We have all experienced the sensation of nagging, aching foot pain. It may strike us when we wake up in the morning and can cripple even the strongest athletes. After checking the floor to make sure your kid didn’t leave a rogue Lego on your floor, you begin to wonder what could have happened. You question whether your new hobby of jogging has come to strike you back, maybe it was all the walking you did this weekend running errands, or maybe you got a splinter. What you did not think of was that your favorite pair of shoes has been secretly plotting against you.

Modern footwear is a far cry from the optimal, performance based equipment that companies like to tell us. Almost every single shoe on the market is at fault for this deception. Brands such as Nike, Adidas, Reebok, and Converse all have the often unassuming design flaw known as a tapered foot box. Rather than supporting a naturally spread foot and mobile toes, tapered toe boxes compress and restrict the toes. Sure, this is great for accentuating a tiny foot (ie: high heels) or providing a sharp look to your suit (ie: dress shoes), but style should not out compete function when it comes to treating pain.

The specific issue with the compressed toe box exists primarily with the blood flow to our deep foot musculature and tissues. If the term “plantar fasciitis” causes some PTSD, keep reading to see how to combat the medical blanket term.

Now, not every person will fall victim to a tight shoe. Some individuals have the capability to overcome the reduction in blood flow that results from the sustained compression. However, in the individuals with the excruciating foot pain I am talking about, it is paramount that you rethink your footwear and restore your natural foot shape.

Not sure where to start? Schedule an appointment at The FIX to take the first step to ending your foot pain.