Dr. Robert Conenello is the President of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine and the Global Clinical Advisor for Special Olympics International. He’s also the founder of Orangetown Podiatry in New York, as well as a lecturer, surgeon, triathlete, and father. His additional impressive credentials can be found here.
How were you introduced to Correct Toes?
While attending The Gait Debate lectures, at The University of Virginia, Dr. Mark Cucuzzella introduced the audience to the benefits of the product. I had never seen Correct Toes before and honestly was a bit skeptical at first. I understood the philosophy but needed to be convinced. Being a runner who utilizes natural running form I decided to try them out on myself. I was surprised at how comfortable they were at first try. The real “Aha” moment came when my foot actually touched the ground. My body’s natural spring felt engaged in a manner I had never felt before.
How do you use Correct Toes in your practice? Does using the product affect your overall treatment approach?
I educate the patient to not only what their pathology is but why they have it. Correct Toes addresses the WHY!
What results have you seen in your patients using the product? Which types of patients have benefited the most?
Patients state that they feel the benefits of the product immediately. I find that patients with forefoot pathology…hammertoes, neuromas, and metatarsalgia…benefit the most. I do see the benefit of a stronger more efficient foot that is obtained through the use of Correct Toes. Patients with a more “natural” foot strike are less likely to develop overuse injuries such as plantar fasciitis, medial tibial stress syndrome and Achilles tendonitis.
What feedback have you gotten from your patients about the natural foot care approach?
Patients love that they are taking an active role in their recovery from injury. Once they understand the benefits of the product they are more likely to continue in a path of positive foot health.
Many healthcare providers (e.g., chiropractors, physical therapists, naturopaths, acupuncturists, and bodyworkers) are using Correct Toes in their practices. Do you see a role for Correct Toes (and its associated natural foot care treatment approach) in sports podiatry? How about in general podiatry?
There is an obvious paradigm shift in shoe gear and training philosophies for today’s athlete. Most progressive thinking sports podiatrists embrace these challenges. Correct Toes’ simple application and sound principles offer the practitioner a useful tool when dealing with their patient population.
