Are you new to using Correct Toes? If so, you probably have quite a few questions about how Correct Toes work, what to expect, and how to move on from here. Below are a few of our frequently asked questions.
How can Correct Toes help me?
With Correct Toes, you can:
– Correct many common foot and leg problems
– Increase athletic performance and decrease injuries
– Improve strength and flexibility of the toes and feet
– Enhance balance and stability
What conditions can Correct Toes help?
Regular use of Correct Toes in shoes that are sufficiently wide, lightweight, and flexible can, over time, correct a wide variety of foot problems. Examples of conditions treated are: bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, heel pain or plantar fasciosis, corns, neuromas, capsulitis, lower leg pain, and runner’s knee. Amazingly, no orthotics, surgeries, or medications are required!
Why do Correct Toes work?
Correct Toes spread the toes such that they re-approximate natural anatomy. Why is this important? We spend a lifetime in footwear that is too narrow at the ends of the toes. The result is that our foot shape actually changes such that the toes become scrunched together. But having spread toes is essential to proper gait. Correct Toes work in a similar way to how braces work for teeth (orthodontia). Correct Toes place the toes into optimal alignment, and slowly and progressively, the foot architecture changes. The muscles and other tissues of the foot and body are able to adapt and strengthen accordingly. Ultimately, the goal is to return the foot to its natural shape!
How do I use Correct Toes?
Correct Toes are placed in between the toes. They are designed to be worn either barefoot, in wide slippers, or in shoes. Important note: the shoes MUST be wide enough to accommodate the toes with Correct Toes in place. (See the diagram. The shoe on the left is too narrow. The shoe on the right is wide enough). The best results are seen when people incorporate them into their daily weight-bearing activities. Also, it is important to incorporate Correct Toes SLOWLY and progressively. We recommend wearing them for a half-hour the first day and then increasing the time by approximately 30 minutes each day. This will allow your body to adjust to the changes. You may experience some soreness at first, as would be expected when muscles are being utilized in a novel way. Just like with any new activity, the soreness should subside and your muscles will end up stronger and more capable than before
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What are the different sizes of Correct Toes? How do I figure out my size?
Correct Toes comes in two sizes: small/medium and medium/large. Unlike many other foot products, the Correct Toes size you require does not depend on your shoe size. Instead, the Correct Toes size best suited for your individual toes depends on the width of your feet, the width of your individual toes, and the degree to which your toes are already splayed, or spread. Your Correct Toes toe-spacing appliance should not “bunch” between your toes—this would be a sign that your Correct Toes toe spacers are too large. Your toe spacers should not pinch your toes, either. Toe spacers that pinch your toes are too small. Correct Toes can be further customized for a wide variety of feet. Most women and many men find the small/medium size most beneficial, though this is not universally true. Some people may need to start out in the small/medium and graduate to the medium/large as foot adaptations take place. In most cases, we find that the larger size works with individuals who wear a men’s size 11.5/12 shoe and higher.
If you think you might be in-between sizes, you can send us (CustomerService@nwfootankle.com) a picture of your feet taken while standing next to a ruler (to show the length and width of your foot). This image can give us a more accurate picture of which size is most appropriate for you.
Not finding the answers you’re looking for? Leave us a comment below with your questions! If you’re a Correct Toes “veteran” leave a comment with your advice and tips on how your transition experience has been.