Barefoot Therapy, Is It For You?

If you are an endurance athlete, active in sports centered on running or walking, and you are suffering from nagging chronic foot pain then barefoot therapy may be for you.

Dr. Brown began self-studies of this therapy back in 2006 after suffering chronic foot pain following his first marathon. While this course of treatment isn’t for everyone many Carolina Foot Specialist patients have had great success with the program.

We do not recommend anyone heading out to their first 5k barefoot, but a lot is to be said for letting your body self-adjust flaws in your gait and stride. Being barefoot helps to strengthen your feet preventing many injuries. Our best suggestion is to visit a professional before beginning a barefoot regimen. The doctors at Carolina Foot Specialists can aid you on your journey to injury recovery, stronger feet and a future of barefoot training with proper guidance and support. 

How can you get started safely? “Dr. Brown suggests going barefooted for 15 minutes a day inside your house for a week. If all goes well, double it every consecutive week.”

Read more about his journey to Barefoot Therapy via the Postand Courier.

Going Barefoot at Turkey Day Run 2013

To barefoot or not. That was the question I asked myself this morning when the temperature was sitting at 34 degrees as I left the house for the Turkey Day Run. My wife and 3 boys were joining me in the run for the first time so I figured I could shed my shoes and overcome the elements. My feet were numb on the short walk from our car to Marion Square. I fully expected them to return to normal 10-15 minutes into the run. Not on this day. I figured when the feeling had not returned by the 2 mile marker that it was either a blessing or a curse. I could get through the race without feeling any discomfort from acorns, rocks or the rough road along the Battery which would be great. On the other hand, the bottom of my feet could have been torn to shreds and I would not have a clue until later when the numbness wore off. I relied on my barefoot running technique which I have been working on to carry me through. To my surprise, I have almost no discomfort as I sit here several hours later following a great Thanksgiving dinner with our family. Even my 7 year old ran the kids run without any shoes. He came in 2nd place. Great job Matty. Once again I am amazed at what the body (and feet) can accomplish. Whether it is barefoot running, healing a foot injury or strengthening a weakened part of the lower extremity all you need is a plan. Your body will take care of the rest. 

Adam Brown, DPM Carolina Foot Specialists