Benefits Of Wearing Toe Spacers

[@phillydragonfly]

THANK YOU for yelling out the truth about bunions and foot deformities. I tell my clients this all the time, but they try to argue with me about it. I’ll be sharing this with them. I’ve been a barefooter and minimalist shoe wearer for 13 years. My feet look and function exactly the way nature intended. And my skeletal alignment is pretty much perfect. I have no issues with my ankles, knees, hips, or lumbar spine. And my energy levels are off the map. Not too bad for a 58 year old lady.

[@DrHoulihan]

You're killing it! Thanks for helping me spread the gospel lol

[@Suzyfromtheblock]

Thank you Philly I’ve just been told I am walking way off goin to do what you say and the doc thank you and blessings to you both ❤

[@tz12346]

This is the best explanation I've ever seen for toe spacers, and I love it that you include anatomical explanations and visuals. Thank you!

[@DrHoulihan]

Happy to help!

[@hn7933]

started wearing correct toes about a week ago and trying to walk in my xeros, but man it is sore. Also, hard to transition from Nikes into barefoot shoes. Appreciate the videos Doctor!

[@DrHoulihan]

Yeah it takes a while lol I was probably wearing them for a few weeks around the house before trying them in shoes

[@danielberg8437]

I don't wear spaces but switched to barefoot shoes about 3 years ago and even run fully barefoot now. My toes have gotten wider and I don't think I even need spaces at this point.

[@danielberg8437]

@yourstruly you really have to start slow! I was running 3 5ks a week on my "normal" shoes and after intense knee and shin issues, saw a born to run Ted talk and started researching as it just made sense. I switched to vibrum 5 fingers and foolishly tried running 2 miles and couldn't walk for a week my calves were so sore 🤣. It took probably 4 to 6 months to get back to where I was pre barefoot shoes. I also switched my daily shoes to Merrel vapor glove but I'm not on my feet all day as I have a desk job. I recently switched to xero shoes mainly because they look better and seem to last longer than the merrels. My advice, switch to barefoot shoes but do so slowly. If you take walks decrease the distance and speed. If you run don't overdo it at first. Nothing is more freeing than running fully barefoot but it takes a long time to build foot, calf, etc strength to do such properly

[@ToadFart]

I’ve been wearing them for 2-3 years, and they’ve long given me no pain. If I remember correctly it would take a few weeks or more before they stop hurting.

[@buitefr1]

You are correct, but I think and confirmed by my GP there is a genetic component. Not all defects show at an early age (baby/infants), but show up later in life and of course lifestyle and the horrible shoe fashion has a part in it. Still I recently got bunions altough I wear shoes with room for toes and if I can not too wet or cold, I wear Birkenstocks (maybe already 30 years) No heels, but in my twenties I occassionally wore some low heels with not enough toe space. My mum got them and my younger sister (also on good walkingshoes) is getting them.

[@Dinobirdbim11]

WOW! First time viewer and I'm hooked. Through explanation - clear, concise and informative. Thank you for sharing your time and knowledge with us!

[@DrHoulihan]

Glad I could be of service!

[@frederickoparah1669]

Thanks for the video, honestly people simply have no idea how important zero drop and wide toe box shoes are, I will never ever again purchase non purpose shoes. Ever.

[@margaritaa3741]

Since the pandemic has started and during the lockdown, I had worked non stop and noticed that my feet has taken a beaten. I have planter fascitis, flat feet, and talior bunions forming now. My feet seem to being doing so much better. I have orthodics now and wear compression stockings. So far the talior bunions are not hurting as much. I am trying to make my feet feel better. Sometime my body doesn't take to well to wearing compression stockings. In the summer time I notice my feet don't feel to well. I also noticed when I havent been doing yoga my feet also hurt more. Being on my feet all the time does hurt. I was in so much pain I couldn't walk for three weeks and went to the ER due to the pain. I do enjoy helping and supporting other as a Respite worker/PSW/Supportive worker and sometimes it can be hard to work through the pain.

[@DrHoulihan]

Hopefully these tips can help you so you can keep on helping others!

[@margaritaa3741]

@Dr. Houlihan Thank you :) Sometimes, just resting, my body, feet, and legs do good and do not do anything. I think my body was overworked and needed that good rest. I also find that when it's really hot in the summer, my feet and legs don't do too well, and my skin. I am not quite sure if I do have talior bunions, but I do what I can and learn more things to add to self care :)

[@bryco32]

I have a Morton's neuroma. or rather 2 of them.. One between the pinky toe and the 4th toe and the more traditional 3-4 toes. Decades of soccer screwed me over.. I bought a piece of silicone and punched out a piece that separates those toes.. It stopped decades of pain in weeks. The whole foot popped for a week while wearing them . Probably old news to anyone that uses these but it really ended 30+ years of pain for me. These and a big open toe box area for my toes has kept me from limping.

