They are small, often unappreciated or overlooked in our daily health. But stub your toe and in an insistent every part of you rushes to console it.

While the Pilates Toe Corrector won’t keep you from stubbing a toe against the footstool of your couch, it may help relieve chronic toe pain. If toe pain is slowing the stride in your step, keep reading. In this blog post we cover what the Pilates Toe Corrector is and who should use it.

What is the Pilates Toe Corrector?

The Pilates Toe Corrector, created by Joseph Pilates, strengthens the toes and feet, creating a domino effect into the glutes and core. The Pilates Toe Corrector is a small piece of traditional Pilates apparatus consisting of two small leather straps outside a metal diamond frame with a small extension spring inside. The varying spring resistance levels can be chosen from light to heavy, depending on the manufacturer.

The Toe Corrector can help strengthen the toes and feet while also improving mobility and reducing pain. Other names for the Toe Corrector are the Toe Gizmo or Toe Tensometer.

How is the Pilates Toe Corrector different from the Foot Corrector?

The Toe Corrector and the Foot Corrector are traditional pieces of Pilates apparatus created by Joseph Pilates. While they are both used for strengthening the toes and feet, the Toe Corrector is used for more specific work with each individual toe.

The small leather straps loop around an individual toe, isolating the work with that toe. Conversely, the Foot Corrector has a larger petal that the entire metatarsal presses into. While both are excellent for toe and foot strength, the Toe Corrector allows for individual toe work.

Who should use the Pilates Toe Corrector?

The Pilates Toe Corrector is for anyone looking to increase foot strength and stability or reduce foot pain. Common ailments that can be helped with the Toe Corrector are falling arches, bunions, plantar fasciitis and various foot deformities.

Why is toe health important?

Toe health isn’t a top concern for most people. However, it’s very important for several reasons. The alignment, strength and mobility of our toes affect the gait of our walk and posture. Misaligned gait and posture can lead to chronic pain, potential falls and injury. According to the Center for Disease Control, 3 million older people experience a fall each year. They list foot pain and walking difficulties as common causes of falls.

The National Institute of Health cites 54 million Americans who live with arthritis, a common cause of toe and foot pain. That’s nearly a quarter of people in our nation. Initially, arthritis in the toes spurs minimal stiffness and pain. Yet, over time, it may lead to excessive swelling and deformity. While Pilates is not a cure for arthritis, the low impact exercise can help improve mobility, circulation and reduce inflammation in the body. Supplementing a full Pilates workout with the toe corrector may help reduce joint pain in the toes associated with arthritis.

If you’re struggling with toe or foot pain, Pilates may be a great way to start feeling better with each step. ProHealth Pilates and Physical Therapy is a Pilates studio in Peachtree City, Georgia that has a full staff of certified Pilates instructors to help you get started. Visit the studio today or book your class online.