A short first toe can intensify complications for diabetics because the foot’s weight is unevenly distributed since the first toe does not do the work it should be doing.  You can imagine that if you already have a condition like Morton’s Toe—that can lead to bunions, hammer toes, plantar fasciitis, and other foot problems—then you are setting yourself up for complications if it remains untreated).  . He also shows how to find out,   on his www.FootCare4U.com website  if you have a Morton’s Toe or not. Then if you do have a Morton’s Toe   Schuler then shows  how to make a simple toe pad that can be placed under the first toe to properly  redistribute  the weight on the foot

While diabetes may not be as simple to treat, correcting other foot problems can go a long way to ensure that bad feet can’t be misdiagnosed as diabetic neuropathy–burning pain and numbness in the feet   Such a misdiagnosis can lead you down a path of more doctors and specialists—such as neurologists—when a trip to the podiatrist’s office and a diagnosis of Morton’s Toe can alleviate pain.  This is news to consider as we figure out ways to militate against the growing diabetes epidemic and all of its accompanying medical complications.

  Dr.  Burton Schuler, podiatrist of Panama City Fl graduated from the N. Y. College of Podiatric Medicine in 1975 at the age of twenty-four, and has been in private practice ever since. In 1982, he published his first book, The Agony of De-Feet: A Podiatrist Guide to Foot Care. During his thirty-five year professional career, he has written for Collier’s Encyclopedia and various podiatric journals and publications. He has been interviewed by The New York Times, First in Women, and other publications. and is a leading authority on the Morton’s Toe, Long Second Toe and it associated problems. He is the author of the newly published book about The Morton’s Toe, Why You Really Hurt: It All Starts In the Foot. The book is published by the La Luz Press, Inc and is disturbed national by the Cardinal Publishing Group.  Why You Really Hurt: It All Starts In The Foot, is the story of how one bone in your foot could be the real reason for pains thru out your whole body Dr. Schuler has appeared on hundreds of radio and television programs both here and aboard. He is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Pain Management, and the National Board of Podiatric Examiners. Dr. Schuler is certified as a wound specialist from the American Board of Wound Management. His professional and civic accomplishments have earned his inclusion in the 1999-2002 Who’s Who in America (Marquis).  PAR8N4ZKHHRM 

President Bill Clinton with Dr. Burton S. Schuler

 Since  1984 Dr. Burton S. Schuler, has operated as a podiatrist,  foot doctor, in  Panama City Fl,. Dr Schuler graduated the  New York College of Podiatric Medicine on June 4, 1975. After spending eight years out west, he came to Bay County, Florida in March, 1984 and opened his office of Podiatric Medicine and Foot Surgery at its present location at 2401 W. 15th Street Panama City. 

He is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Pain Management, a Diplomate of the National Board of Podiatric Examiners; a Diplomate of the American Board of Wound Management  and a Fellow of the American Academy of Ambulatory Foot Surgery. His professional memberships include the American Diabetes Association and many other examinations.

Among Dr. Schuler’s other accomplishments include writing the book The Agony Of De-Feet, A Podiatrist’s Guide To Foot Care and writing articles on new ambulatory surgical techniques for the foot, that have appeared in leading podiatric journals and publications. He has been interviewed by such varied publications as the New York Times, Cosmopolitan Magazine, The National Enquirer, and First for Women. Radio stations throughout this country and abroad have sought his opinion when they wanted an expert regarding foot problems.

His most recent book Why You Really Hurt: It All Starts In The Foot was published in April 2009 and is read around the world

In 1992 Dr. Schuler had the distinct honor of becoming a contributor to Collier Encyclopedia and Encarta Encyclopedia on CD-ROM. He has also been chosen as one of the OUTSTANDING YOUNG MEN IN AMERICA, by THE UNITED STATES JAYCEES.

