shoes and Orthotics Still Widely Used?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

Despite mounting evidence highlighting the drawbacks of conventional footwear and orthotics, these products remain remarkably prevalent. One major reason is the deep entrenchment of cultural norms and aesthetic standards that prioritize fashion over function. Pointy-toed shoes, elevated heels, toe spring, and rigid soles are all features that have become synonymous with style and social status, even though they compromise the foot’s natural shape and function. For decades, these design elements... Read more

Why Do My Shoes Always Wear Out in the Same Spot?

Posted By Marty Hughes, DC

The wear pattern you see on the soles of your shoes provides important clues about your gait and how your feet are interacting with the world. The specific wear pattern mentioned above (outside, or “lateral,” heel) is typical among pretty much all wearers of conventional footwear that incorporates heel elevation, rigid soles, and substantial cushioning, and excessive wear in this location is particularly apparent in running and walking shoes. The... Read more

Why Do Some People Have a Longer Second Toe Than Big Toe?

Posted By Robyn Hughes, ND

Every set of feet is unique! Among the many possible foot characteristics that vary from person to person are: arch height, foot and toe width, and foot and toe length. Some people (probably somewhere between 20-30 percent of the population) possess an index toe (i.e., second toe) that is longer than the big toe. This is known as Morton’s toe, and it is hereditary. In most cases, the index toe... Read more

Have a foot-related question you'd like answered?

Send it to the team at Natural Footgear and we will do our best to answer it here! Please note that we can’t comment on specific foot health problems, but we can provide general information based on our own experiences with feet, footwear, and foot health.

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