The ankle and foot complex is just that, complex. This intricate structure serves as the base of the entire body. Both logic and wisdom would dictate the status of the base has a bearing on the integrity of the entire structure. The Tensegrity Principle and the Anatomy Trains Concept would both attest to that.
Tensegrity simply means that mechanical stresses placed on or across any given structure can transmit to adjacent structures with an intensity that diminishes as the distance from the original point of stress increases.
Anatomy trains refers to the myofascial or connective tissue connections that run within the body. The deep back line below illustrates how the bottom of the foot is structurally and functionally connected by fascia to the head and neck extending as far as the forehead.
This illustration can help us understand the concept that a problem in one part of the "train" can affect the other structures along the line. Now this is only one of the many anatomy trains across the body and their functions are interdependent of each other. Hence, problems of the ankle and foot complex can have far greater consequences on the body than we previously thought! My patient-clients from Canada and the US who have had experience with other soft tissue workers and bodywork experts appreciate this inter-connectedness of the body and understand what I mean when I say that the work I do on their feet and lower leg would have an effect up their back and spine.
Observe your feet. Are your medial arches of equal height? Is one higher than the other?
Wipe the bottom of your feet with a wet towel, ensuring that the entire palms of the feet are wet but not dripping. Then, stand on a piece of paper wide enough to accommodate both feet and make sure you put equal weight on both of them. Now step off and observe the mark that your feet made on the piece of paper. For most of us, there would be a difference in the inner middle part( the middle third) of the feet (much like how the first picture above looks like).
The state of the arches may have implications on the pelvis and, ultimately, the entire spine because the pelvis is the base of the spine. A supinated foot (or a collapsed, flat medial arch) may be indicative of an anteriorly rotated pelvis on the same side while a pronated foot (a high medial arch) may be indicative of a posteriorly rotated pelvis. Both rotatory preferences have their own effects on the posture, stability and movement of their respective sides and if you have one foot supinated while the other is pronated, that may have a different presentation as well. Foot pronation and supination have other implications on the biomechanics of the foot and the body but it is too diverse and lengthy to discuss here but basically, a supinated foot may represent a short leg while a pronated foot is the longer leg. If that is your presentation, you have to get work done on your feet.
The recent advent of minimalist shoes, of which Vibram is the forerunner, has given us a new and much needed adjunct to treatment. Though it is not for everyone to run in because of variability among individuals, five finger shoes can be used by almost everyone for walking. What I like most about it is that it facilitates flexion and extension of the toes and weight bearing amongst them during the walking cycle. This is one of the normal mechanisms of movement of the feet that have been lost in a lot of individuals (even athletes). This may have been brought about by reliance on footwear that alter the normal movement of the ankle and foot complex or is too 'rigid' to allow such motions. In athletes I have worked with, it seems to also be caused by years of reliance on ankle and foot taping. You see, external measures such as these take away from the normal function that the structures of the feet are supposed to be performing thereby weakening those structures and making them insufficient. Minimalist footwear like the five finger shoes aim to restore the natural motion of the feet and ankle and strengthen them in the process.
The benefits of minimalist footwear are indeed substantial and significant but it takes commitment. You cannot achieve these benefits overnight. Working with a knowledgeable professional can increase the probability of successfully running in them later on and correcting any muscular imbalances arising from faulty movement mechanics and posture.
The feet are so integral to our movement that problems with them or arising from them will definitely affect our functions of daily living and recreation, even our posture. Physical fitness is affected adversely. In fact, according to an article, the American Podiatric Medical Association states that (in reference to problems of the feet):
"Unfortunately, once the feet go, so does physical activity, and guess what's right behind (or about to be on your behind)? Weight gain."
Take care of your feet, take care of your body.
Keep those feet happy!!!
Isa 52:7
How beautiful on the
mountains are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
who bring good tidings,
who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
“Your God reigns!”
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