Unbendy feet, plantar fasciitis and Yoga Toes

[KittyB52]

When I did a yoga class a year or so ago, I discovered that I was completely unable to stretch my toes. I also couldn't cradle my feet with my fingers between my toes as it made me queasy.

I started walking to improve my fitness and quickly developed plantar fasciitis. It has returned again, and I was wondering if it could be linked to my unbendy toes? I saw something called 'Yoga Toes' which are plastic/silicone toe separators and wondered if they would help?

Does anyone have experience of these or something similar, or could recommend some yoga exercises to help flexibility in my feet?

I didn't quite understand the problem. Can't stretch your toes? Do you mean that you can't bend them back?

Can you stand on tiptoe? If so, you should be able to stretch back your toes.

What happens when you place fingers between toes?

Like clenching your fist and then spreading your hand out, one of the yoga exercises was a similar move for feet but when I tried to spread my toes apart, nothing happens. I couldn't really get my fingers between my toes as it made me feel queasy. That's why I thought the Yoga Toes might help.

Most people can't spread their feet when they start yoga. We cram our feet into shoes all day, so our feet don't learn to stretch. It's the very very first thing a beginner should learn, the spreading of the feet engages the leg muscles in the right way so is crucial. If your feet muscles drop, it affects the lift of the entire body.

Yoga Toes will help but you can just use the foam toe separators that you get for painting your toenails, as a much cheaper way. No idea about the queasiness though...

It took me ages and ages to be able to do "yoga toes". It's not a natural move, so it's difficult to get your brain to tell your toes to do something they are not used to doing.

Practice!

I will try those toe separators then, they seem easier to get hold of than the yoga toes. Thanks!