Focus on Feet

Our feet can have a huge effect on our bodies, creating back and leg pain and postural problems. It is something I often talk about in the clinic.

Did you know we have 26 bones, 33 joints and over 100 muscles, ligaments and tendons in our feet? Feet are very complex and serve as the foundation for our entire body in terms of support, balance and posture.

Problems such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis, and degenerative changes in foot and toe joints can be hugely painful. When we experience foot pain, we tend to overcompensate in the rest of our body.

As your chiropractor, I am interested in how your feet affect the rest of your body, particularly your spine and legs. Foot issues are likely to change your gait - the way you walk. These changes can be subtle, but overtime this can lead to back, hip, knee or ankle pain.

For example, flat feet can cause a malalignment in the ankle, which then moves to the knee, hip, pelvis and spine. Flat feet reduces shock absorption in the body. You may not recognise this unless you do activities that put more pressure on the feet, such as running. Over time, this stress can put strain on the knees and hips, and suddenly you are experiencing a lot of pain.
 

So, how do we help?

We will talk to you about footwear and whether insoles are right for you. We may also recommend you see a podiatrist, who has specialist training and equipment for thoroughly assessing your feet.
 

Balance and Posture

Your feet are important for balance and posture. When they are not properly aligned with the rest of your body it can throw out your balance, making you more prone to trips and falls.

Equally, if you have a back problem or diabetes, or anything else that can cause nerve damage, this alters the sensation in your feet, and subsequently leads to poor balance.
  

Stretches and Exercise

When we stretch and exercise, we often forget our feet. But, the older we get, the more we need to pay attention to them. The ligaments in our body, including our feet, become less elastic with age, which can lead to loss of support and dropped arches in our feet. This can change the shape of our feet - making them wider - and this could turn to pressure points forming bunions and other problems.

Keeping all of your joints, ligaments and muscles in your feet stretched will help to improve movement and sensation. Check out these simple exercises to maintain good foot health. I particularly recommend practising balance regularly!

If you have invested in a foam roller, there is a bonus exercise you can try to give your feet a lovely massage and practise balance at the same time.

Click here for: Exercises for Feet

As always, please feel free to reach out to us for advice and treatment to suit you on 01256 466 266.