[@DrHoulihan]

Same here! Cleats are probably responsible for messing my feet up. I only have the one neuroma but it's amazing what a little space can do

[@donnaburney2231]

Thank you for that clear explanation, so grateful to you Dr. Houlihan.

[@DrHoulihan]

My pleasure!

[@murat_yurttas]

The help you and all the doctors provide to the masses is priceless, literally!

[@wheaties1435]

I have to sleep with toe spacers so the Morton’s neuroma doesn’t act up. Sometimes I use those white ones, most times I use the flesh colore “zen toes” for comfort. I like to use the white one with very thin toe sox. They stay more comfortable that way. This does take time!! It’s gradual, for sure. And the bunion may even hurt a bit. But I’ve found it totally worth the effort. My toes have good spacing and are more comfortable, but it’s also taken a long time. Guess it took a long time to get this way so it’ll take a long time to fix it.

[@Lukec4ge]

Great video. Thanks for explaining this so well

[@arkieologist]

This is an excellent explanation of all of this educational information! Bravo on the delivery! 😃👏 Super helpful! Very new to me!

[@DM-mt7km]

My daughter was making fun of my Correct Toes spacers last night. Luckily, I came across your video and was able to redeem myself. I've been wearing them for about a month, and my feet are definitely stronger.

[@teenermeener971]

great video. toe spreaders hurt the first time I wore for an hour. when I got to third time not so bad.

[@DrHoulihan]

Yeah there's definitely an adjustment period but worth it in the long run!

[@lekcindr]

very informative and presented in an easy to understand manner. the visuals were also very clear and easy to understand. i have a good size bunion and have also had a couple bouts of plantar "fasciits" so i really appreciate this information. I've been in minimalist and wide toebox shoes for several years now but just ordered my first pair of toe spacers. thanks for the video.

[@DrHoulihan]

Glad you found it helpful, best of luck with the toe spacers!

[@tsiganed]

I like the way you call normal feet vs natural feet... Normal things don't mean they are natural. I will put that on my arguments list. Thank you

[@nancykuczinski4935]

Wow! Thank you Doctor! Great explanation. Wish I knew this years ago.

[@DrHoulihan]

You're welcome! Hope this helps 😀

[@patc1764]

Excellent explanations.. so informative . Thank you

[@yourconnection9303]

For those with TMJ, they tend to develop a forward head posture if they haven't had proper treatment for the TMJ. Forward head posture affects the neck, spine, shoulders, hips, knees, and feet where eventually one of knees pronate, then down to the foot - ending up with a bunion. If you don't get the TMJ stabilized, it'll affect the rest of your body. I also read a few comments from a different doctor's KZbin videos, where some people whom live in countries where they mostly walk around either barefoot or with open toe sandals when they needed to, and never wore closed toe footwear, have developed bunion(s). I can only presume that their posture was not erect, affecting the whole alignment of their body - right down to their toes. Also, Deepak Chopra said, "You can change your genes." Other spiritually gurus have also said this.

[@doloresleyva8810]

My daughter at birth had mild "curly toes' which in life has cause foot pain and slight bunions. She says the toe spacers help her. Thanks.

[@goldfishy]

Remember, the ridges of the toe spacer should face in, toward your toes. Not outward. It seems counter intuitive when you're putting it on, but it gives the correct spacing.

[@rizwanmuzzammil499]

Thanks for the video. It's a relief to know that bunions aren't genetic. For my case both my feet have the big toe pointing slightly inward in the wrong direction. When I walk and put pressure on the front of the foot (i.e. toe off phase) both big toes start to point inward even more and press against the second toe. I bought a variety of toe spacers to try on my feet, but none of them do a very good job of resisting this inward movement under pressure. The spacers are probably not stiff enough to resist the movement. A few questions: 1. If the toe spacers do the job while the feet are not being used is it enough, or would I need to find something stiff enough to keep the big toes in place all the time? 2. Will toe toe spacers eventually restore the anatomically correct shape of the foot such that they need not be used anymore? (provided I use barefoot footwear and such) 3. I am also trying another device which straps to the foot and pulls the big toe outward. It can't be used while walking so nights only I guess. Would such a thing be more effective than toe spacers if the big toe is the main concern?

