I didn’t realise that the way our feet move; the space we give the toes to splay, the importance of stimulation by varied surfaces, the level of movement in and the alignment of our big toes and more, can hugely affect the way our entire body moves…until I became injured and was searching for anything that might help me get out of pain.
However, I was aware that when I wore narrow or heeled shoes, I was in pain both during wearing them and afterwards, and as so many other people felt the same, I just accepted it as ‘normal’! Looking back I’m amazed I did. It’s a bit like wearing clothes that are so tight you struggle to breathe and move and yet, you just do it (I could go on about that too, but that’s for another episode)!
Since being a barefoot convert about 7 years ago, knowing how much better my feet feel and how much these natural shoes helped decrease my pain and help my movement, I’ve been following some great accounts on Instagram. One of these was forward thinking @anybryant_podiatrist, so I was thrilled when he agreed to give me some time, all the way from Melbourne, Australia.
In this hugely informative conversation we talk about Andy’s story with foot problems, training in podiatry at University and how his journey with foot health and the way he views treatment for the feet has changed since those early days.
Packed with lots of practical tips, you will be sure to view your own foot function differently by the end of this episode. It’s also a must listen if you’re suffering with foot pain, including problems like bunions and plantar fasciitis, as Andy offers alternative approaches to standard treatment and prevention. Andy also highlights the significance of foot strength and exercises in maintaining foot health and recommends resources for finding barefoot shoes and practitioners who promote natural foot function.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Alternative Outlook on Foot Health
06:14 The Foot’s Role in Body Function and Adaptability
12:56 The Importance of Education and Retraining
15:11 The Foot’s Role in Balance and Toe Movement
23:25 Sensitivity and Connection Between Brain and Feet
35:38 The Impact of Conventional Shoes and Orthotics
53:39 Addressing Bunions and Plantar Fasciitis
56:22 The Role of Foot Exercises in Foot Health
01:02:48 Choosing Proper Footwear for Prevention
01:05:20 Resources for Barefoot Shoes and Practitioners
About this week’s guest:
Andy Bryant is a podiatrist in Melbourne, Australia. He is in his 25th year of practice and for the past 8 has incorporated natural movement and “barefoot health” ideas into helping his clients rehabilitate their painful foot conditions.
He is passionate about empowering his clients with knowledge, skills, habits and movement that leads them towards self efficacy in their health.
Connect here:
Website: https://www.mountwaverleypodiatry.com.au/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/@andybryant_podiatrist/
