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Tag: healthy feet

Three Tools For Healthy Feet

Are your feet ready for spring training? As we transition from winter to spring footwear the muscles and tendons in our feet and ankles are work differently. You train the rest of your body, why not pay specific attention to your feet? If you suffer from bunions, hammer toes, or plantar fasciitis this is especially important. Treat your feet to a little TLC and you will be pain free this summer.

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Here are the top three tools I use to keep my feet healthy and happy:

  1. Golf ball: Spend five minutes twice a week rolling our your feet and you will notice a difference immediately.
  2. Correct Toes: Wear these toe separators for thirty minutes a day to stretch and strengthen your feet.
  3. Theraband: Lay on your back, wrap a band around your foot and draw your name on the ceiling with your toes.

If you are in need of any of these tools let me know. I sell balls, bands, and Correct Toes and am happy to put together a foot care package and show you how to use all of these goodies.

Anne McCranie owner of Fluid Movement + Massage works with her clients one on one and in small groups using a combination of movement and massage to ease pain, build strength and relax tight muscles. The above information is intended to educate and inform. Please see your health care professional for specific medical advice. 

Call Anne today for a free consultation. (503) 705-4762

 

“Healthy Feet For Athletes” Workshop Thursday March 21st 2013

Do you (or does someone you love) suffer from bunions, hammer toes, plantar fasciitis, high or low arches, or general foot pain?

Join Anne for her “Healthy Feet For Athletes” Workshop Thursday March 21st and learn her signature foot realignment routine that will keep your feet pain free.

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  • WHO: YOU! And your friends with foot issues
  • WHAT: Strengthening exercises, stretches and myofascial release work using a tennis ball, theraband and yoga block
  • WHEN: Thursday March 21st, 7:30 – 8:30 PM
  • WHERE: Sellwood Yoga
  • WHY: Happy healthy feet!
  • COST: $15 payable to Sellwood Yoga

You work to improve the rest of your body, why ignore your feet? Learn simple strength and flexibility exercises that train the muscles in your feet and ankles to be strong, aligned and flexible. What can you do to treat your feet at home? We discuss healthy shoe options, hydrotherapy, and self massage.

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This workshop will sell out! Preregister here. Questions? Call Anne (503) 705-4762

Barefoot Running in Portland

According to this week’s article in the Oregonian the barefoot running craze has hit Portland.  I first read about this in Christopher McDougall’s book Born to Run.  I highly recommend this book as it is a fascinating read, whether you are a runner or not.  He profiles a primitive tribe in Mexico who runs hundreds of miles in sandals without injury and claims the less shoe the better for your feet.

I have seen loads of Portlanders on the waterfront and here in Sellwood running in Vibrams (aka “toe shoes”).  Dan wore his on our [intlink id=”1202″ type=”post”]upcountry hike in Maui[/intlink] and on the Stand Up Paddle board with no ill effects.  I personally have only tried barefoot running on the beaches in Florida and Hawaii.  When I do, I notice the muscles in my feet and ankles working differently when barefoot but do not feel pain or discomfort.

I have talked before about the importance of wearing shoes that do not pinch your toes together, but the concept of going sans shoes entirely may seem a little kooky or even unsafe.  I watched an interview with McDougall where he was asked what he did about broken glass and rocks.  His response was something like he used his eyes and stepped over the object.  🙂

Evidently there are people embracing this concept even here in the Pacific Northwest.  I recently stumbled upon the story of this Canadian woman who goes barefoot all the time, even in winter.  If you are interested in trying out a more minimal shoe the experts advise you ease into it.  Start by walking around your house barefoot or running your last mile or two in your new shoes.  This will give your body time to adjust.

Here are a few other tips:

  • Start slowly, running a few yards or a 1/4 mile at first.
  • Wait for a warm day.  Let your feet adjust to the ground, then the elements.
  • Educate yourself.  Pick up a book on minimalist running or head to a running workshop.

My buddy Alice Diffely holds regular Chi Running workshops here in Portland.  While this group does not specifically recommend a certain style of shoe they do give you tools to help you to be more aware of, and in turn improve your form to prevent injury.

Let me know if you plan on experimenting with minimal running this spring and your results.