About this episode

Dr. Courtney Conley discusses the importance of foot strength for women's balance and overall health.

We're revisiting one of our favorite Body Pod conversations as part of our Best of the Body Pod series. Dr. Courtney Conley makes the case that most women's balance, hip, and knee issues actually start at the feet, not the joint that hurts. Her breakdown of why weak feet and years of restrictive footwear throw off everything up the chain, from pelvic stability to how your brain reads the ground under you, is worth another listen. Many women deal with chronic pain, plantar fasciitis, poor squat mechanics, and a higher fall risk without ever realizing their feet are the root cause. We break down how modern footwear, weak feet, loss of sensory input, and overreliance on orthotics can disrupt movement patterns, pelvic stability, hormone regulation, and nervous system function. Dr. Conley explains the powerful connection between the feet, pelvis, core, and brain, and why rebuilding foot strength is essential for aging well, preventing injuries, and maintaining confidence in movement. This conversation delivers practical, realistic strategies for improving foot strength and mobility, including footwear choices, toe strength exercises, calf training, balance work, and safe transitions…

People in this episode

Hosts: Hailey Happens, Laura

Guest: Dr. Courtney Conley

Topics covered

• foot strength
• balance
• women's health
• aging
• injury prevention
• movement patterns

Keywords

• foot strength
• balance
• women's health
• plantar fasciitis
• injury prevention
• movement
• orthotics

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