[@DrHoulihan]

1. Ideally you would want something that works while you are weight bearing as well so the muscles can also adapt. Have you tried correct toes? They have a pocket between 1st and 2nd toe that you can expand. 2. That is possible yes 3. I don't know of any research comparing those two side by side, they are probably both helpful but the toe spacers can be worn in shoes so more practical long term

[@rizwanmuzzammil499]

@@DrHoulihan I just looked up correct toes. The feature allowing a shim to be placed between the first and second toe would definitely be helpful. Will definitely consider it. Thanks much for your reply.

[@dianem3012]

I bought the yoga toes spacers and while I was able to get used to wearing them while sitting around, it felt like they did more spacing between the smaller toes and not enough countering (meaning spacing extra to counteract the bunion) between the big toe and 2nd toe, if that makes sense. I feel like it should be wider apart at the big toe. Do you feel yoga toes are ok or not so great? They are pricy little things and I can't walk in them. Thank you for such an informative video!

[@DrHoulihan]

Yoga toes are nice like you said for lounging around but don't fit in shoes so not a great option if you're ready for that next step. Correct Toes fit in your shoes and they actually have a little pocket in the piece between big toe and 2nd toe that you can put cork or foam or any material to make that segment wider

[@garrydevis8780]

​@@DrHoulihan where can I buy toe spacer sm from philippines

[@DrHoulihan]

@@garrydevis8780 Does Amazon ship to the Phillipines? If so, you can pick some up on Amazon

[@vidform]

How long does it take to see results from wearing the spacers? Should they be worn for the rest of our lives or just until the problem has been corrected? Will the correction be permanent or will your toes start to move back into their squeezed position after some time of not wearing the spacers? Is wearing toe spacers similar to wearing retainers on your teeth after you've worn braces? Is it the same concept?

[@DrHoulihan]

Lots of good questions! Most of the answers are going to depend person to person. Some people adapt quicker, some slower. Whether or not the toes move back probably had more to do with footwear selection. In that analogy the spacers can be the braces and the retainer, being the force that moves the toes and also the force that maintains them once they are where you want them to be

[@RedheadLG]

Very interesting! Can they help with Morton’s neuroma as well?

[@DrHoulihan]

Absolutely! One of the main reasons I started using them

[@millsILive4Yahweh]

Do you recommend bunion surgery?

[@Miracleorganiqueomega]

Thanks for this video brother

[@blackmownkey]

What are good walking shoes with a wider toe box and arch support? 🤔

[@DrHoulihan]

Most of the minimalist shoe brands intentionally don't have arch support but Altra does that's a good place to start

[@annetcell-ly4571]

I wear Brooks leather business shoes with a hard last (stiff sole)

[@CH-iy4go]

I wear altras along with other zero drop minimalist shoes. Altras do not really have support, they have a 25mm (or so depending on the model) stack but they are still zero drop, so they do not have a specific arch support the way most people think about it. I much prefer my minimalist shoes (5mm) with a wide toe box for overall comfort. With proper foot health, strength, and flexibility, most people do not need external arch support. For some folks, it can take awhile to transition from tradition shoes that have a raised heal and and artificial arch support.

[@Abdullah-nv9uh]

@@CH-iy4go It's really hard to wear a barefoot shoes directly when you had an injury.. Any recommended shoes similar to Altra?

[@CH-iy4go]

@@Abdullah-nv9uh hi, it would depend on the injury. BTW, I am a psychologist not a podiatrist but I have been doing self study on foot health since 2009 when I read Born to Run, switched to minimalist shoes to see if they would help my knee injury, and never looked back. So I cannot give medical advice about shoes or injuries. I experiment on my own body. I am 68 so I have had a lot of practice😂 Xero shoes makes some very popular minimalist shoes. I have a pair of those, some earth runner sandals, a couple pair of Merrill barefoot shoes, and my altras. I do all my weight lifting and band workouts with bare feet. I work on foot health, e.g. arch exercises, toe spacers, flexibility, and stability. I do not know of any other well cushioned, zero drop shoes besides the Altras, but then I have not looked for any because my body still prefers the minimalist shoes.

[@IreneBermudez1029]

After buying wider toe shoes, should I use spacers with shoes? Do you have any suggestions on the best toe spreaders to buy in amazon or anywhere else?

[@DrHoulihan]

Definitely yes if they fit inside the shoe. Correct Toes are my favorite but also pricy, they sell cheaper ones on Amazon too but not as great for in-shoe in my opinion

[@pojtoj54]

I'm 26 years old & I've just started getting into Barefoot Shoes & Toe Spacers, im someone who has a bunch of shoes from Adidas with Cushion. But doing all this research about shoes today making me rethinking my life & my health so just yesterday I've started my new Barefoot Journey & hope lead a new life style, ill be leaving behind bunch of shoes that probably won't fit anymore... lol

[@DrHoulihan]

Welcome to the club! Lol I'm about 5 years in and so much better off. Beat of luck, here if you need anything!

