Thank you! I love this video. I started barefoot walking about two years ago. It helped relieve the consequences of a very bad toe injury from 2009, and that after years of trying to do what the main stream medical community was telling me to do. None of that worked. The condition in my left leg and foot and ankle just kept worsening. Minimizing the foot protection in flat, no heal drop canvas slip Ons, and doing my walk on Hardpac dirt trails has allowed my left leg to strengthen and heal in every way. I love the science of evolutionary biology, and I admire your guest for her knowledge in that field. Thank you so much for sharing. You will help many people. I am a new subscriber of yours, and I am very happy to watch you every day.
Thank you for sharing Susan and welcome to the PFP community! I'm so glad you found a way to recover from your toe injury - love to see that kind of perseverance pay off!
Loved this episode, thanks for bringing it to us. Please can you ask her to come on for a part 2 to talk about severs disease in children. My 10 year old boy suffers badly and it impacts his ability to do daily sports. If you have any tips i would love to hear them please.
Just one more thing to add Yoni when i had my knee replacement in the UK they just dumped me after very little rehab (you had to pay for it and i still couldn't drive) and i never regained full range of motion above 45 degree bend - i can't kneel onto my heels. I was told it was normal never to get it back maybe in US it is different! I would never have another operation; it's all about keeping strong; but the knife is already being sharpened for profit - the body will heal when given the right circumstances; and big med will never give any alternatives to the knife.
So sorry to hear about your experience, Janice! I completely disagree with whoever told you it was "normal" to have a significantly reduced range of motion in an artificial joint. While that is often the case right after surgery, the rehabilitation should not be considered complete until full range of motion and functional abilities (to perform activities of daily living - like kneeling) have been restored.
Here is my question...In today's modern world, where everywhere you go (except if you live on a beach or private land), there is concrete and blacktop. I can understand minimalist shoes for walking on grass/sand or another soft surface that man has evolved from; however, most of us do not live in a perfect world and so I would think these minimalist shoes creates a very hard surface and jolt for our limbs/joints that are not supposed to be taking on. Thus, the extra cushioning of shoes/sneaks to combat the extreme hard surfaces that we need to live on. I would appreciate your comment on thiis.
It's a good question, Johanna. The human body is designed specifically to absorb the type of impact forces that are generated by moving around in the presence of gravity. It allows us to run, bound, jump and slam dunk & arrive safely back to Earth. The foot alone has an magnificent network of sensor nerves, 28 bones, 33 joints, 3 arches, 4 layers of dense fascia, and a dense complex muscles all highly evolved to this task. This is to say nothing of the ankle, knee, pelvis & spine. The majority of the structural issues we see today in the general population are related to tissues that are deconditioned as a result of the modern lifestyle (insufficient nutrition, inactivity, etc.). Using footwear that decreases sensory input, alters the natural alignment of the foot, prevents it from moving as it's intended, and offloads the responsibility of our tissues to thick layers of foam cushioning is a major contributor to the lack of foot fitness that's at the root of these problems.
in a way he is, by walking on all these surfaces can help to make our feet stronger to with stand many surfaces. Not all surfaces all the time. As with the idea of squatting its t as king me a long time to get srength habot and ability to squat.
You are such a great host! I've got osteoporosis and had an L4 Fracture with 3 bulging disc's. I walk every day at least 30 minutes. I'm wondering if the minimalist shoes could possibly cause issues for weak bones. Thoughts?
Thank you for your kind words, Dee. I am a big proponent of minimalist footwear. So long as people listen to their body's feedback and take the time to transition slowly when going from traditional shoes to minimalist shoes - it's all upside.
I have a friend who suffers with plantar fasciitis. She bought a pair of Xero shoes but it kills get to wear them. I shared your video on how to fix plantar fasciitis. She hasn’t had time to try the quadrant, ball, and rock taping. When she does the taping etc. should she wear the shoes that she’s been wearing or wear the barefoot shoes because without taping, she can’t tolerate the barefoot shoes. Do you think with taping that she would be able to wear the barefoot shoes?
Tough to say what's appropriate for your friend without an examination. But, wearing the tape inside of shoes is no problem whatsoever. It's important to note that transitioning to barefoot shoes is a process - not an event. The more deconditioned a person's feet are, the slower they should go. This video talks a little about that - ua-cam.com/video/GzfK2FCxeM8/v-deo.html
I have a nerve problem with feet after a replacement knee op 13 years ago. All specialists put me in all sorts of support soles and 2 years later i bought sandals with thin soles by mistake - I realised my feet felt better in them. This year i have bought Zero shoes which are great! I do feel that the operated leg is longer though now and my other hip is compensating!