His biography is included in Who’s Who in Medicine and Health care, Who’s Who in the South and Southwest, Who’s Who in Science and Engineering, Who’s Who in the World, Who’s Who in Emerging Leaders in America and Who’s Who in America KJ7QUQDMCCNN 

Just last year the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) proposed new, easier to apply diagnostic criteria for FMS that take into account common symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive problems, as well as pain” (http://updates.pain-topics.org/2011/04/overcoming-barriers-to-managing.html).  Since diagnostic criteria are constantly in flux, patients, who continue to experience pain, are left to their own devices in many circumstances.  Thus, they may be more likely to turn to medical remedies that are “off the beaten path,” according to the article. 

 In a recent article, “Overcoming Barriers to Managing Fibromyalgia” the author summarizes some of the challenges that newly diagnosed people experience (http://updates.pain-topics.org/2011/04/overcoming-barriers-to-managing.html).  As it turns out, one of the biggest let downs for patients seeking relief from Fibromyalgia, a condition that has them experiencing chronic pain throughout their bodies, is that modern medicine does not provide them with quick relief.  The condition is definitely a medical conundrum, leaving some health practitioners to see it more as a mental or behavioral issue that a physical issue as such.  

One unconventional medical issue to consider if you have Fibromyalgia is whether or not you have a short first metatarsal bone: also known as “Morton’s Toe.”  According to Panama City, Florida podiatrist, Dr. Burton S. Schuler http://www.footcare4u.com/category/about-dr-schuler/  , who has treated patient for decades in his Northern Florida podiatry practice, there is a possible link between Morton’s Toe and Fibromyalgia  since improper foot alignment can be a major medical issue—leading to many long term health problems.  While the cause of Fibromyalgia is not known—and some medical experts believe the diagnosis is simply a cluster of symptoms—Schuler has successfully treated Fibromyalgia sufferers with a short metatarsal bone with a simple toe pad under the big toe .  But he warns the pad is not a miracle pain cure and should be used cautiously and with medical oversight.

 The toe pad works to correct the foot’s overpronation, as it makes contact with the ground  According to Schuler, pronation is one of the most important terms related to how the foot operates: “Pronation allows the shock of our body weight to be absorbed when the foot meets the ground. Pronation also makes it possible for the foot to adapt to all of the different surfaces we walk on.”

 Consideration that overpronation of your feet, caused by a short first metatarsal bone, can be linked to muscle pain elsewhere in your body may be good news for those who suffer from the stigma related to fibromyalgi  3YPA9NW7FP7F

Office of Dr. Burton S. Schuler foot specialist, podiatrist, foot doctor, Panama City Fl

 This is an article about  Fibromyalgia  written by  Dr. Burton S. Schuler,  foot care specialist , podiatrist , foot doctor of Panama City Florida reviewing new published information about fibromyalgia 

Just last year the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) proposed new, easier to apply diagnostic criteria for FMS that take into account common symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive problems, as well as pain” (http://updates.pain-topics.org/2011/04/overcoming-barriers-to-managing.html).  Since diagnostic criteria are constantly in flux, patients, who continue to experience pain, are left to their own devices in many circumstances.  Thus, they may be more likely to turn to medical remedies that are “off the beaten path,” according to the article. 

 In a recent article, “Overcoming Barriers to Managing Fibromyalgia” the author summarizes some of the challenges that newly diagnosed people experience (http://updates.pain-topics.org/2011/04/overcoming-barriers-to-managing.html).  As it turns out, one of the biggest let downs for patients seeking relief from Fibromyalgia, a condition that has them experiencing chronic pain throughout their bodies, is that modern medicine does not provide them with quick relief.  The condition is definitely a medical conundrum, leaving some health practitioners to see it more as a mental or behavioral issue that a physical issue as such.  

One unconventional medical issue to consider if you have Fibromyalgia is whether or not you have a short first metatarsal bone: also known as “Morton’s Toe.”  According to Panama City, Florida podiatrist, Dr. Burton S. Schuler http://www.footcare4u.com/category/about-dr-schuler/  , who has treated patient for decades in his Northern Florida podiatry practice, there is a possible link between Morton’s Toe and Fibromyalgia  since improper foot alignment can be a major medical issue—leading to many long term health problems.  While the cause of Fibromyalgia is not known—and some medical experts believe the diagnosis is simply a cluster of symptoms—Schuler has successfully treated Fibromyalgia sufferers with a short metatarsal bone with a simple toe pad under the big toe .  But he warns the pad is not a miracle pain cure and should be used cautiously and with medical oversight.