[@donniejohn76]

Extremely informative, well done! Maybe a video with the top 5 or 10 best "Barefoot Shoes" soon?

[@DrHoulihan]

Not a bad idea!

[@LJK2159]

@@DrHoulihanplease do it thanks

[@michaelbonhomme3219]

Are there particular brands of wide shoes that you recommend?

[@DrHoulihan]

Are you dealing with any injuries? First time minimal shoe wearer? Any particular activities or interests you intend to use them for? The whole rest of my channel is shoe reviews btw you can see if any of the ones I have reviewed interest you!

[@MrStinkels]

Does it help with hammer toes or mallet toes?

[@DrHoulihan]

Not directly, that would be more like exercise and footwear selection but the space between toes can facilitate proper muscle function in the feet which can support the work you do with stretches and exercises of the toes

[@MrStinkels]

@@DrHoulihan thank you for the quick reply. So exercises for hammer/mallet toes arent bs? Some people say only surgery works

[@whitetrashmofo7614]

What brand of spacers are you showing in this video? I have been use a pair made of a soft rubber that are starting to tear and I'm in the market for a new set

[@DrHoulihan]

The ones in the video are Correct Toes

[@dennyblank6035]

Don’t know what i have just speculation with doctor. My symptoms are shooting pain to my big toenail and bottom of my feet. Doctor suggested it could be Morton Neuroma or Plantar Fasiitis!

[@DrHoulihan]

Google "Windlass test for plantar fasciitis" and see how that feels, it's a helpful diagnostic tool. Theoretically, either diagnosis could benefit from toe spacers

[@danhle1032]

great video

[@Renejime9288]

Doc, do you recommend any specific brand for toe spacers?

[@bridgetbarrera]

A question about this but for people with high arches. Walking barefoot really hurts the heels and feet in general. Would this help out at all?

[@DrHoulihan]

@bridgetbarrera difficult to say, there's more I would need to know. Could possibly allow you to comfortably distribute more weight to forefoot if that is what irritates the heel

[@darklordlc]

I’m suffering with plantar fasciitis for over 7 months. I’m a distance runner. Nothing is working. A PT mentioned toe spacers. Can you run with toe spacers? Do you wear them all day?

[@DrHoulihan]

Yes and yes, are you doing any strengthening exercises for your feet?

[@barrybeaver8178]

How long should you ware Them ina day

[@DrHoulihan]

Ideally all day but it takes time to build enough tolerance to keep them in all day. Also highly dependent on your shoes being wide enough to accommodate them

[@barrybeaver8178]

Thanks for the info

[@lizlemon9632]

Excellent info. Thx.

[@Joyride37]

Can you link the sources about plantar fasciitis being degenerative to circulation? Id like to do further research and it would also better verify your channel and a reliable and accurate source of information

[@DrHoulihan]

Here is the article referenced scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C34&q=plantar+metatarsal+artery+hallux+valgus&btnG=#d=gs_qabs&t=1665939043252&u=%23p%3D8YZWjsuerf4J

[@jackiegrubb9431]

I started wearing correct toes this week and absolutely love them. I wear them all the time except at bedtime

[@DrHoulihan]

Love it! I usually have them on every day too

[@TrueMathSquare]

Do you know any shoes that have an natural shape toe box that are atleast 6E in width? I think I wear 10E but the widest I have but in was 9E but felt slightly small. Or if I actually want shoes they would be custom made? All of these business claim that we only need wide due to narrow toe box but that is not true. Than for a company like LEMS calm one thing to me in the email but when I got them the wide but they were either normal width or narrow. I had to unlace the boot to get it to even get on which is atypical for even a wide for me. A normal width might be like that. An extreme pressure on the sides sure.

[@DrHoulihan]

My advice would be to take the quiz on barefootshoefinder.com and specify exactly what you're looking for

[@thereviewer571]

What are the best brand for spacers that you have dealt with? Thanks

[@DrHoulihan]

My favorite are correct toes, I wear them daily

[@thereviewer571]

@@DrHoulihan Thank you!!!

[@sarah_renee]

Is it true that some people are more susceptible to developing a bunion of the big toe due to hyper flexibility and other issues further up with the hips etc?

[@DrHoulihan]

Hypermobility of the 1st MTP joint is a real thing but it still requires the foot being jammed in a too-tight shoe to develop a bunion. Issues further up may be indirectly related but not directly related to bunion formation

[@williambreen4290]

I'll be honest with you over the years certain types of Footwear have ruined my toes and feet but as a middle-aged man who works 8 to 10 hours a day on his feet I think it would be unrealistic to wear the toe spacers in my boots during the day! At night time when I'm asleep for 8 hours would that be beneficial to where the toe spacers then?

