Orthopedic Shoes in 2023: Benefits, Selection, and Advice - Feet First Clinic (2024)

June 22, 2020

Your legs are involved in every aspect of movement. They're the foundation of your body, and act as shock absorbers. Our reliance on our legs cannot be overstated. It's crucial we take proper leg and foot pain management to avoid common foot conditions. Overwhelmingly, there are some common foot conditions that are more prevalent than others. These are either injuries or conditions that a large portion of the population experiences once, or repeatedly. To put you on the right track, we've rounded up 10 common foot conditions. Note that these are listed in no particular order. 1. Bunions A bunion is perhaps the widest known foot condition. A bunion is an enlargement on the outside of the big toe. The enlargement can be a bony outgrowth, or a shift in your big toe. Often the base of the metatarsal shifts outwards (meaning your toe points inwards), and a bunion results because of the deformity. You may develop bunions through any of the following reasons: Your foot is shaped in a way that makes you more likely to have bunions Your foot rolls overly inwards when you walk Flat feet Tight footwear Fortunately, a physical therapy regimen, over-the-counter products, and proper footwear enables you to live with bunions without surgery. 2. Athlete's Foot Athlete's foot is a contagious fungal skin infection that affects the skin on soles of feet and between toes. The fungi that causes athlete's foot is commonly found in moist places, like shared showers and locker rooms. Athlete’s foot typically presents as a translucent white moist skin between the toes on one or both feet. To treat the condition, you can use over-the-counter products including medicated creams, ointments, sprays, and powders. 3. Ingrown Toenails An Ingrown Toenail occurs when the nail begins to grow into the skin. In many cases, you can treat ingrown toenails yourself. In severe cases, you should consult a doctor. Typically, wearing tight shoes, cutting your nails too short, or not across, and injuring your toenail can cause an ingrown toenail. Home remedies include soaking your feet in warm water, wearing proper footwear, taking anti-inflammatories, and placing dental floss under the edge of the toenail. If the ingrown toenail is serious, surgery is performed. The surgery consists of numbing the toe with a local anaesthetic, then removing the portion of the toenail that is growing into the skin, and finally, applying a chemical to the nail root to prevent regrowth. 4. Black Toenails Black toenails may be rare to the majority of the population, but are common among runners. The repeated nature of running puts your toenails at risk due to impact and friction. Typically, black toenails result from a blister underneath the toenail. The most common cause is tight footwear, and from undulating terrain as downhill running adds pressure on your toes. You might also get a black toenail because of trauma to the toe. Occasionally, a black toenail will fall off. Here's everything you need to know about black toenails including treatment and prevention. 5. Plantar Fasciitis Plantar fasciitis can be a real pain...in the heel. This foot condition involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue that connects your heel with your toes - the plantar fascia. Plantar fasciitis can cause sharp pain in the heel, especially in the morning. Runners are especially prone to plantar fasciitis because of the repeated stress to the plantar fascia. Common treatment and preventative measures include self-massage with a golf ball, anti-inflammatories, and if necessary, custom orthotics. 6. Nail Fungus The toes are particularly susceptible to nail fungus because fungi thrive in dark, moist places. Since many of us wear shoes for hours every day, one can understand how nail fungus comes about. Common symptoms of nail fungus include yellowing and thickening of the toenail, brittleness, and sometimes an unpleasant odour. For early or mild cases of nail fungus, you can use a topical antifungal cream. To prevent nail fungus, wash and dry your feet regularly, don't share nail clippers, avoid being barefoot in public facilities, and keep your toenails short, but not too short. 7. Bone Spurs Bone spurs are bony outgrowths, typically in areas prone to osteoarthritis. The most common forms of bone spurs in the foot include heel spurs, and a bone spur on top of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTJ). The latter is a common spot. Stiffness and arthritis in the big toe leads to a condition known as hallux rigidus. Bone spurs inherently reduce flexibility and can be quite painful. With treatment including proper footwear, people can live normally with bone spurs without needing surgery. You should note that bone spurs are progressive meaning there's no reversal of impact and damage done. 8. Corns Corns are like calluses, except that corns can be painful. A corn is an area of hardened skin that develops on areas of the feet that sustain too much compression. A corn has a few hot spots: between your toes, the outer edge of your little toe, and on top of the toes. Corns are removable. One of our Toronto foot clinic specialists or chiropodists can safely remove the build-up of tissue and assess whether Orthopedic Shoes or Custom Orthoticsmay be indicated to prevent their recurrence. 9. Blisters Blisters are more of an annoyance than anything. This minor foot condition occurs when the skin is aggravated. Because of this friction, a small fluid-filled bubble on the skin forms. Fortunately, most blisters heal on their own. To ensure there are no complications, you can cover the blister with an adhesive bandage or blister pad, both of which are available at our Toronto foot clinic. Common tricks to avoid blisters include using baby powder for sweaty feet, proper moisture-wicking socks, and wearing shoes that fit. 10. Gout Gout affects roughly 3 million Canadians each year. This condition is a form of arthritis that can develop rapidly. The painful condition involves swelling and tenderness of joints. Gout is most common at the base of the big toe. According to the Mayo Clinic, "gout occurs when urate crystals accumulate in your joint, causing the inflammation and intense pain of a gout attack. Urate crystals can form when you have high levels of uric acid in your blood." Foods that can lead to high levels of urate arered meats,seafood,refined or processed carbohydrates,sugary drinksandalcoholsuch asbeerandhard liquor. And there you have it: 10 common foot conditions. This list is by no means an exhaustive list. There are tens, if not hundreds, of different common foot conditions you might develop over the course of your life. To address your foot issues early, see a foot specialist. If you're in Toronto, Book An Appointment with a specialist today, or visit the store for everyday items like compression socks, footwear, and for a custom shoe fitting.