 The toe pad works to correct the foot’s overpronation, as it makes contact with the ground  According to Schuler, pronation is one of the most important terms related to how the foot operates: “Pronation allows the shock of our body weight to be absorbed when the foot meets the ground. Pronation also makes it possible for the foot to adapt to all of the different surfaces we walk on.”

 Consideration that overpronation of your feet, caused by a short first metatarsal bone, can be linked to muscle pain elsewhere in your body may be good news for those who suffer from the stigma related to fibromyalgia diagnosis. 

The tarsal tunnel lies on the inside of the ankle next to the ankle bones, and is covered by a thick protective ligament that aids structures contained within the tunnel—nerves, arteries, veins, and tendons. One of these structures is the posterior tibia nerve, which runs from the inside of the ankle to the foot and is the focus of tarsal tunnel syndrome (http://www.foothealthfacts.org/footankleinfo/tarsal-tunnel-syndrome.htm). 

 Causes

In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the posterior tibial nerve is compressed.  So anything that causes nerve compression in the posterior tibial nerve can be a cause of tarsal tunnel syndrome.  If you have flat feet you can develop tarsal tunnel syndrome due to the outward tilting of the heel that occurs with “fallen” arches.  Anything that occupies space within the tunnel can compress the nerve: swollen tendons, varicose veins, ganglion cysts, and bone spurs are examples of abnormalities that can lead to tarsal tunnel syndrome. Ankle sprains, may cause swelling and inflammation in or near the tunnel.  A short first metatarsal bone (Morton’s Toe) can place inordinate pressure on other parts of the foot—leading to conditions that include tarsal tunnel syndrome.  (http://www.footcare4u.com).    Finally, people suffering from common diseases, such as diabetes, which results in circulation problems, and arthritis, which is caused by joint inflammation, can develop tarsal tunnel syndrome.  All of the above occurrences have the potential to compress the posterior tibial nerve.

Symptoms

How do you know if you may have tarsal tunnel syndrome?  The symptoms are a tingling, burning, or electric shock sensation, numbness, and pain.  These symptoms are usually felt on the ankles inside and on the foot’s bottom. Symptom locations vary in tarsal tunnel syndrome.   They can occur in one spot, or expand extend to the heel, arch, toes, and calf (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001796/). 

Symptoms being sudden—due to extreme exercise—or due to gradual overuse of the foot over time.  Many occupations require prolonged standing or walking.  Also, beginning a new exercise program puts you at risk for ankle injuries because you are required to move your body in new and foreign ways.  Gradual introduction of new exercise routines is suggested for many health reasons, including avoiding ankle injuries leading to tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Like any other painful medical condition, early treatment is the ideal way to stave off a more chronic syndrome like tarsal tunnel syndrome. Permanent nerve damage can result from neglecting initial symptoms of the disorder. A proper medical evaluation is necessary to diagnose this syndrome, because it can be confused with a number of other medical conditions.

Your podiatrist or foot and ankle surgeon will examine the foot to diagnose the problem and determine loss of feeling. During this examination, the foot’s nerve is tapped and pressed. Advanced imaging techniques can also be used to determine if there’s a mass present causing compression of the nerve.

Treatments

Nonsurgical

If you are diagnosed with tarsal tunnel syndrome, you are fortunate to be able to apply a wide range of treatments to your condition with proven results.  Some successful nonsurgical treatments include resting, icing for 20 minutes with a 40 minute break in between icing sessions, taking anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, and wearing a cast to stabilize the foot’s motion while compressed nerve heals.  You can also attend physical therapy sessions, which can include ultrasound therapy and exercise. Injections can also help. A local anesthetic can provide pain relief, and steroids are commonly used to treat inflammation (http://www.footcaredirect.com/tarsal_tunnel.html). 

