Get ready because we’re about to talk about feet. When was the last time you took off your shoes and had a good look at your toes? Well, you should! If you have any type of foot or toe injury, you need to learn about toe spreading and the benefits of barefoot shoes!
Note: For all of you interested in barefoot shoes (we LOVE them) head over to VIVOBAREFOOT and put in code MOVEUVIVO15 for a special discount!
Conventional footwear has weakened our feet as a society causing all sorts of issues, including knee pain, structural foot disorders, and bunions. Yikes! Fortunately, toe spreading can help! Read along to learn more about the benefits of spreading your toes and which product we recommend to help you step up your toe splaying game.
What Is Toe Spreading?
Toe spreading is where you spread out your toes to improve balance, strength, and flexibility. Doing so provides optimal toe alignment. You can toe spread just by splaying out your toes or if you need assistance try out toe spreaders/bands.
Toe bands, like our favorites from The The Toe Spacers, help coax your feet back to their natural position. To check out their toe bands, head to their website and put in the code “MoveU” at checkout for 12% off your purchase.
We know, it seems a bit odd, but we promise that they are onto something! You are supposed to be able to spread your toes on your own without a device to help you, not only to let your toes breathe a bit, but for overall foot health and strength. #spreadyotoes.
Why Is It Important to Be Able to Spread Your Toes?
Toe spreading is healthy for your feet. The intrinsic muscles inside your foot are responsible for correct movement patterns. If your feet do not function correctly, your entire body will start to compensate, which could easily injure your muscles and tendons over time.
Toes are responsible for many actions, including the ability to be able to push off the ground. Examples of this include walking, running, jumping, and climbing stairs. If your toes are stiff or have a difficult time moving or spreading, your ability to do these movements will be affected. Other joints and muscles will have to compensate for this stiffness.
As these compensations become your body’s new normal, they could lead to inflammation, such as tendinitis. Tight shoes can also push your big toe into your other toes, deforming your joints and causing bunions that may need surgery in the future if not addressed. We’d pick toe bands and toe spreading over surgery any day.
Benefits of Toe Spreading
Whether you toe spread with or without a toe spreader depends on you. There are many benefits of toe spreading exercises and toe spreaders including but not limited to the following:
-
Enables natural arch support
-
Provides your body with a supportive foundation
-
Prevents overpronation
-
Improves blood flow
-
Addresses ankle, foot, and toe pain
-
Strengthens your feet
-
Helps restore proper bone orientation
-
Promotes better balance and weight distribution
What Do Toe Spreaders/Toe Bands Do?
Toe spreaders do exactly what their name suggests: they spread out your toes. This separation helps counteract the effects of wearing conventional shoes, which often compress the toes and restrict natural movement. By spreading the toes, toe spreaders help to:
-
Strengthen Intrinsic Foot Muscles: The muscles within your feet are crucial for maintaining proper foot function. Toe spreaders engage these muscles, helping to strengthen them over time.
-
Improve Balance and Stability: By encouraging proper toe alignment, toe spreaders can enhance your balance and stability, making everyday activities like walking or standing more comfortable.
-
Increase Flexibility: Regular use of toe spreaders can help improve the flexibility of your toes and feet, reducing stiffness and discomfort.
Why Do You Need Toe Spreaders?
Most conventional shoes have narrow toe boxes that compress the feet and force the toes together. Over time, this can cause various foot problems, including:
- Foot Pain: Tight footwear can lead to discomfort and pain, especially after long periods of wear.
- Balance Issues: Compressed toes can impact your balance, making you more prone to slips and falls.
- Toe Deformities: Wearing narrow shoes can cause your feet to change shape, leading to deformities such as bunions. This misalignment can result in chronic pain and discomfort.
How to Use Toe Spreaders Effectively:
To get the most out of your toe spreaders, it's important to use them correctly:
-
Start Slow: Begin by wearing your toe spreaders for at least 10 minutes a day. This allows your feet to gradually adjust to the new position.
-
Increase Wear Time Gradually: Once your feet become accustomed to the toe spreaders, you can slowly increase the amount of time you wear them each day.
-
Listen to Your Body: If you start to feel any pain or discomfort, give your feet a break. It’s essential to let your feet rest and recover.
How Long Should You Wear Toe Spreaders?
We recommend starting with a short duration, about 10 minutes a day. As your feet adjust, you can gradually increase the time you wear toe spreaders. The key is to progress slowly and listen to your body to avoid discomfort.
Can you see why it is so important to fix yo feet? For more information on how to properly align your body and improve your posture, head to our MoveU Membership online.