Good question, Amy. The results of building up your body's intrinsic support structures (muscles, tendons, bones and over time - ligaments) produces better, more healthful results than relying on extrinsic support (thicker shoes).
@@painfixprotocol I agree. But pavement is not same as forest. I have a minimal shoes w a bit of padding to mimicking the forest. They’re altras. Flexible. I do a midfoot strike. But as a dog walker and ten years walking on pavement- I’ll take a little padding to be more like the forest. Too shocking for body if you’re constantly on pavement.
I was advised to wear a lift in my shoe with the 3/4" shorter leg to help minimize back pain. I used to always go barefoot in my house, but now I am using a designated house shoe to accommodate the lift. I don't have barefoot time now, and I don't know how to go barefoot without compromising the needed lift?? Help.
Good question, skriggs! I have seen that exact situation many times. A 3/4" discrepancy is very large and so I can understand why having a lift in at all times is so important for you. The key will be choosing the right footwear - using shoes that allow your feet to position themselves and function in a way that approximates barefoot as much as possible will provide you with the best of both worlds.
Pictures of the foot when you’re talking describing what is happening would be better than using her hands describing how the food moves. What are minimal shoes?
Good question, MaxStillMad. Basic flip-flops certainly offer some of the benefits of a minimal shoe. However, in the purest sense, no, they are not. The reason is because the amount of foam that most flip-flops use for the sole. This dampens sensory input into the foot and as a result alters our biomechanics. Xero Shoes has some great options for truly minimal sandals.
Great question, K Dski! One option would be Xero Shoe's cold weather boot - the Alpine. It's insulated, waterproof and still lightweight: xeroshoes.com/go/PainFixProtocol
My knees have collapsed which I believe developed because of my collapsed arches. I am 82 years old and probably should have knee replacements. Does walking in a minimal shoe make any sense?
Great question, Betsy. While I cannot say conclusively without an examination, using a minimal shoes as part of an overall strategy aimed at building up the strength/stamina of your foot & lower leg muscles certainly makes sense strategically. I would consider seeing a qualified rehab practitioner in you area who can examine you and provide specific recommendations.
Well, well, interesting, but i heard other opinion on mortons neuroma...especially those running on hard surfaces in minimal shoes are under risk, as you hitting forefoot....also, i personally like minimal shoes, but only on soft surfaces, gravel, forest etc.....she not mentioned it...running in big cities on asphalt is questionable...and i hope she knows that our ancestors were born barefoot, yes, but they not have concrete those times 😮😊
Thanks for sharing! You make a valid point. Dr. Davis is one of the world's foremost experts on the biomechanics of the lower body and I believe the point she was making is that minimalist shoes can help us build & maintain the strength we need to overcome & prevent these types of problems.
I was not wearing any arch support but a flat slipper most of the time the last few years (working from home) and I got flat feet and terrible pain. I also developed a bunion closer to my heal on the outside of my right foot.?!? I know it's so strange. Not a usual place for a bunion. Couldn't find any info on how to handle it. So I got an arch support that pushed up the middle of the arch and started to wear shoes with more support in the house. It actually helped! The pain is almost gone. I figured I needed more arch support. But I'm not an expert. This conversation tells me to do the exact opposite. 🧐 So if I try barefoot in the house and the awefule pain returns, what shell I do?
It sounds like you lack sufficient strength/stamina in you foot & lower leg muscles, Szaffi. The arch support is providing the support that your muscles should be giving you. While it's great that your pain is gone, this is not a viable long-term strategy. I would consider seeing a qualified rehab practitioner in you area who can help you design & implement a plan for restoring proper structure/function to your feet.
There are vast cultural and environmental differences with regard to this issue. But for people who choose to wear shoes in their home, it would be best to have a dedicated pair of house shoes so they don't inadvertently track outside pollutants into their living space.
Hi Charles, I think it depends: If you're coming from an allopathic model and focused on treating a particular disease or condition then, absolutely. Advice will need to be tailored specifically to that condition. However, if you come from a wellness-oriented paradigm, then general advice from a highly-qualified expert about what's needed to maintain the health & functionality of particular tissues is very valuable information to have.
What Dr. Davis said there is that people who habitually run on the forefoot have stronger & stiffer Achilles tendons that don't elongate as much as heel strikers.