[@DrHoulihan]

What leads you to believe that would be unrealistic? I wear mine in my shoes just about every day! Wearing them at night is not wrong by any means, but there is more to be gained if you wear them while weight bearing and in motion

[@williambreen4290]

@@DrHoulihan okay I appreciate the feedback. I was just uncertain if that would be a good idea or not and I just wanted a second opinion that's all. I suppose I will have to get some special steel toe boots that are extra wide at the toe? Seriously my toes are jacked up from years of hard labor and horrible Choice Footwear LOL at 44 years old I'm just wondering if I can start to make healthier choices now instead of suffer later and it starts with my toes honestly! I was thinking if I wore the toe spacers for too many hours on end to start off with if it would be Overkill? Additionally do you have any particular brand of toe spacers you can recommend?

[@DrHoulihan]

@@williambreen4290 You have to work up to all day wear just like you would work up to running a marathon, gradual increase over time. Yes, boots with a foot shaped toe box are a must. And my favorite brand (especially for in shoes) is Correct Toes

[@williambreen4290]

@@DrHoulihan okay thank you very much.

[@OneFiit]

Thanks for the info!

[@TimmyIITones]

I have those toe spacers myself but idk why it hurts after 30min of wearing it and it says “suppose” to help correct the toes alignment but silicone kinda hurts also and also good to have around

[@DrHoulihan]

It hurt my feet when I first started wearing them too but eventually I built up a tolerance to them

[@MrMichaeljcampbell]

Hi, Thank you for the information in the video. My right foot has a bunion that is getting out of hand.(I think its caused from driving) I've since bought a pair of altra shoes with a wide toe-box but now the middle of my foot is damaged somehow. Its extremely painful and I must limp to avoid pressure on the toes. I have no insurance so going to the Dr is out of the question. This video inspired me to use toe spacers but I don't know what to buy. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[@DrHoulihan]

Lots to unpack with this one! My favorite are Correct Toes because they are more firm than most of the other brands, but you could always ease your way in with a softer, more malleable pair. They sell them on Amazon for $10

[@MrMichaeljcampbell]

@@DrHoulihan thank you! I will give them a try. Quick question if you don't mind. Have you heard of bunion causing the middle toe pad to be affected? I got these new shoes and my feet did not hurt but my foot started to cramp up, then this pain came out of nowhere and now its unbearable without taking Tylenol. Also I was thinking to call a chiropractor since they aren't expensive as a doctor. Any suggestions, advice?..

[@DrHoulihan]

@Michael Campbell Bunions can happen concurrently with collapsed transverse arch which can cause pressure under the middle toes

[@lindamastropietro4429]

I roll the arch of my foot over a tennis ball and it stretches the arch, hence stretching the muscle that leads to my toes

[@artsyfartsyme]

I had bunions as a child. Many people in my family have had them. 🤔I had bunion surgery on one foot at the age of 13. So… multiple ancestors of mine all just got poorly fitted shoes? I also have scoliosis which runs in my family too. Interesting.

[@DrHoulihan]

99.99999% of shoes on the market today (and for the last several centuries) can give you bunions. Bunions and scoliosis are both related to hypermobility, I wouldn't be surprised if you or your family members were particularly flexible (just guessing here), but the analogy I like to use is your genetics loaded the gun and your shoes pulled the trigger

[@kittykat1173]

Was surgery worth it for you?

[@Richard1976]

Do toe spacers help the little toes? My 2nd outside toes are growing inside and fairly hurt from time to time. They have removed small bit of bone of a left too.. But it starts to grow again inside.. Almost under my middle too

[@DrHoulihan]

Absolutely, sometimes the little toe is the one most positively impacted by the toe spacers

[@DBMMMMM]

My mom who was a surgery assistent for 40 years keeps insisting to me, my bunions are genetically inherited. Bc she has it and her brother too, very severe. I am 57 now and managed to almost remove the right foot bunion completely, but left one is stubborn. Is there hope for me? I wear only a big toe spacer and just ordered a spreader covering the whole foot. Is this age-related also? Are my chances for a permanent healing lower bc i am 57?

[@DrHoulihan]

It gets tougher when you're older but I would also look into shoes with a wide, anatomically shaped toe box if you haven't already

[@christopherbooth5739]

HI DOCTOR CAN ANYTHING BE DONE ABOUT HEEL BUNIONS MY DAUGHTER HAS GOT ONE I THINK THANKS

[@DrHoulihan]

Yes, bunions can be improved

[@hozman67]

How long should you wear toe spacers for during the day? can i wear them when i do sports like skating and skiing?

