The foot
The 24 bones in the feet are ‘kept’ together by how they fit
‘into each other’ and by ligaments. The muscles and plantar fascia provide
secondary support. Fat pads help with weight bearing and absorb impact.
As the foot strikes the ground, this force unlocks the bones
in the feet, which are then able to adapt to any surface. Imagine, if this bony
structure was rigid the effect it would have on our legs and the rest of our
body. As the foot rests on the ground and carries the full weight of our body,
it becomes rigid and is ‘held together’ to support weight and propel the foot
off the ground to repeat the cycle.
Pain in the foot is a sign there is either an internal or an
external problem. If nothing is done about it, it may worsen the source of it,
and body movement is adjusted to compensate for the pain, which then affects
ankle, knee, hip and even shoulder joints creating new problems.
Foot mobilization
techniques (FMT)
Feet are our foundation, when out of balance or distorted,
it affects the rest of the body; imagine the foundations of a house moving, the
windows will crack. FMT, using gentle techniques that mobilize the various
joints in the feet, helps with the following:
-
Increases synovial fluid production in the
joints
- -
re-establishes normal muscle tone
- -
releases restrictions in the foot joints
- -
reduces joint degeneration by improving
o
range of movement by breaking up stiffened
fibres
o
joint swelling
o
inflammation
o
abnormal sensations
o
mobility
o
fluid flow
o
nutrient supply to all tissues
o
re-hydrates joints
Foot exercises
Strong muscles stabilize the foot and support movement.
Exercise helps those muscles to be strong so the foot moves freely. Months and
years of muscle weakness will affect not only the health of your feet but also your
posture.
Specific exercises help many foot problems; try these at
home:
- Before getting out of bed in the morning point
the toes towards the end of the bed and then back up towards the ceiling. Do
this a few times, and then rotate them clockwise and anticlockwise a few times.
These movements stretch the various tendons and muscles and also increase blood
flow before putting weight on the feet. This is very helpful for plantar
fasciitis.
- Whilst brushing your teeth lift your heels off
the floor as high as you can, then down again, repeat several times.
- Toe crunches: whilst standing straight, crunch
your toes so that the outer ankle bone moves
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| Toe crunches |
further out lifting the arch off
the floor. This strengthens the arch of the foot.
- Balance on one foot, this exercises and
strengthens the small muscles.
- Whilst sitting, roll a tennis ball from your
toes to the heel whilst applying as much pressure as is comfortable, this
massages the tendons and muscles in the sole of the foot.
Reflexology
Reflexology works the reflection of the body on the feet.
Doing this, fingers prod, poke and massage the muscles and the tendons as well.
This increases circulation and softens muscles and tendons.
How do the feet
benefit
Feet benefit from FMT and Reflexology, even healthy ones.
The gentle FMT movements restore mobility and function and reduce pain in a
stiff joint and associated tissue. The gentle movements create space between
the 24 bones, which helps dissolve deposits between the bones. Reflexology, through
the prodding and poking, increases blood and fluid flow reducing pain and
inflammation.
References
Jedynak, T. (2007). Foot
Mobilisation techniques (FMT) for Reflexologists. Course material.
Jedynak, T. (2012). An
introduction to the principles of foot mobilisation techniques. Podiatry
Now.
Robinson, J., Barrett, K. & Moyes, T. (2000). How to look after your feet.
Marrickville, N.S.W.: Choice Books
