FOOTNOTES

PROfile
Ray McClanahan, D.P.M.

By Joaquin Romay

McClanahan crosses the ffiinish line at the Williamette Valley Relay with another walker wearing his Crocs.

I first noticed a photo of Dr. Ray McClanahan on the publisher’s desk. The photo was of a shirtless man heroically crossing the finish line at the Willamette Valley Relay wearing running shorts and a pair of blue Crocs. Now don’t get me wrong, I too own a pair of Crocs to lounge around in, but not to compete in an event. That says a lot about McClanahan; his ripped physique showed he could walk his talk. But what made this guy want to fix people’s feet for a living?

Athletic build, smart attitude, coupled with a firm handshake, Dr. Ray McClanahan was now wearing a pair of alpaca wool comfort shoes with five-toe socks when we met. His gentle nature, love for the outdoors, and Portland’s sole, makes McClanahan the coolest foot doctor in Portland.

Upon meeting McClanahan at his office in northwest Portland, I was greeted cheerfully and confidently. You can’t help but to like McClanahan immediately because he makes you feel right at home. Doing a walk through of his office, I was relieved that his achievements are not displayed with certificates edifying his great accomplishments.

His pioneering manipulative therapy principles are the cornerstone of his practice. His approach is a non-surgical alternative that takes a little longer but with better results. In fact, this do-good spirit enabled him to invent Correct Toes, which spreads the toes to their natural and correct position. Clinical experience has shown that returning the foot to its natural state treats most foot problems, and by extension, many musculoskeletal problems.

A champion of naturopathic methods of foot health, McClanahan prides himself on foot facts. There’s no question he knows what he’s talking about. Having performed over 700 foot surgeries in his 12-year private practice, McClanahan has experience under his shoes. He will opt for a more hands on approach to discovering the root source of foot issues. If this doesn’t yield relief he will opt for surgery, but only as a last resort.

Being an athlete himself, he prides himself on being physically fit and active. McClanahan will log 50 plus miles a week outdoors running or hiking. His favorite is roller blading with walking poles.

Northwest Foot and Ankle Clinic is located at 725 NW 19th Ave., Portland, OR. To schedule a consultation call 503-243-269. Visit www.footankle.com for more information.