Proper, well-fitting shoe wear is critical to prevent and treat tarsal tunnel syndrome.  Shoes with a wide box toe and solid ankle support are best.  Prescribed custom shoe inserts provide arch support and prevent nerve compression by restricting motion. Flat footed patients or those with severe nerve damage can relieve pressure on the foot with a brace. 

Surgical
In some extreme cases, surgery is the best option for treating tarsal tunnel syndrome. Your physician will determine is nerve damage is already extreme enough that the nonsurgical treatments will not help prevent the pain and discomfort associated with this ankle condition.

Xray of a Morton's Toe, note short 1st metatarsal bone as compared to 2nd

contends that having a second toe that is longer than the first one (Morton’s Toe) can lead to a range of painful conditions from the more common calluses, bunions and corns, to march fractures, night cramps (Restless Leg Syndrome), and even fibromyaglia and temporo-mandubular joint pain (TMJ). How can a seemingly innocuous occurrence like a longer second toe potentially cause other painful ailments? According to Dr. Schuler, the answer can be found in two simple words: abnormal pronation

Pronation occurs every time the foot hits the ground. Normal pronation occurs when the foot naturally adjusts to and absorbs the shock of a new walking surface. The arch starts to “pronate” (or flatten out) once it has hit the surface. During normal pronation, this flattening out eventually stops. A longer second toe will hit the ground before the first toe, and this can cause abnormal pronation, which means that the foot continues to roll inward when it hits the ground. The first toe can not do the normal job of supporting most of the foot’s weight, and extra stress is placed on the second toe. This extra stress can cause a variety of painful conditions, many of which are described on the website www.whyyoureallyhurt.com.

Some of the most common of these foot conditions are calluses, bunions, and corns. While many people assume that changing shoes will diminish the development of these common foot ailments, different shoes alone may not necessarily do the trick when you have a long second toe. Not matter what type of shoes you wear, if your foot endures abnormal pronation you may develop corns, bunions, or calluses to compensate for the stress on the foot. (The most common location for calluses is under the second metatarsal bone, where much stress is placed in the case of Morton’s Toe.

Not only is this good news for people who continue to switch shoes with little luck, but it is also good news for your pocketbook. On his website www.FootCare4U.com, Schuler suggests that in many cases a simple $2 toe pad under the first toe can reduce the development of calluses, bunions and corns. He details how to make your own pad in his book and on his website/. So you can skip the trip to the shoe store, and head to your computer or the book store instead for fast foot relief!

Normally, when we consider the size and shape of our toes, we do not readily link this to other physical conditions. But according to Dr. Burton S. Schuler, a Panama City, Florida foot doctor, podiatrist who has practiced for over 36 years, the size of our toes really matters when it comes to diagnosing and treating painful medical conditions. Dr. Schuler is a leading expert on the medical consequences of Morton’s Toe—or long second toe. This condition is named after one of the most famous doctors in the first half of the century, Dr. Dudley J. Morton, who was the first to write a research paper identifying this problem.

Dr. Schuler, graduated from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in 1975 at the age of twenty-four, and has been in private practice ever since. In 1982, he published his first book, The Agony of De-Feet: A Podiatrist Guide to Foot Care During his thirty-five year professional career, he has written for Collier’s Encyclopedia and various podiatric journals and publications. He has been interviewed by The New York Times, First in Women, and other publications. Dr. Schuler has appeared on hundreds of radio and television programs both here and aboard. He is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Pain Management, and the National Board of Podiatric Examiners. Dr. Schuler is certified as a wound specialist from the American Academy of Wound Management. His professional and civic accomplishments have earned his inclusion in the 1999-2002 Who’s Who in America (Marquis).FN73P2P3YA4U

Dr. Burton S. Schuler, Podiatrist, Foot doctor, Panama City Fl

Back in May 2011 Dr. Burton S. Schuler foot specialist , podiatrist, of 2401 W. 15^th Street, Panama City, Fl wrote about National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day that was published on Expert Click. Com that went around the world

May 12, 2011 is National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, according to the National Fibromyalgia Association, an organization that started the day in order to educate the public about the condition. The NFA has an “Annual Fibromyalgia Awareness Day Proclamation Program”, an international program established in 1999 to promote fibromyalgia awareness. According to the website: “Local groups have used the NFA’s Awareness Day press releases to garner media coverage of local events and raise awareness of FM and local support group activities. Each year a new theme is designated for the annual awareness campaign creating messages of hope and understanding” (http://www.fmaware.org).

