Hello there! I apologise if this has been covered elsewhere, but a search of the archive didn't turn up any useful answers.
Having spent an unhealthy amount of time observing other people's feet whenever I see a bare pair, I've noticed a fair proportion of them have smallest toes that turn in, such that (what should be) the lateral surface of the toe actually contacts the ground. My smallest toes also do this, and I suspect this is a result of years of shoe use. While running, these toes take a pounding, and I often end up loosing the nail even on runs of only a few miles. I have a 10 mile race planned for October and I'd like to improve matters before that.
My question is, can anything be done about this? I suspect the problem is compounded by the fact that this particular toe seems to have little or no motor innervation to it, though it does have sensitivity. I'm a palaeoneurologist by trade, so I'm aware that existing neural pathways can be developed and re-developed - for instance in cases where patients have lost both arms and the feet have to take over normal manipulative tasks. However, I have no idea how to go about training to make this happen. Since May 2011 I've avoided wearing shoes wherever possible, and where I've had to wear them I've opted for wide fitting Vivobarefoots or Invisible Shoes 4 mm Huaraches - I've also taken time to use my feet to manipulate objects. The other toes have improved greatly, but not the little pinky! Any advice gratefully received.
Having spent an unhealthy amount of time observing other people's feet whenever I see a bare pair, I've noticed a fair proportion of them have smallest toes that turn in, such that (what should be) the lateral surface of the toe actually contacts the ground. My smallest toes also do this, and I suspect this is a result of years of shoe use. While running, these toes take a pounding, and I often end up loosing the nail even on runs of only a few miles. I have a 10 mile race planned for October and I'd like to improve matters before that.
My question is, can anything be done about this? I suspect the problem is compounded by the fact that this particular toe seems to have little or no motor innervation to it, though it does have sensitivity. I'm a palaeoneurologist by trade, so I'm aware that existing neural pathways can be developed and re-developed - for instance in cases where patients have lost both arms and the feet have to take over normal manipulative tasks. However, I have no idea how to go about training to make this happen. Since May 2011 I've avoided wearing shoes wherever possible, and where I've had to wear them I've opted for wide fitting Vivobarefoots or Invisible Shoes 4 mm Huaraches - I've also taken time to use my feet to manipulate objects. The other toes have improved greatly, but not the little pinky! Any advice gratefully received.