573: How to Enhance Foot Health and Reduce Foot Pain; Walking for Longevity | Courtney Conley, DC

Foot health serves as a critical, often overlooked foundation for overall longevity, balance, and metabolic function. Modern footwear, characterized by excessive cushioning and tapered toe boxes, frequently weakens intrinsic foot muscles and contributes to chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, and neuromas. Restoring foot health requires transitioning to functional footwear with wide toe boxes and low-to-zero drops, alongside targeted strength training and mobility drills. Beyond physical stability, walking acts as a physiological necessity, stimulating neuroplasticity, improving blood sugar control, and facilitating emotional processing. Even modest increases in daily step counts—moving from 2,500 to 3,800 steps—significantly reduce dementia risk. Prioritizing movement variability and barefoot activity in daily life mitigates the damage caused by sedentary habits and restrictive shoes, ultimately preserving the essential human capacity for mobility throughout the lifespan.