April 4, 2024

Today we delve into the relationship between walking and health, with a specific focus on foot mechanics and how crucial they are. The impact walking has on your overall health is something most people don’t think about in their day-to-day life. But foot motion science suggests everyone should learn about this topic! When your walking pattern is compromised, even slightly, it can put you at risk of developing foot pain, in addition to heel and ankle pain, back pain, knee pain and even hip pain! This can wreak havoc on your overall life as you experience worsening discomfort. Let’s explore more about the connection between your walking pattern and overall health! The Connection Between Walking and Overall Health To start, here are some basic tidbits of info to remember: The scientific term for “walking pattern” is gait. There is an inverse relationship between musculoskeletal foot conditions and your gait. Foot issues can lead to gait abnormalities as you try to accommodate new pain while still getting to the places you need to go. However, abnormal walking patterns can also put you at risk of developing additional problems. In addition to pre-existing foot conditions, risk factors that may lead to gait abnormalities include age-related foot changes, your foot type (flat feet or high arches), having foot/ankle injuries in the past, balance and neurological disorders, and ill-fitting and low-quality footwear. Common Types of Gait Abnormalities and How They Affect Our Health Two gait abnormalities we see a lot at Feet First Clinic are overpronation and supination. Overpronation is synonymous with flat feet and the resultant issues that develop when you have a flat/fallen arch. When you “overpronate,” your foot rolls inward excessively as you stride forward. Supination is when you place too much weight on the outside of your feet. These walking patterns are often subconscious and your way of trying to adjust to having “non-typical” feet. Gait abnormalities can completely mess with your lower extremities. In more scientific words, they affect your feet and ankles and lead to misalignments in the lower body, which may contribute to issues such as knee pain, hip discomfort, and lower back problems. This is because your body’s skeletal system is connected and everything must work in harmony. You are also more prone to injury when you overpronate! Lastly, there are many specific versions of gait abnormalities. One may not overpronate or supinate, but different types of pain can result in various compensatory movements. Check out this valuable resource from Stanford Medicine for more. Treating Abnormal Walking Patterns Don’t worry if you think you may have a gait abnormality. Unless your walking pattern is caused by a severe medical issue, you can often work hard at correcting it. There are many services, medical devices, and products you can try. Foot assessment: Understanding your feet is the first step (no pun intended!). Video gait analysis: This will provide valuable insights into biomechanical issues, your foot type, and any noticeable abnormalities. Custom-made orthotics: Orthotics work by improving your gait, over time, and with correct usage. Strengthening and balance exercises: These improve muscle strength, coordination, and stability. Surgical interventions (in severe cases of foot deformities, for instance, bunion correction). Footwear modifications: Medical shoes and stability/motion control shoes can often help. Focusing on your posture: This helps properly align the body’s skeletal structure. Remember: everything is connected, from head to toe!

