Bare foot OR not

Are You Healthy Enough?This article is solely based on my opinion as a MAT Specialist and “TaylorMadeBody.’’ My influence and studies are based on “Muscle Activation Technique’s’TM’’.The purpose of this article is to inspire you to ask questions and to motivate you to become better informed as a consumer. Remember exercise your right to know. Practice that which does not lead to ignorance.The key to health and fitness is a lifestyle change; to be the best that you can be.Questions you should ask:• Who, where, and what is the agenda?A) Orthotics-devices used to correct foot damageB) Podiatrists (Foot Scientists)-what they say about orthoticsC) Shoe industry-what shoes will help avoid injuryAlso, consider these articles generalizing the public:• What is being compared• Treadmill VS. Terrain• Who’s healthy VS. who’s notA) International VS. USAB) Difference in bodies and feetLet’s begin with where the source of the information is coming from. Each source is going to have a different agenda.Orthotics-A device used to correct damage done to the feet and helps correct orthopedic problems.– As I am generalizing, this statement it is not to say that every Podiatrist (those who work on foot injuries) believes in the use of orthotics. Even so, doesn’t it serve as an overwhelming conclusion that is consistent in most articles that everyone needs to be fitted for orthotics?If this holds true, why is there no need for Podiatrists in third world countries?1) The luxury of carpeting and flat surfaces haven’t ruin their feet2) Third world countries are more active and therefore are healthier (mechanically speaking)3) They don’t wear high heel shoes4) Shoes may be secondary wear in other countriesThose in third world countries do not have the support of shoes, and yet their feet are not damaged. I myself do not entertain the thought that our feet need support. The question should be what are you doing to your feet that are damaging them? High heels change everything when it comes to “proprioception,” or communication from: the foot, the brain, and the rest of your body. This change may lead to damage of the foot.Why is it that the professionals always talk about pronation (facing the sole of the foot downward), as an orthotic takes away?* {see asterisk} What about the loss of motion as the foot no longer pronates (downward tilting of the sole), nor will it supinate (upward tilting of the sole)?And why is there no conversation about what happens later to the body when it tries to compensate? This creates further motor damage as it tries to change your gait.Everything changes in the body when we compensate. What never seems to be considered in these “gait tests” is if it is taking into account what is going on above the chain. Like knee valgas (bull legged) or varus (knock knee).Footwear, as it is known in the USA, is a market that is competing from: performance/needs, to style, to sacrificing comfort over looks.Least talked about:Please note that you must consider terrain and what you are doing on your feet. Healthy feet should not need support. Therefore, seeing a MAT Specialist may not only do your feet some good, but can also address the underlining problems throughout your body.Who and what do you blame for your foot pain?Your shoes?Maybe you have no business running in or wearing those shoes?What are YOU willing to sacrifice: style or performance, or your health?