by Jamie Wilson
Not too many people know what toe spacers are, let alone understand just how much they can benefit from using them. What may appear to be an odd-looking product at a first glance, is really an ergonomically designed foot health tool that so many individuals are in dire need of!
It is astonishing what this simple, silicone device can do for your toes and feet if worn on a regular basis. So, if you have never heard of this amazing product, today you are going to learn all about toe spacers and how they help restore one’s foot form and function. Read on!
Essentially designed to separate the toes and keep them from curling inward or overlapping, toe spacers typically feature two curved strips of flat silicone on the top and bottom that are joined together by four partitions. These narrow pillars are intended to sit between each toe to naturally distance them from each other (as they should be).
A healthy foot shape sees the toes on both ends point outward, thus forming a natural toe splay wherein the feet become widest at the toes (rather than the ball of the foot); again, this is what a natural, healthy foot should look like. What toe separators do is encourage this natural toe splay by realigning toes that have become deformed over time due to prolonged usage of narrow or ill-fitted footwear.
Available in various sizes, toe spacers are flexible and designed with a natural curve to provide maximum comfort for the wearer. With that said, users may find it slightly uncomfortable to wear in the beginning because the toes are gently pushed into a position that, over the years, has become foreign to them.
There are several ways in which toe separators benefit the toes and feet. They gradually align the toes with the metatarsal bones which, in turn, offers a host of benefits that include eliminating various disorders and conditions that plague the feet and toes.
From plantar fasciitis and neuromas to hammertoes and bunions; the entire foot falls prey to so many different problems because of the lack of care and attention it is given throughout one’s lifetime. In fact, many of these issues can be prevented by simply educating oneself on the damaging effects of wearing modern or conventional shoes. Furthermore, one must take the time to learn about barefoot or natural footwear and why it is imperative to switch to these healthy shoe options sooner rather than later.
As a preventative and/or corrective measure, toe spacers can be worn to counter foot disorders and deformities mentioned above, as well as other problems like runner’s knee, medial tibial stress syndrome, dorsal bunion, and ingrown toenails. It should also be noted that naturally aligned toes aid in strengthening the tendons and muscles in the foot while providing proper arch support that the foot requires to function normally and optimally.
In addition, wearing toe separators benefit the feet and toes in the following ways:
- Reduces foot pain and cramping
- Increases intrinsic muscular strength
- Improves balance, ankle mobility, and weight distribution
- Improves blood flow to the lower extremities
- Eliminates overpronation
- Reduces the chance of ankle injuries/sprains
- Restores natural foot shape and form
While it might be exciting to read about all the great benefits that come with using toe spacers, bear in mind that it takes a good amount of invested time and dedication to the cause before one may see positive changes. Foot deformities and disorders do not occur overnight; in fact, it takes many years of neglect to develop foot problems and poor foot health. Therefore, one must be patient and consider making other positive changes such as switching to barefoot shoes in order to accelerate their journey to healthier feet.
The great thing about toe spacers is that they are a fuss-free product. You can use them barefoot, inside a pair of regular socks or, if you prefer to wear toe socks (which is highly recommended), simply slip the toe spacers over them. When wearing the product inside a pair of shoes, it is important to ensure that the toe box is wide enough to accommodate the encouraged toe splay. If your toes feel cramped in the shoes while wearing the toe separators, take them off immediately and switch to a pair of minimalist shoes which are ideally designed in the shape of a natural foot.
You can even wear toe spacers at night when you go to sleep, however, it is advisable to allow your feet and toes to adjust to the product for shorter periods of time before wearing them overnight. Once you have gotten used to the new positioning of the toes, and the discomfort, if any, has subsided, you might find that sleeping with toe separators alleviates pain and cramping in the foot that is often experienced when waking up or getting out of bed in the morning. Toe spacers also promote optimal blood flow and circulation in the feet while you sleep which has a profound, long term effect on one’s overall foot health.
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Millions of people have been wearing conventional shoes for most of their lives and, as a result, suffer from foot dysfunction and deformities. This is because modern shoe designs alter the natural structure of the feet, making them weak and susceptible to all kinds of foot disorders and problems which include misaligned toes, plantar fasciitis, hammertoes, neuromas, bunions, and shin splints. With regular use of toe spacers, one can restore their original toe splay and regain normal functionality of their feet, thus preventing or correcting a host of foot problems. Along with toe separators, to achieve optimal foot health and maximise the benefits that come with using the product, it is critically important to trade in modern, conventional shoes for minimalist, natural footwear.
Atbprimal, we work with shoemakers and brands who create natural footwear that are made to encourage better foot health by repairing the damage caused by long term use of modern shoes. These minimalist or healthy footwear alternatives ensure proper preservation of one’s natural foot shape and function thanks to their inclusion of all the design specifics needed to achieve optimal foot health. Some of these features include wide toe boxes, slim and flexible soles, and no heel elevation. Our involvement and interaction with people who create and promote products that help individuals fix their foot problems has also inspired us to spread crucial awareness – relating to prioritising foot health as told by the experts – via our blog. Learn More - check out bprimal educational articleshere, and browse through the different brands and collections of natural footwear and foot health restoration products we carry.
DISCLAIMER:
The above content is for educational or informational purposes only and is not intended to replace or augment professional medical instruction, diagnosis, or treatment. Read the full Terms and Conditions & Disclaimerhere.
