In 2005, after the book “Born to Run” became a best-seller, barefoot running and minimalist shoes rose in popularity. Unfortunately so did injury rates. Physical therapists and podiatrists were overjoyed with their spike in business. The main problem is most of us are clueless when it comes to regaining the foot and ankle function of our youth. Look at how a 4-year-old picks up a ball: flat back, knees bent, butt to the ground and lifting with the legs. Watch them running in

It has a separate set of control muscles and tendon insertions than the rest of the toes. It’s the only toe that is made up of 2 bones as opposed to 3. It’s the biggest and strongest toe. Its length is usually comparable to one’s thumb. This is one of the most commonly injured and abused toes – stubbed toe and bunions. It is usually the longest toe except in Morton’s Foot (toe), where the 2nd MTP is longer. The large toe is only 5 times larger than the small toe, yet it carri

Do you want to move optimally, increase strength and decrease your injury potential? Start with your foundation: turn on your feet and optimize your soles. In order for the foot and consequently lower extremities (including the core musculature) to work properly, our brains need to ‘feel’ the ground. This is why the soles of our feet are jam packed with nerve endings and touch receptors (mechanorecptors). They create a sensory feedback loop between the brain and foot, driven

Wearing shoes has been linked to a multitude of issues: Bunions Plantar Fasciitis Ingrown toenails Hammertoes Fallen or weak arches Chronic ankle sprains Lower back pain Headaches Deformed feet Pubescent Malformation Knee pain and arthritis Shortened Achilles tendon and calf musculature Morton’s Neuroma Falls (particularly in the elderly) Shin Splints Athlete’s Foot (bacterial and fungal infections) Barefooting is natural but takes some time to relearn. Making the switch will