[@DrHoulihan]

It's a gradual build up, think of it like training for a marathon. I wouldn't go out and run 26 miles tomorrow so I wouldn't expect someone to put their toe spacers on and wear them all day in their shoes. And if you can fit them inside skates or ski boots without crushing your toes then yes but I do not know of any such skates or ski boots!

[@bridgettharding9585]

I just took back my spacers to Walmart today. My feet got sweaty cleaning house and they kept popping out. Not sure if I should try others.

[@Ferdinando808]

Throw socks on over them goofy

[@drbonesshow1]

Dr. Juan Hung Lowe recommends a ball-spacer for his patients.

[@mrridikilis]

Do you recommend any toe spacers in particular? Maybe an Amazon link would be helpful

[@DrHoulihan]

Correct Toes are my favorite, correcttoes.com

[@mrridikilis]

@@DrHoulihan thx!

[@joannerussell7490]

I wonder how long to wear toe spacers at a time? The ones I have are not comfortable for any length of time.

[@DrHoulihan]

What kind are they and how long have you had them?

[@maryjostarks8351]

How long should you wear toe spacers each day?

[@jeanmader2302]

SO...where do I find good quality toe spacers. I found junk online, and the pharmacy had none.

[@DrHoulihan]

Best quality is Correct Toes. Their website also has a list of shoes with which you can wear the spacers

[@jeanmader2302]

@@DrHoulihan Thank you. Eliminating junk is not an easy task, and my husband's toe is super crooked. He really needs help.

[@DrHoulihan]

Hope this helps! Keep in mind it is a process, not a quick fix

[@jeanmader2302]

@@DrHoulihan Got it...will do the foot massages as well.

[@christinajones93]

I just got mine and I notice my feet dont hurt as much and my glutes are working and I noticed my stablity is better mind you I have flat feet

[@DrHoulihan]

Love to hear it!

[@tracylee4442]

Sure would be nice if shoe manufacturers made appropriate, inexpensive shoes, especially for wide feet

[@DrHoulihan]

They do! Xero, Wildling, Feelgrounds, Be Lenka, Lems, all have models that retail for $120 or less and actually one of my favorites Splay retail for $55

[@cyb3rjake735]

barefoot on concrete basement floor my whole life when not in my shoes.. good? bad? wearing "normal" shoes (nike huarache) also best spacer brand or specific name??

[@DrHoulihan]

Barefoot on concrete is something that the vast majority would have to work up to but if you've done it your whole life and it doesn't give you issues then it's not a problem. And I personally like Correct Toes

[@cyb3rjake735]

@@DrHoulihan yea barefoot always seemed alot more natural and comfortable. and im gonna check that out for sure. thank you

[@christopherbooth5739]

started wearing toe spacers a couple of months ago because of tight fitting doc martin work boots which gave me a small bunion does it take years to reverse if you wear them about 10 hours a day thanks

[@DrHoulihan]

Unfortunately there's not a perfect timeline, it depends on the magnitude of the bunion, the type of toe spacers you wear, the type of shoes you wear, age, etc

[@Vang_Cutz]

My right calf, hamstrings & Lower back have been really sore/stiff lately... Will toe spacers help or should I just start looking into different shoes?

[@DrHoulihan]

Yes to both of those things but don't forget to rehab too, the tools you use won't solve the problem on their own

[@Javalita65]

Can bunion (or bunionette which I have) be corrected at all with toe spacers? Or assume at least would be minimized?

[@DrHoulihan]

Yes!

[@HemanthSG]

I have complete flat feet, obviously i get pain when too much walk or run. Can i use this? Please reply

[@DrHoulihan]

Yes you can! Along with strengthening exercises to help control the pronation/supination of your foot under load

[@chaz__digital]

What brand is recommended??

[@DrHoulihan]

I like Correct Toes

[@christopherbooth5739]

HI DOCTOR I THINK I HAVE ASKED QUESTIONS BEFORE I STARTED USING TOE SEPERATORS ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO BECAUSE OF A BUNION ON THE SIDE OF MY RIGHT FOOT AND IT WAS PAINFUL FOR A WHILE IN SHOES BUT I GOT USED TO IT BUT NOW ON THE SAME FOOT ON THE LITTLE TOE SIDE NEAR WHERE THE FOOT JOINS THE BOTTOM OF THE LEG A BONE HAS POTRUDED UNDER THE SKIN ABOUT AS LONG AS A THUMB I DONT KNOW WHO ELSE TO ASK OR WHAT IT IS OR COULD I SEND A PICTURE IM REALLY WORRIED THANKS THEY WERE GEL SEPERATOR FROM FEET&FEET IN THE UK AND PAINFULL ON LITTLE TOE SIDE FOR A WHILE WHEN IN SHOES THANKS