 The Merck Manual describes Fibromyalgia as “a common nonarticular disorder of unknown cause characterized by generalized aching (sometimes severe), widespread tenderness of muscles, areas around tendon insertions, and adjacent soft tissues, as well as muscle stiffness, fatigue and poor sleep” (http://www.unboundmedicine.com/merckmanual/ub/view/Merck-Manual-Pro/503224/all/Fibromyalgia?q=Polymyalgia%20Rheumatica). 

This year’s Awareness Day theme is “Walk to Cure FM,” which seeks to log 5408 miles by May 12th.  Since walking is this year’s theme, the research of Panama City podiatrist, Burton S. Schuler, is especially pertinent to Fibromyalgia education.  Schuler has practiced podiatry for over 30 years in Northern Florida, and has innovative observations about the relationship between Fibromyalgia and a common foot condition available in his book Why You Really Hurt: It All Starts in the Foot and his websites http://www.footare4u.com. As anyone suffering from Fibromyalgia knows, causes and treatments are highly controversial.  Schuler writes that he has had many Fibromyalgia patients who also have a condition called “Morton’s Toe,” which is a short first metatarsal toe that results in uneven distribution of weight throughout the foot. 

This uneven distribution of weight can cause pain throughout the body—which is how Schuler links Fibromyalgia pain to Morton’s Toe.  Schuler suggests a simple toe pad placed under the first toe to distribute weight evenly is a possible Morton’s Toe treatment, depending on the individual.   Schuler advises: “The Toe Pad is very dynamic and in fact can make someone with fibromyalgia worse.  So the best thing to do is to try the Toe Pad only for about one or two hours a day for a week. If that feels good, then gradually add one hour every week, until your body gets use to the Toe Pad” 

 This year’s National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day “Walking” theme is fitting for podiatrists like Schuler whose writings are attempting to educate people on potential links between foot health and chronic bodily pain. GVNZBVXUCAQZ

Office of Dr. Burton S. Schuler foot specialist, podiatrist, foot doctor, Panama City Fl

 Dr. Burton S. Schuler podiatrist, foot care specilaist of 2401 W. 15th Street Panama City, Fl  wrote this article about bare foot running that was pickedup by hundreds of  news outlets 

Dr. Neil Blitz of California writes that barefoot running is not for everyone.  Those with flat feet, bunions, hammer toes, diabetes, and metatarsalgia may want to avoid barefoot running due to their feet’s in-built lack of support.  In  at Huffington Post article Blitz, also announced that May 1^{st   , 2011}  was the first annual International Barefoot Running Day.  Barefoot running has become more of a common trend, as dedicated runners seek relief from sports related injuries that more people increasingly link to poor footwear.  (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/neal-m-blitz/should-you-be-running-bar_b_853093.html). Blitz summarizes the appeal of barefoot running: “Running barefoot is not just about running without sneakers, it’s about re-training your body how to run. The main difference between the two styles of running center around foot strike — the moment your foot makes contact with the ground.  When running in sneakers, your heel makes contact with the ground first (heel strike) then as your body passes over the foot, pressure rolls onto the arch then pushes off with the ball of the foot” 

Dr. Burton S. Schuler, a Panama City Fl podiatrist, http://www.footcare4u.com/category/about-dr-schuler/   links the above foot conditions to a short first metatarsal bone—in many cases.  In his book Why You Really Hurt: It All Starts in the Foot, Schuler warns that even if you have a normal foot structure,  running too much will eventually cause you problems  . 