Most of her conversation was about "runners", does not apply to a majority of us. Minimal shoes?, excruciating, unless we want our environment to be as rhetly were centuries ago. Having said all that, I walked on bare feet at home all the time, I started to feel extreme heel pain, so I subconsciously started putting weight on my toes, that resulted in extreme lower back pain. I refused orthotics, then I not only suffered from plantar fasciitis I also had chronic lower back pain. I can no longer walk barefoot, the only thing that eases my pain is cortizone injection in my heels. I have no idea what the solution is, but most assuredly it is not her solution. I apologize for the long diatribe, but I get frustrated to hear an expert thinking that "one size fits all"!
I'm curious, Christine... Which of Dr. Davis' recommendations specifically do you feel are not applicable to you the general public? Also, why do you feel that footwear that is specifically designed to accommodate the natural shape and normal function of the foot would be "excruciating"?
@painfixprotocol Excruciating because the only things that makes the pain of Plantar Fasciitis tolerable for me, are soft memory foam foot inserts shaped folloeing foot cutvature. Orthotics are not made to be cushiony soft, albeit they are shaped correctly.
Thank you! I love this video. I started barefoot walking about two years ago. It helped relieve the consequences of a very bad toe injury from 2009, and that after years of trying to do what the main stream medical community was telling me to do. None of that worked. The condition in my left leg and foot and ankle just kept worsening. Minimizing the foot protection in flat, no heal drop canvas slip Ons, and doing my walk on Hardpac dirt trails has allowed my left leg to strengthen and heal in every way. I love the science of evolutionary biology, and I admire your guest for her knowledge in that field. Thank you so much for sharing. You will help many people. I am a new subscriber of yours, and I am very happy to watch you every day.
Thank you for sharing Susan and welcome to the PFP community! I'm so glad you found a way to recover from your toe injury - love to see that kind of perseverance pay off!
Loved this episode, thanks for bringing it to us. Please can you ask her to come on for a part 2 to talk about severs disease in children. My 10 year old boy suffers badly and it impacts his ability to do daily sports. If you have any tips i would love to hear them please.
Thanks so much, Emma! I will definitely be reaching out to Dr. Davis for a return visit. She is a wealth of information.
Just one more thing to add Yoni when i had my knee replacement in the UK they just dumped me after very little rehab (you had to pay for it and i still couldn't drive) and i never regained full range of motion above 45 degree bend - i can't kneel onto my heels. I was told it was normal never to get it back maybe in US it is different! I would never have another operation; it's all about keeping strong; but the knife is already being sharpened for profit - the body will heal when given the right circumstances; and big med will never give any alternatives to the knife.
So sorry to hear about your experience, Janice! I completely disagree with whoever told you it was "normal" to have a significantly reduced range of motion in an artificial joint. While that is often the case right after surgery, the rehabilitation should not be considered complete until full range of motion and functional abilities (to perform activities of daily living - like kneeling) have been restored.
Here is my question...In today's modern world, where everywhere you go (except if you live on a beach or private land), there is concrete and blacktop.
I can understand minimalist shoes for walking on grass/sand or another soft surface that man has evolved from; however, most of us do not live in a perfect world and so I would think these minimalist shoes creates a very hard surface and jolt for our limbs/joints that are not supposed to be taking on. Thus, the extra cushioning of shoes/sneaks to combat the extreme hard surfaces that we need to live on. I would appreciate your comment on thiis.
It's a good question, Johanna. The human body is designed specifically to absorb the type of impact forces that are generated by moving around in the presence of gravity. It allows us to run, bound, jump and slam dunk & arrive safely back to Earth. The foot alone has an magnificent network of sensor nerves, 28 bones, 33 joints, 3 arches, 4 layers of dense fascia, and a dense complex muscles all highly evolved to this task. This is to say nothing of the ankle, knee, pelvis & spine. The majority of the structural issues we see today in the general population are related to tissues that are deconditioned as a result of the modern lifestyle (insufficient nutrition, inactivity, etc.). Using footwear that decreases sensory input, alters the natural alignment of the foot, prevents it from moving as it's intended, and offloads the responsibility of our tissues to thick layers of foam cushioning is a major contributor to the lack of foot fitness that's at the root of these problems.
@@painfixprotocoli believe its not answering her question😅
in a way he is, by walking on all these surfaces can help to make our feet stronger to with stand many surfaces.