[@DrHoulihan]

Is it causing you pain? What you described sounds like the distal end of the fibula bone, search for an image of "distal fibula" and see if it looks like yours. It's normal for that to protrude on the outer edge if the ankle but if it's painful you should contact a doctor who can see you in person

[@christopherbooth5739]

IF IT IS COULD IT BE INFLAMED ONLY SLIGHT PAIN CAN ONLY FIND FRACTURES ON LINE

[@DrHoulihan]

There isn't a whole lot I can do for you over the internet unfortunately, I would suggest getting in touch with a local PT or other provider who can check you out

[@infinera06]

There is not a shoe wide enough for my extra extra extra wide feet. I think I developed neuropathy from decades of overly tight shoes. I wish I can use toe spreaders, but I would have to go bare feet 24/7.

[@donnaburney2231]

Yes, the entire foot, from the tip of the toes to the heel should form an obvious triangle shape.

[@nhhorhakyyanhihorha219]

Can he set the insider foot?? By wearing toe spreaders please reply doctor

[@DrHoulihan]

I'm sorry can you ask again? Your question did not translate properly the first time

[@nhhorhakyyanhihorha219]

@@DrHoulihan While walking, the front toes of the feet turn inwards.

[@DrHoulihan]

@Nhhorhakyya Nhi ho rha I think I understand. Yes that is something you can help with toe spacers

[@vivianhudacek1556]

Thanks so much!

[@eclipse_eternal8178]

I always thought that my toes were just narrow like the rest of my foot, turns out I think it's the shoes I've been wearing all my life, atm I'm trying to reverse this :)

[@Ke-qv3md]

Will toe spacers help with pttd??

[@jtdatsunspl311]

I got a Taylor bunion and I’m looking for some new shoes for work. I’m a server and I’m on My feet quite a bit. what kind of shoes should I get?

[@DrHoulihan]

Splay shoes have a pretty wide toe box but if you need more cushion, Altra is a good option too

[@jtdatsunspl311]

@@DrHoulihan Thank you so much for the response I really appreciate it! I will definitely look into those shoes!

[@sarah_renee]

I’ve got one too and I think it’s from wearing pointed boots (coffins) to work and walking around in them all day for years on end 😩 I just got myself a pair of feel grounds and they look cool. Groundies make really nice “normal” looking barefoot shoes too

[@YG-kk4ey]

Would this help cure hallux rigidus? 🙏

[@DrHoulihan]

I don't know that there is a "cure" per se for hallux rigidus, is it in combination with hallux valgus?

[@YG-kk4ey]

@@DrHoulihan Marginally. I read somewhere toe spacers allow the arch to engage, which helps the hallux joint proper rotation... Was wondering your thoughts

[@DrHoulihan]

@@YG-kk4ey it does facilitate the use of the arch but I can't say that I've read any research specifically on how toe spacers might affect hallux rigidus. My thought would be that they would improve the mobility of the toe but for some people the movement is what hurts so it might move better but feel worse. Lots of gray area there

[@YG-kk4ey]

@@DrHoulihan thanks!

[@Supsup7777]

Do you have a link for the toe spacers you recommend?

[@DrHoulihan]

Correcttoes.com

[@freespeech7747]

I now wear toe spacers and I feel more stable on my feet as they are wider

[@DrHoulihan]

Precisely! I've given them to a ton of my patients for exactly that reason

[@kathycuttonaro8999]

Yes it was.

[@armandogomez2677]

How long should you wear toe spacers?

[@DrHoulihan]

Depends on where you're at in the process and how much you need them. Early on starting with just 10-20 minutes while off your feet, and if needed, working up to wearing them in your shoes all day

[@armandogomez2677]

@@DrHoulihan thank you for the reply but I mean like after you can wear them all day, will they still be needed occasionally or one they do their job you never wear them again?

[@DrHoulihan]

@Armando Gomez Some people might be able to go without them once the natural position is restored and you can fully control your splay. For most people though, it is exhausting to maintain a splay all day, so the spacers can help from that standpoint

[@MALTHEMASTERBARBER]

I’m recently and currently using toe spacers for strength.

[@DrHoulihan]

Love it!

[@johnrambo5055]

Will they help metatarsalgia?

