Frequently Asked Questions
What shoes do you recommend?
The best shoes are no shoes. Our feet are not designed to walk with toes scrunched into a narrow toe box, or with any extra “support”. They are designed to walk on a flat surface, barefoot. Our toes are meant to be free to spread out and actively participate in walking, running, and jumping.
Most shoes are not shaped like feet. In fact, less than one percent of all shoes are shaped like feet. Misshapen shoes can be a major contributor to a wide array of foot problems. High tech shoes allow improper running form. Narrow toe boxes essentially bind our feet, weakening the muscles in our feet over time.
Click here for Dr. Hoopes’ Recommended Shoe List. Click here for educational articles about footwear, running, and foot health.
Why do you recommend a calf muscle procedure when I have foot pain?
The best way to fix a problem is to address the root, not put on blinders and focus on the leaves. The root of many foot and ankle problems is a tight calf muscle. There are two calf muscles: the gastroc and the soleus. The gastroc crosses the knee joint and is almost always the one that causes problems. When the gastroc is tight, more weight is distributed toward the front of the foot when we bear weight. When this happens, our bodies will compensate in one of two directions: to the inside, causing flat footedness; or to the outside, causing too high of an arch.
Click here for more information
Why Vitamin D?
Modern humans do not get enough of this important vitamin for three major reasons. First, it’s almost impossible to get enough vitamin D through diet only. Second, most of us wash away our vitamin D when we shower. Third, we spend much less time outside in the sun than our ancient ancestors. Add those three factors together, and you get a significant vitamin D deficiency.
Click here for more information
Do I need surgery?
Often patients have been told they need surgery, when in fact they could have gotten better with targeted physical therapy. This kind of targeted therapy is rare because few physicians take the time I will to accurately evaluate and diagnose the actual problem. Even if the non-surgical options I implement do not solve the problem completely, you will likely get at least some relief. On top of that, your healing and recovery from any surgery I may have to do will be much better if we pursue the appropriate non-surgical measures first.
Click here for more information on what might be bothering you. Together, we can get you back on your feet!
How can I prevent falls in the home?
See these tips