March 25, 2024

In the realm of fashion, footwear often takes center stage. However, finding stylish footwear for sensitive feet that provides comfort can seem like an elusive quest. Fear not: whether you're dealing with conditions like bunions, plantar fasciitis, or have feet that demand extra care, we'll explore a range of footwear brands that cater to sensitive feet without compromising style. Best for cushioning Mephisto Mephisto is renowned for its commitment to crafting footwear that marries fashion with function. Their shoes feature advanced cushioning and support systems, making them ideal for individuals with sensitive feet. Their footbeds are made of cork, a natural material that is naturally shock absorbent and anatomically contoured for the foot. From sleek sneakers to sophisticated loafers, Mephisto offers various styles to suit various tastes and occasions. TheMephisto Hestersandal features a cushioned cork footbed with a deep heel cup and strong arch. It is perfect for summertime outings, casual strolls or as an indoor slipper. Asics While Asics is primarily known for its performance-oriented athletic shoes, the Gel-Nimbus line caters to those seeking superior comfort and support. The Gel-Nimbus utilizes innovative gel cushioning technology to provide excellent shock absorption. They're excellent for individuals with sensitive feet who lead active lifestyles, whether you're hitting the gym or running errands. Best footwear for width and fit Clarks Clarks have long been synonymous with comfort footwear, and its commitment to quality and craftsmanship shines through in every pair it produces. With a focus on ergonomic design and premium materials, Clarks' shoes relieve sensitive feet without compromising style. Some of their shoes are also available in different widths, from narrow to wide, like the Nalle Lace. This stylish sneaker is available in width with and also comes with a zipper to make it easier to take on and off. Clarks also makes a variety of high-end dress shoes, which are a great option for the style-conscious. Ara Ara is another brand renowned for its dedication to comfort and innovation. Their shoes feature cushioned footbeds, flexible outsoles, and adjustable closures, making them an excellent choice for individuals with sensitive feet seeking style and support. The Ara Lilly has a soft cushioned footbed with a stretchable woven upper. It provides maximum comfort and sophistication for any occasion. Portofino Portofino specializes in crafting footwear that seamlessly blends fashion-forward design with orthopedic support. Their shoes feature anatomically shaped footbeds and shock-absorbing soles, catering to the needs of individuals with sensitive feet without compromising on style. Additionally, Portofino offers shoes in H width, which are slightly wider, providing more room and comfort. They also have a more comprehensive tread depth. For instance, the DY-5068 is a favourite. It features a removable insole, allowing you to insert your orthotics, and a zipper for in-and-out ease. Best seamless footwear Seamless footwear is excellent for sensitive feet as fewer friction points come in contact with the foot. Anodyne Anodyne is dedicated to providing therapeutic footwear solutions for individuals with foot ailments. Their shoes feature extra-depth designs, seamless interiors, and accommodative toe boxes, making them an excellent choice for those with sensitive feet seeking relief without sacrificing style. They also accommodate foot sensitivities for people with diabetes. TheAnodyne No. 23is designed with comfort in mind. It features a roomy toe box and plush cushioning, ensuring all-day comfort without compromising style. APEX APEX specializes in crafting shoes that cater to the unique needs of individuals with foot conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and neuropathy. Their shoes feature innovative technologies such as pressure-relieving insoles and stretchable uppers, providing unparalleled comfort and support for sensitive feet. The APEX Ambulator Conform Oxford is engineered for comfort and stability. This Oxford-style shoe features adjustable closures and a removable orthotic insole, making it ideal for individuals with sensitive feet seeking style and functionality. Best footwear with natural materials Certain materials in shoes can aggravate sensitive feet. If you have skin sensitivities or allergies, you may develop contact dermatitis, which can cause a red rash and itchiness, and even skin blisters. Possible allergensin footwear that can lead to contact dermatitis include rubber, the glue that binds your shoes together, a nickel buckle on a sandal, chromates, formaldehyde, or paraphenylenediamine (a type of dye). If your shoes give you a rash or redness, you can tryfootwearwith natural materials. Our picks include: NAOT Shoes crafted from natural materials have garnered widespread acclaim for their comfort, sustainability, and timeless appeal. Among the pioneers in this domain stands NAOT, renowned for its innovative use of cork beds in crafting footwear that melds impeccable comfort with eco-consciousness. NAOT's cork beds are ingeniously designed to conform to the wearer's foot contours, providing unparalleled support and cushioning. Sourced from renewable cork oak trees, this material delivers superior comfort and embodies the brand's commitment to environmental responsibility. One such option for summer is the NAOT Amadora, which is wrapped in suede and moulds to the shape of the foot with each wear. Mephisto Similarly, Mephisto has carved a niche in natural-material footwear, prioritizing comfort and style. Embracing premium leathers, cork footbeds and other natural textiles, Mephisto integrates advanced technologies into its designs to deliver optimal support and flexibility. Whether strolling through urban streets or traversing rugged terrain, Mephisto shoes offer a harmonious blend of form and function, appealing to the discerning consumer seeking quality craftsmanship and sustainable elegance. The Mephisto Izae is a casual-looking sneaker with optimal comfort, fit and a leather lining.