  But you will experience worse problems if you suffer from a common condition known as Morton’s Toe—or a short first metatarsal bone.  Schuler writes about runners with Morton’s Toe: “Our bodies were not designed to take the abuse that can be caused by a Morton’s Toe when you are a runner or jogger. If you think you may have some foot problem, don’t wait to start using the Toe Pad or Shoe Insert   written about in  Schuler  book Why You Really Hurt: It All Starts in the Foot.”  Schuler asserts that runners can avoid shin splints, Anterior Compartment Syndrome, Overuse Syndrome, Chondromalacia (Runner’s Knee) and other problems caused by the constant abuse and pounding on the body brought on by running.   

Blitz also acknowledges the new minimal footwear many runners are wearing to mimic running barefoot without the fear of stepping on sharp objects: “The main concern is stepping on a sharp object leading to puncture injury, and a specific area of caution from the medical community. This should not be taken lightly as foot puncture is a real risk and may lead to serious problems. I have treated severe limb-threatening infections from simple pedal scrapes. Make sure your tetanus is up to date!” (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/neal-m-blitz/should-you-be-running-bar_b_853093.html).  He concurs with Schuler that there are many complications to consider when running on normal feet already can cause problems over time, and runners should exercise caution when attempting to change shoe wear. 

For those who have found barefoot running to be the answer, then happy First International Barefoot Running day! 

Why You Really Hurt

 Normally, when we consider the size and shape of our toes, we do not readily link this to other physical conditions. But according to Dr. Burton S. Schuler, a Panama City, Florida foot doctor, podiatrist who has practiced for over 36 years, the size of our toes really matters when it comes to diagnosing and treating painful medical conditions. Dr. Schuler is a leading expert on the medical consequences of Morton’s Toe—or long second toe. This condition is named after one of the most famous doctors in the first half of the century, Dr. Dudley J. Morton, who was the first to write a research paper identifying this problem.

In his 2009 book Why You Really Hurt: It All Starts in the Foot, Dr. Schuler follows in Dr. Dudley Morton’s footsteps. Schuler contends that having a second toe that is longer than the first one (Morton’s Toe) can lead to a range of painful conditions from the more common calluses, bunions and corns, to march fractures, night cramps (Restless Leg Syndrome), and even fibromyaglia and temporo-mandubular joint pain (TMJ). How can a seemingly innocuous occurrence like a longer second toe potentially cause other painful ailments? According to Dr. Schuler, the answer can be found in two simple words: abnormal pronation

Pronation occurs every time the foot hits the ground. Normal pronation occurs when the foot naturally adjusts to and absorbs the shock of a new walking surface. The arch starts to “pronate” (or flatten out) once it has hit the surface. During normal pronation, this flattening out eventually stops. A longer second toe will hit the ground before the first toe, and this can cause abnormal pronation, which means that the foot continues to roll inward when it hits the ground. The first toe can not do the normal job of supporting most of the foot’s weight, and extra stress is placed on the second toe. This extra stress can cause a variety of painful conditions, many of which are described on the website www.whyyoureallyhurt.com.

Some of the most common of these foot conditions are calluses, bunions, and corns. While many people assume that changing shoes will diminish the development of these common foot ailments, different shoes alone may not necessarily do the trick when you have a long second toe. Not matter what type of shoes you wear, if your foot endures abnormal pronation you may develop corns, bunions, or calluses to compensate for the stress on the foot. (The most common location for calluses is under the second metatarsal bone, where much stress is placed in the case of Morton’s Toe.

Not only is this good news for people who continue to switch shoes with little luck, but it is also good news for your pocketbook. On his website www.FootCare4U.com, Schuler suggests that in many cases a simple $2 toe pad under the first toe can reduce the development of calluses, bunions and corns. He details how to make your own pad in his book and on his website/. So you can skip the trip to the shoe store, and head to your computer or the book store instead for fast foot relief!