Not all surfaces all the time.
As with the idea of squatting its t as king me a long time to get srength habot and ability to squat.
You are such a great host! I've got osteoporosis and had an L4 Fracture with 3 bulging disc's. I walk every day at least 30 minutes. I'm wondering if the minimalist shoes could possibly cause issues for weak bones. Thoughts?
Thank you for your kind words, Dee. I am a big proponent of minimalist footwear. So long as people listen to their body's feedback and take the time to transition slowly when going from traditional shoes to minimalist shoes - it's all upside.
I have a friend who suffers with plantar fasciitis. She bought a pair of Xero shoes but it kills get to wear them. I shared your video on how to fix plantar fasciitis. She hasn’t had time to try the quadrant, ball, and rock taping. When she does the taping etc. should she wear the shoes that she’s been wearing or wear the barefoot shoes because without taping, she can’t tolerate the barefoot shoes. Do you think with taping that she would be able to wear the barefoot shoes?
Tough to say what's appropriate for your friend without an examination. But, wearing the tape inside of shoes is no problem whatsoever. It's important to note that transitioning to barefoot shoes is a process - not an event. The more deconditioned a person's feet are, the slower they should go. This video talks a little about that - ua-cam.com/video/GzfK2FCxeM8/v-deo.html
I have a nerve problem with feet after a replacement knee op 13 years ago. All specialists put me in all sorts of support soles and 2 years later i bought sandals with thin soles by mistake - I realised my feet felt better in them. This year i have bought Zero shoes which are great! I do feel that the operated leg is longer though now and my other hip is compensating!
I'm so glad you figured that out, Janice. That's one lucky mistake!
Can you address accessory navicular recommendations/post tibial tendonitis. Thank you!!
Thanks RK - those are good suggestions for a future video.
@@painfixprotocol Thanks SO very much! Love your great videos! Learn so much.
What about minimal shoes on the pavement?
Good question, Amy. The results of building up your body's intrinsic support structures (muscles, tendons, bones and over time - ligaments) produces better, more healthful results than relying on extrinsic support (thicker shoes).
@@painfixprotocol I agree. But pavement is not same as forest. I have a minimal shoes w a bit of padding to mimicking the forest. They’re altras. Flexible. I do a midfoot strike. But as a dog walker and ten years walking on pavement- I’ll take a little padding to be more like the forest. Too shocking for body if you’re constantly on pavement.
I was advised to wear a lift in my shoe with the 3/4" shorter leg to help minimize back pain. I used to always go barefoot in my house, but now I am using a designated house shoe to accommodate the lift. I don't have barefoot time now, and I don't know how to go barefoot without compromising the needed lift?? Help.
Good question, skriggs! I have seen that exact situation many times. A 3/4" discrepancy is very large and so I can understand why having a lift in at all times is so important for you. The key will be choosing the right footwear - using shoes that allow your feet to position themselves and function in a way that approximates barefoot as much as possible will provide you with the best of both worlds.
Pictures of the foot when you’re talking describing what is happening would be better than using her hands describing how the food moves. What are minimal shoes?
It's a good suggestion, Zenaida. Thank you. Here's a video that talks all about minimal shoes: ua-cam.com/video/v8tyBoRYaMs/v-deo.html
Are basic flip-flops considered minimal shoes?
Good question, MaxStillMad. Basic flip-flops certainly offer some of the benefits of a minimal shoe. However, in the purest sense, no, they are not. The reason is because the amount of foam that most flip-flops use for the sole. This dampens sensory input into the foot and as a result alters our biomechanics. Xero Shoes has some great options for truly minimal sandals.
I was listening to the whole thing and never heard anything addressed regarding Morton's neuroma specifically????
Thanks for asking, Tami. Morton's neuroma is discussed at 24:46
the barefoot / minimal solution is great but what do you suggest for clients who live in very cold climates and work outside ?
Great question, K Dski! One option would be Xero Shoe's cold weather boot - the Alpine. It's insulated, waterproof and still lightweight: xeroshoes.com/go/PainFixProtocol
@@painfixprotocol I'm not sure why, but when I click the link you include for Xero shoes (above), nothing happens?
My knees have collapsed which I believe developed because of my collapsed arches. I am 82 years old and probably should have knee replacements. Does walking in a minimal shoe make any sense?
Great question, Betsy. While I cannot say conclusively without an examination, using a minimal shoes as part of an overall strategy aimed at building up the strength/stamina of your foot & lower leg muscles certainly makes sense strategically. I would consider seeing a qualified rehab practitioner in you area who can examine you and provide specific recommendations.