March 21, 2024

Foot hygiene and solid foot care tips are your secret weapons for happy and healthy feet! Everyone should practice a clean and healthy foot routine, but those with foot conditions such as diabetes or chronic fungal infections should be extra vigilant. Today we’ll talk about the best foot cleaning practices and how to implement them into your daily foot care routine. Foot Health Essentials: How to Keep Your Feet Clean and Protected Foot hygiene is pretty straightforward stuff! But you may make some minor missteps along the way. Take a look below at the best ways to wash, dry and moisturize your feet. Washing Your Feet Wash your feet daily with natural, gentle soaps in warm water. Hot water can negatively impact your blood circulation by increasing the size of the blood vessels, so be careful with temperatures. Moisturizing Your Feet Use lotion on the bottom and top of your feet. This can help you prevent calluses, corns, cracked heels, and more. Natural, fragrance-free and medicinal lotions are your best bet (try Gehwol at Feet First Clinic!). If you have diabetes, be extra careful to avoid putting lotion in between your toes; it could cause an infection depending on the lotion. Fungal infections also favour wet toes and tend to appear there. Keeping Your Feet Dry Thoroughly dry your feet after washing them. If you get lazy and keep them damp, you are again more likely to attract contagious fungal infections (they love moist environments!). Invest in products that help manage foot dampness and repel excess moisture. These include moisture-wicking socks (also remember to change your sock frequently!), waterproof shoes and boots, running shoes with perforated holes in the uppers, and various foot deodorant products (creams, powders, sprays). These products are also great for preventing foot odour. Toenail Care and Foot Hygiene Keeping your nails in top shape is an important element of foot hygiene. Follow these nail care tips to protect your nails and keep them clean and strong. Cut your nails straight across with high-quality nail clippers. Don’t try to shape them during this stage! Avoid cutting your nails too close to the skin; this will cause ingrown toenails. Gently use a nail file for subtle shaping. Don’t try to cut your own cuticles if you’re prone to infections. They protect the nails and getting rid of them improperly may welcome fungi. Schedule a medical pedicure for professional care and a cleaning of hard-to-reach areas.