Dr. Burton S. Schuler foot doctor, foot specialist, podiatrist of Panama City, Fl and the director of the Ambulatory Foot Clinics Podiatric Pain Management Center and is a leading authority on the Morton’s Toe, Long Second Toe and it associated problems. He is the author of the newly published book about The Morton’s Toe, Why You Really Hurt: It All Starts In the Foot. The book is published by the La Luz Press, Inc and is disturbed national by the Cardinal Publishing Group. Why You Really Hurt: It All Starts In The Foot, is the story of how one bone in your foot could be the real reason for pains thru out your whole body. It is important because it offer the public new information about why millions of people suffer everyday with aches and pains, and offers new hope to get rid of problems they believed they would have to live with forever. It literally can be the “medical missing link”

Dr. Schuler, graduated from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in 1975 at the age of twenty-four, and has been in private practice ever since. In 1982, he published his first book, The Agony of De-Feet: A Podiatrist Guide to Foot Care During his thirty-five year professional career, he has written for Collier’s Encyclopedia and various podiatric journals and publications. He has been interviewed by The New York Times, First in Women, and other publications. Dr. Schuler has appeared on hundreds of radio and television programs both here and aboard. He is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Pain Management, and the National Board of Podiatric Examiners. Dr. Schuler is certified as a wound specialist from the American Academy of Wound Management. His professional and civic accomplishments have earned his inclusion in the 1999-2002 Who’s Who in America (Marquis)  .6BQZ2FF4AWG3  tec April 8, 2012

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Dr. Burton S. Schuler, Podiatrist, Foot Doctor, Panama City Fl

Barefoot running enthusiasts gearing up for May 1, 2011, which was the inaugural International Barefoot Running Day, with the motto: “Changing the Running World One Odd Look at a Time” (http://www.barefootrunners.org/ibrd).  Barefoot running has really taken off, and this day is dedicated to advancing the mission of barefoot running enthusiasts.  The Barefoot Runners Society is one such group, and their mission is summarized on their website (http://www.barefootrunners.org):

 To offer resources that unites barefoot and minimalist runners from around the world.

• To promote barefoot running around the world and at race events as a competitive sport.
• To educate the running public on the health benefits of barefoot and minimalist running.
• To dispel the myths associated with barefoot running that negatively impact the sport.

While there are many barefoot and minimal running enthusiasts (with minimal running being commonly associated with foot wear that mimics barefoot running such as the Vibram Five Fingers shoe), not all medical and health practitioners are in agreement about barefoot running.  And some conduct research that suggests other physical conditions besides shoe wear can be causing running problems (http://whyyoureallyhurt.com/mortons-toe/jogging-and-running/). 

 For barefoot runners, shoe weight is usually described as the biggest impediment to running.  All running shoes have weight—“the enemy of running performance, because it increases the oxygen cost of running at any given pace”. The Barefoot Runners Society cites a new Universityof Nebraskastudy that demonstrates this is indeed the case: “Ten recreational runners were asked to run with and without shoes on a treadmill and overground (on an indoor track) while breathing into a mask connected to a machine that measured oxygen consumption. The researchers found that oxygen consumption was significantly greater at a fixed running pace both on the treadmill (2%) and overground (5.7%). Ratings of perceived effort were also significantly higher with shoes on. This is important, because how hard running feels is the ultimate determinant of how well runners perform. These findings therefore suggest that runners could record faster race times barefoot than shod” (http://barefootrunners.org/story/sports-science-update-barefoot-running-more-efficient-matt-fitzgerald-competitor-group). 

 Many podiatrists who have researched common foot ailments warn that although being free of the extra weight from your running shoes may allow your form to improve, and your oxygen consumption to decrease, thus diminishing overall effort, barefoot running is not for everyone.  In Why You Really Hurt: It All Starts in the Foot, Panama City, Florida podiatrist, Dr, Burton S. Schuler explains that not all feet are built the same: some people, whether they know it or not, suffer from common abnormal foot problems that can significantly challenge your running performance—with or without shoes one.  One condition Schuler devotes much attention to is known as “Morton’s Toe,” or short first metatarsal toe. This condition can cause improper shock absorption and overpronation in the feet, leading to pain throughout the body.  It is also linked to common conditions such as bunions, hammer toes, fibromyalgia, night cramps, heel spurs and plantar fasciitis   One common treatment is a toe pad, which helps redistribute the proper weight throughout your foot as it hits the ground  vv

So if you are considering trying barefoot or minimal running, you may want to see whether you have Morton’s Toe first and take the proper precautions to avoid future foot problems.