The Power of Understanding Your Feet
Our feet carry us through life – whether they are supporting you while you trek on a hike, pacing your living room late at night to help your baby sleep, or while you stand at the kitchen counter prepping your next meal.
Yet when was the last time you really thought about them, or gave them a little love?
Most people only stop to think about their feet when they are in pain, but the truth is, our feet are so resilient, and there are often many signs of unhappy feet before you ever notice pain. And, since they are the foundation of our body, while your feet themselves may not hurt, other aches & pains like knee, hip or low back pain can very well be stemming from a foot issue!
Our feet are so important for so much – so let’s take a moment to do a little check in on how they are doing!
When we honor our feet and nurture their well-being, we unlock a gateway to more adventures, more play, better function & a happier, healthier life.
Here are some key elements to consider in your self-assessment of foot health:
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Foot Mobility & Control: Take note of how freely your feet move and how effectively you can control their movements. Improved foot mobility and control contribute to better overall function and can help prevent injuries.
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Can you move your ankles in figure 8’s with ease?
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Can you curl your toes & lift them up off the ground while you are standing?
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Can you make your arch bigger & smaller while standing?
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Balance: Test your balance by standing on one leg, if it safe for you to do so. How long can you make it? Ideally people can do this for 30 seconds to a minute. Notice how your feet and ankles respond to the challenge of maintaining equilibrium. Good balance relies on strong, stable feet and plays a crucial role in preventing falls and injuries, especially as we age.
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Arch Mobility: Evaluate the mobility of your arches during weight-bearing activities like walking and squatting. Do your arches flatten and rise appropriately, providing support and shock absorption? Limited arch mobility can lead to biomechanical imbalances and may contribute to foot pain and dysfunction.
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Pain and Discomfort: Pay attention to any pain or discomfort in your feet, as well as in other areas such as the knees, hips, or lower back. Notice if symptoms worsen with weight-bearing activities or improve when off your feet or engaging in non-weight-bearing exercises like swimming or cycling. These observations can provide valuable insights into potential foot-related issues contributing to overall musculoskeletal discomfort.
Now that you’ve given them this quick assessment, show them a little love by requesting a foot rub from a partner, or doing it yourself by rolling your feet over a tennis ball or lacrosse ball. Your foot muscles will appreciate it!
Did any of the above assessments help you see that your feet are crying out for a little more TLC & attention?
If so, give us a call. One of our trained physical therapists can look at not just your feet, but how they are impacting your whole body, so you can get back to, or keep doing the things you love most!
Written by: Andrea Moore PT, DPT, OCS, FNTP