March 18, 2024

Toenail care is your shield from future foot issues. Foot conditions affecting the toenails can lead to infections, fungus, brittle and damaged nails, pain, bleeding and more. But you have the power to prevent these complications! By investing in proper footwear, learning to trim your nails properly, and more, you can take the reins on your toenail health. Let's talk toenails! Preventing Fungal Infections and Other Toenail Conditions Practice Proper Toenail Trimming It would be nice to have a professional always trim our nails for us, but sometimes we do have to do toenail care ourselves. To prevent issues or conditions, trim your nails following these two simple steps: Use nail clippers to trim straight across (very important), avoiding curved edges. Smooth edges with a nail file if needed. Keep Your Feet Clean and Protected Fungal toenails love when you forget to care for your feet. Make sure you always thoroughly clean and dry your feet before wearing socks and shoes. To go the extra mile and protect from skin issues, moisturize, exfoliate and use a foot file. Avoid areas where contagious fungal viruses breed and are passed along. These include public pool grounds, public showers, shared locker rooms, and more. If you frequent places like this, always wear shoes. Pedicure safety and hygiene are also very important when it comes to prevention. Schedule medical pedicure appointments with your chiropodist instead of a cosmetic pedicure to avoid contracting a contagious fungal infection and for a more health-focused experience. Learn more about the difference between a cosmetic and medical pedicure. Make Healthy Footwear Choices The link connecting toenail issues and footwear may seem unclear, but picture it this way: When our shoes are too tight it often means there is not enough room for the toes to spread out naturally. This can wreak havoc on your nails and you also risk annoying ingrown toenails or a cracked toenail. Always buy shoes with enough room in the toe box! Take it to the next level by looking for running shoes with mesh uppers that allow air to flow inside the shoe. This is a bonus way of keeping your toes fresh and protecting against fungal infections. Check out this handy shoe shopping checklist for even more help! Toenail Care for Pre-existing Conditions Anti-fungal Treatments for Toenails You won’t be able to treat a current fungal infection without using antifungal products or visiting a chiropodist. Products include sprays, ointments and sometimes pills. At times, over-the-counter versions like ClearNails Pro + (available at Feet First Clinic) are enough, but other times, you’ll need a prescription for a persistent infection. Chiropodists can also perform nail debridement, which involves removing the infected part of the nail and thinning the outer layers of the toenail. This allows prescription-strength topical antifungal medication to penetrate the toenail and reach the fungus. Treating Cracked Toenails Cracked toenails are more of a nuisance than a serious problem. But messing with your toenails in any way can still cause bleeding and pain. You may be more susceptible to cracks if your nails are weak and brittle. If you’re looking for some ways to speed up nail growth, but also to strengthen your nails as they are, try these toenail growth tips: As we've mentioned, trim nails straight across and avoid trimming too close to the skin Again, wear well-fitting shoes. Tight shoes can disrupt healthy toenail growth. Protect toenails during physical activities. Avoid excessive use of nail polish. While polish itself doesn’t slow growth, some types can cause toenail dehydration, making your nails more likely to crack. Eat a balanced diet for nail health. Treating Ingrown Toenails OnyFix is a useful and modern way of treating ingrown toenails. It involves the application of a specialized corrective strip to the affected nail. Nail avulsions can also be a good idea for chronic, severe ingrown nails, and chiropodists may tackle infections using certain draining methods. Treating Toenail Discolouration Discoloured toenails are tricky because the colours can vary wildly. Discolouration caused by a fungal infection (green or yellow) may be treated using similar methods as fungal toenails. But if your discolouration is black, blue, purple, or red, this is probably linked to a mild blunt-force trauma injury (like dropping something on your toe). It’s best to schedule a nail care appointment to determine the culprit!

March 11, 2024

Do you often find yourself experiencing foot pain after a long day on your feet? Or maybe you struggle with posture or want to enhance your athletic performance?Custom orthoticsmay be the solution. This blog post explores why custom orthotics may be necessary, how they benefit your feet, and how to them. Why and when might you need custom orthotics? Custom orthotics are specially designed inserts inside your shoes to support and correctly align your feet. They are built custom to your feet to address any specific issues you may be experiencing. While over-the-counter shoe inserts can provide some relief, they often lack the precision and support that custom orthotics offer. There are several reasons why you might need custom orthotics: Foot pain: Whether dealing with plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, or arch pain, custom orthotics can help alleviate discomfort by providing support and cushioning to the affected areas. Posture improvement: Misalignment in the feet can lead to poor posture, which can cause pain and discomfort in your knees, hips, and lower back. Custom orthotics can help correct these alignment issues, resulting in better posture and reduced pain. Athletic performance: Athletes often rely on their feet to perform at their best. Custom orthotics can provide the support and stability needed to optimize biomechanics and prevent injuries during physical activity. How do custom insoles benefit your feet? The benefits of custom orthotics extend beyond just relieving pain and discomfort. Below are some ways they can improve the health and function of your feet: Improved support Custom orthotic insoles provide support where you need it most, whether in the arches, heels, or balls of your feet. This added support can help distribute pressure and reduce strain on muscles and ligaments. Better alignment By correcting misalignments in the feet, custom insoles can help improve overall body alignment, leading to better posture and reduced risk of injury. Enhanced shock absorption Custom orthotics are made from materials that offer superior shock absorption, helping to cushion your feet and joints from the impact of walking, running, or jumping. Overuse injury prevention Overuse injuries are a common concern. Orthotics can help prevent these injuries by providing stability and support to the feet, reducing the risk of strain and overuse. How do you get fitted for custom orthotics? Getting custom orthotics is straightforward. You can expect the following while being fitted for custom orthotics: 1. Schedule a foot assessment The first step is to schedule a foot assessment with a chiropodist or foot specialist who can assess your feet and discuss your needs and concerns. 2. Physical Exam During the assessment, your feet are examined to identify issues such as flat feet, high arches, or abnormal gait patterns. If you have pain or foot concerns, let your chiropodist know. It also helps to inform your chiropodist about any activities or sports you engage in regularly plus the footwear you own and wear. 3. Gait analysis Avideo gait analysishelps evaluate how you walk or run to identify biomechanical issues contributing to your foot pain or discomfort. The gait analysis is part of a biomechanical assessment, which also includes a range of motion and weight-bearing assessment. All three help create a more comprehensive overview of your feet. 4. Customization Based on the assessment and analysis findings, your orthotics are designed to address your unique foot structure and alignment issues. Casting captures the foot in a subtalar joint neutral position.At Feet First Clinic, chiropodists use plaster, 3D scanning or foam to cast your feet. 5. Fitting Once the orthotics are made, you return to the specialist for a fitting. The chiropodist will ensure the orthotics fit comfortably inside your shoes and provide the necessary support and alignment. 6. Follow-up Follow-up appointments can be helpful to monitor your progress and adjust the orthotics to ensure optimal comfort and effectiveness.

