"Are Your Feet a Predictor of Early Death?"

Okay, now that I have your attention…

I saw this headline recently: 

“Are Your Feet a Predictor of Early Death?” 

…and it stopped me in my tracks! I really hadn't thought of this connection between feet and health, but it makes a lot of sense. I'm going to be very honest - I didn't read the article. I was in a hurry, rushing from one thing to another, and now I don't even remember where I saw this headline. But I still can't get this out of my head. And I've been thinking about foot health ever since.

Foot Health and Longevity

It's only been in the last few years that I've come to understand how to keep my feet healthy. We all want pain-free feet. Along with pain-free feet, we also want the rest of us to be pain free. I've learned that knee pain often originates with feet that are misaligned. Hip pain often originates with feet that are misaligned. Lower back pain often originates with feet that are misaligned. And, of course, foot pain originates in feet that are misaligned.

 Yes, there's a pattern here, and it makes so. much. sense.

When our feet are misaligned (like we are placing more pressure on one foot than the other, or on the outside of the foot rather than on equal distribution between all parts of the foot), it has a ripple effect. Our knee joint compensates by shifting. Our hip joint compensates THAT misalignment by shifting. Then our lower back shifts to compensate for the hips, and so on up the spine. If we want to really cure the pain in our knees, hips, back, spine, shoulders, or neck, we must start with the feet.

Alternatives to Surgery and Invasive, Costly Medical Treatments

I know many people who have suffered pain, then tried surgery, only to have their pain return. I also know MANY people who see a chiropractor or doctor on a regular basis (like once a month or more). I was once one of those people! A good friend of mine, Heather, was told that she needed bunion surgery by her podiatrist. Naturally, she did not want to go through with it and challenged her doctor with the phrase "wanna bet? “ Heather asked her doctor to give her one year to see if she could reverse her foot problem. If she proved unsuccessful, she would submit to the surgery. So she began extensive research into what causes bunions and how to naturally reverse them, heal foot pain, and avoid surgery, drugs, and costly shoe inserts. It was at Heather's home that I first saw the book The Egoscue Method by Pete Egoscue. Heather showed me the different “menus” for alleviating pain in different areas of the body. For example, if you are experiencing low back pain, you would follow the chapter with the menu for low back pain. Each menu consists of five to six exercises or poses that aim to realign the body from the ground up. The exercises are not difficult at all, and almost anyone can do them regardless of fitness, ability, or injury. I was more than intrigued! I immediately pulled out my phone and ordered the book from my Amazon app. I was sold! And after experimenting with the Egoscue Method, I was able to alleviate aches and pains throughout my body. Along with getting rid of the pains in my feet, right knee, and left shoulder, my posture is on point. I have an entire blog post explaining my successful experience after using the book.

The Importance of a Wide Toe Box 

Heather also explained how narrow, pointy shoes have destroyed our feet. Our feet naturally want to remain straight with toes slightly splayed. Recall the shape of baby feet. That's the shape we want to keep! This shape helps us balance (super important as we age), prevents painful bunions, and keeps the rest of our body aligned. The feet are the foundation for the rest of us. When shoes are too narrow or squish the toes together(think high heels or stylish pointy toe boots), bunions will develop. Once this begins, foot pain is inevitable, and surgery may soon follow. But with a wide toe box, feet can maintain their natural shape. There are several footwear brands on the market that cater to those searching for shoes that will promote healthy feet, not destroy them.

Reversing and Preventing Painful Bunions

Another trick in Heather's toolbox to avoid that bunion surgery is toe spacers. These are small toe inserts that can be used for a few minutes each day up to all day. These can be worn with or without shoes. Our favorite brand (you know I tried them) is Correct Toes. I use them daily for about 30 minutes in the morning as I drink my coffee and get ready for the day. I am thrilled to report that my feet are now pain free! Totally worth the cost and time of using them. I was so impressed, I bought a pair of Correct Toes for my husband who had suffered terrible foot pain, foot fractures, and spent so much time and money at the podiatrist. We spent years trying to heal his feet, but the Correct Toes did more for him than any doctor could. Why didn’t his podiatrist know about Correct Toes? You can be sure I told them! And once they do know, why aren't they suggesting their use for their patients? 

Dear Reader, if you are suffering from foot pain and want to avoid surgery, why not try one (or all) of these solutions? For less than the cost of a few visits to the podiatrist, you could try The Egoscue Method book, Correct Toes, and a comfy pair of wide toe shoes. If you have tried any of these methods of curing foot pain, let us know. Here at the pain free community, we want to know what works for you and celebrate the wins on your journey to a pain-free life! 

Here's to healthy and winning, 

Jennifer Kaye