Well, well, interesting, but i heard other opinion on mortons neuroma...especially those running on hard surfaces in minimal shoes are under risk, as you hitting forefoot....also, i personally like minimal shoes, but only on soft surfaces, gravel, forest etc.....she not mentioned it...running in big cities on asphalt is questionable...and i hope she knows that our ancestors were born barefoot, yes, but they not have concrete those times 😮😊
Thanks for sharing! You make a valid point. Dr. Davis is one of the world's foremost experts on the biomechanics of the lower body and I believe the point she was making is that minimalist shoes can help us build & maintain the strength we need to overcome & prevent these types of problems.
I was not wearing any arch support but a flat slipper most of the time the last few years (working from home) and I got flat feet and terrible pain. I also developed a bunion closer to my heal on the outside of my right foot.?!? I know it's so strange. Not a usual place for a bunion. Couldn't find any info on how to handle it. So I got an arch support that pushed up the middle of the arch and started to wear shoes with more support in the house. It actually helped! The pain is almost gone. I figured I needed more arch support.
But I'm not an expert. This conversation tells me to do the exact opposite. 🧐 So if I try barefoot in the house and the awefule pain returns, what shell I do?
You need to do foot strengthening excercises as well and find out the correct gait and footfall to use the muscles in your arches.
It sounds like you lack sufficient strength/stamina in you foot & lower leg muscles, Szaffi. The arch support is providing the support that your muscles should be giving you. While it's great that your pain is gone, this is not a viable long-term strategy. I would consider seeing a qualified rehab practitioner in you area who can help you design & implement a plan for restoring proper structure/function to your feet.
@@painfixprotocol Thank you. It does make sense. I think I will start with your Pain Fix Protocol for foot pain and go from there.
I've never understood why people wear shoes in their home.
There are vast cultural and environmental differences with regard to this issue. But for people who choose to wear shoes in their home, it would be best to have a dedicated pair of house shoes so they don't inadvertently track outside pollutants into their living space.
strictly barefoot or are socks allowed?
Great question, Heide! Covering your feet diminishes sensory input which is why spending some time completely barefoot (no socks) is so beneficial.
How do I read you recomendations
There's no transcript for this interview at this time. However, Dr. Davis is featured in Chris McDougall’s iconic book "Born to Run" - amzn.to/3XB4HS4
I guess general advice is not specifically for you….find what works best for you !
Hi Charles, I think it depends: If you're coming from an allopathic model and focused on treating a particular disease or condition then, absolutely. Advice will need to be tailored specifically to that condition. However, if you come from a wellness-oriented paradigm, then general advice from a highly-qualified expert about what's needed to maintain the health & functionality of particular tissues is very valuable information to have.
17:12 she is sure forefoot strikers NOT elongate achilles? Not agree- Barefoot ,zero drop is stretching a hilles...and high heels- not
What Dr. Davis said there is that people who habitually run on the forefoot have stronger & stiffer Achilles tendons that don't elongate as much as heel strikers.
Most of her conversation was about "runners", does not apply to a majority of us. Minimal shoes?, excruciating, unless we want our environment to be as rhetly were centuries ago. Having said all that, I walked on bare feet at home all the time, I started to feel extreme heel pain, so I subconsciously started putting weight on my toes, that resulted in extreme lower back pain. I refused orthotics, then I not only suffered from plantar fasciitis I also had chronic lower back pain. I can no longer walk barefoot, the only thing that eases my pain is cortizone injection in my heels. I have no idea what the solution is, but most assuredly it is not her solution. I apologize for the long diatribe, but I get frustrated to hear an expert thinking that "one size fits all"!
Thanks very much for your post.
I'm curious, Christine... Which of Dr. Davis' recommendations specifically do you feel are not applicable to you the general public? Also, why do you feel that footwear that is specifically designed to accommodate the natural shape and normal function of the foot would be "excruciating"?
@painfixprotocol
Excruciating because the only things that makes the pain of Plantar Fasciitis tolerable for me, are soft memory foam foot inserts shaped folloeing foot cutvature. Orthotics are not made to be cushiony soft, albeit they are shaped correctly.
Yoni, I love your videos, but when you have a guest, please talk less.
i agree!!!
I actually appreciate the back and forth exchange in this interview.
Thanks for your constructive feedback, Betsy.