[@DrHoulihan]

Absolutely they could- probably be even more effective if paired with metatarsal pads

[@CptAngelKGaming]

It is depressing that podiatrists are literally clueless about such obvious stuff and will perpetuate the suffering of people through useless/damaging insoles and stupid advice. Same with so many other things related to health and well being.

[@DrHoulihan]

Yeah it's unfortunate, I understand that the big shoe companies put a lot of money into the national Podiatry organizations and so they have quite a bit of influence over those programs and the profession in general

[@beewalk34]

@@DrHoulihan sounds like corruption

[@carmandr24]

I have curved toes that overlap, both the big toe but all other toes. I just started to use toe spacers. I don’t know if these will help my curved overlapping toes. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated

[@DrHoulihan]

If any conservative measure is going to help, it's toe spacers. Try to follow up your use of the toe spacers with exercises of mobilization to reinforce the desired position

[@felipaschwartz1342]

Enjoyed watching the video, I do have a question. I’ve had the beginning of a bunion for the pass maybe 3 years. I’ve been wearing toe spacers and I think that’s help but now I just found out at my last dr’s visit is that I have claw toes! My little toe and the one next to it are sideways. I can’t walk barefooted because they feel like they are going to fall off. So I’ve see those socks that are very thin and they say they are great for corrective feet? In your opinion what’s better toe spacers or these socks?

[@DrHoulihan]

@Felipa Schwartz Not sure what socks you're referring to, but no sock is going to provide enough force to move the toes back into position. That would be a job best suited for toe spacers

[@harcharankaur2669]

Frm where can I get these?

[@DrHoulihan]

Correcttoes.com

[@harcharankaur2669]

@@DrHoulihan okay Dr.thanks I will try.

[@christopherbooth5739]

CAN YOU REVERSE A SMALL BUNION BY WEARING TOE SPACERS THANKS

[@DrHoulihan]

Yes

[@halim4306]

Is Dangerous to use toe spacer on sleep?

[@DrHoulihan]

Not any more or less than during the day if you have worked up to wearing them for hours at a time, I would make sure they're not too tight and restricting circulation as a general rule though

[@geolykos]

I have the exact same toe spacers as your thumbnail

[@chrisk2423]

what about lebron james? one of thr greatest athletes of all time has a toe that’s pointed inward and he performs at the highest level. Also, a lot of athletes in general have this tendency as well yet they perform at the highest level

[@DrHoulihan]

@chrisk2423 It's not that suboptimal foot health will automatically disable an athlete, but it can be an important tool in a toolbox of items for improving performance

[@zencone]

Usain Bolt likely would have been even faster than he already was! Spread the toes...Spread the word.

[@cvspvr]

that's a bit of a stretch. just because spread toes are good for some purposes doesn't mean they're good for all purposes. for example, climbers use very restrictive shoes, and they're better than less restrictive shoes

[@Miracleorganiqueomega]

Just got mine in today

[@DrHoulihan]

Right on, what kind?

[@donnaburney2231]

WOW!!!! Yes

[@debhelms4106]

I bought toe spacers they hurt can wear very long

[@DrHoulihan]

Start off with just a few minutes at a time and build up tolerance 👍

[@jimburke697]

I've been wearing Astral shoes that are zero drop wide toe box kind of shoes...are they wide enough to also fit my foot wearing correct toes?

[@DrHoulihan]

Mine are a bit snug with correct toes in but that also depends on how wide your feet are

[@jimburke697]

@@DrHoulihan Not as wide as they should be but according to correcttoes site, I can trim them to fit if I need to. Thanks Dr!

[@ExtremeFighter]

Good content but fix the audio man

[@michelebrown6615]

Are bunions hereditary??? Just kidding - but I will say my grandmother was afflicted as well as my mother and I am. Your video was very informative, well explained and well done. I appreciate your knowledge, and wanted to ask you about the toe spacers - are they worn around the house without shoes or are they worn while you are wearing shoes? The other question I have is what do you suggest for the best tennis shoes for going to the gym and walking - my insurance company will pay for my shoes after January 1, and I want to buy the best and most healthy for my feet. Thank you very much.😁😁😁

[@susancruz729]

Plantar fascia pain.......wore inserts and cushion shoes.....foot muscles atrophied........caused knee pain......hip pain. Finally went 0 drop........ discovered toe shoes.......built back the muscles in my feet. Most shoes are just plain bad for us. Our children, and old people, have some of the worst shoes available to them.

[@janesmith506]

What are toe shoes? I'm having the same issues you describe.

[@JeeeezBub]

@@janesmith506 They are shoes that are of the following attributes: a wide toe box which mimics what your toe splay (or spread) should look; have less cushioning and overall support; no heel to toe drop; generally minimalistic in construction and overall design