March 4, 2024

Similar to practicing exercises and stretches at home, learning how to perform your own foot massage and relaxation techniques can work wonders. Whether you’re looking to manage your own pain, or tending to a loved one, foot massages can provide comfort and stress relief. Since foot massages are a major component of DIY foot care, we want to give you some handy tips on how to make the most of them. Let’s discuss how to massage each part of the foot, and highlight foot massage benefits you may not even be aware of! Today's blog will explore: Main benefits of a foot massage Foot massage techniques Additional benefits of a foot massage Main Benefits of a Foot Massage Foot massages can be empowering for those on a pain management journey. Regularly performing them before bed and when you wake up adds value to your treatment plan, and can make your daily life more comfortable! Here are the numerous benefits: Targeted treatment of foot conditions Relaxation and stress relief Swelling (edema) management Restless leg syndrome management Reduces foot fatigue and boosts energy Improves blood circulation Foot Massages Techniques A comprehensive foot massage should target as much of the foot as possible, but sometimes foot pain and conditions tend to affect certain areas and you want to focus on what you're struggling with. Heel Can help with plantar fasciitis, Achilles' tendonitis, etc. Apply gentle pressure to the heel, using circular motions with your thumbs to loosen up the area. Foot Arch / Bottom of the Foot Can help with flat feet, high arches, metatarsalgia, etc. While standing, place your arch on top of a therapeutic massage ball, and roll back and forth. This doubles as a useful foot exercise! Use your knuckles to knead and massage the arch in a back-and-forth motion. Apply firm yet comfortable pressure with your thumbs in small circular motions, addressing as much tension as possible. Toes Can help with arthritis, bunions, etc. Apply a light, pinching motion to the base of each toe, working your way towards the tip. Use your thumbs to press and release along the toe joints, addressing any tension. Gently pull each toe away from the foot until you feel a subtle stretch. Top of the Foot Can help with extensor tendonitis, arthritis, stress fractures, etc. Apply gentle pressure with your thumbs along the top of the foot, from the base of the toes to the ankle. Use your knuckles or thumbs to knead the area in small circular motions, focusing on any tightness or tension. Incorporate long, sweeping strokes with your palms, moving from the toes towards the ankle. Additional Benefits of a Foot Massage You may also find acupressure points in the feet and foot reflexology worth exploring. Some studies suggest that “meridian points on the feet correspond with various organs in the body,” which is the concept behind foot reflexology. These organs include the kidneys, liver, small intestine, and many more. Essentially, applying gentle pressure to the appropriate acupressure points is believed to stimulate the flow of energy along the body's meridians. In addition to pain management and stress relief, foot reflexology may also help with sleep, digestion, and eyesight. Your DIY massages may somewhat reflect what reflexology can achieve, but it’s important to discuss the concept with a healthcare professional if it interests you.