Are My Feet The Root Cause Of My Pain?

Lingering pain in the knee, hip, and back can be a mystery. The answer to this might be something that’s right under you; more specifically, in your feet. 

Over time, our feet evolve to become resilient, simply because we spend so much time standing on them. It can take years of dysfunction before pain sets in, which is why it is important to be mindful of what your feet are doing when you are moving. 

During movement, the feet play a big role in overall stability and balance. To ensure optimal function, each component should have a good range of motion, a stable arch, as well as adequate spacing and control of the toes.

 To better understand this idea, let’s use the squat as an example. To assess the role that the feet play, there are a few factors to look at: 

• If the toes are too close together, the base of support is compromised due to a decrease in surface area covered by the feet, leading to reduced stability. 
• Ankles collapsing inward shows weakness in the arch which compromises body mechanics.

 Eventually, these habits can work their way up the body and affect other structures like the knees and hips. 

How can massage therapy help? Reducing tension in the lower leg and foot improves range of motion, allowing muscle contraction to happen in the correct areas, as opposed to other structures compensating for the same movement. Fascial work reduces restriction along the Achilles tendon to create a strong and stable arch. At the end of treatment, the structures are re-assessed and you are prescribed home exercises to improve upon the muscles that have been released.  

Keep in mind that our feet are a reflection of what we do with them! Dysfunction is not always genetic, meaning it can result from the accumulation of repeatedly being exposed to harmful movements and positions. Therefore, if we want strong and healthy feet, we need to adapt them in the correct way! 

Experiencing anything similar or just want to give your feet some more attention? Book now at Foundation Physiotherapy & Wellness and we will ensure that you are taken care of!