Put your best foot forward
The foot is composed of 28 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments. Let that soak in for a moment. That is more than the hand which has 27 bones and 27 joints, but still more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Think of how complex and highly skilled our hands are, how mobile they are, and how vital they are to our overall ability to function.
Now imagine you put your hands in a rigid container every day, rarely allowed your fingers to move independently from one another, and did not touch anything in your environment without wearing gloves.
This is what most people do to their feet: put them in socks and rigid shoes nearly all day, every day, never practicing foot mobility, ankle mobility, toe mobility, never allowing their feet to explore the world through touch and sensation, never working to strengthen the numerous muscles in their feet. And then we have issues like foot pain… and we wonder why.
The foot is a highly complex and incredible part of the human body that is often neglected when assessing our overall physical health and function. For those of us who walk on two feet to get from here to there, have you considered what your feet do for you?
They bear the weight of your entire body and any load you add to your body (e.g., carrying kiddos, laundry baskets, lifting weights)
They are a primary communicator with the rest of your body for balance
They absorb shock and appropriately distribute forces to keep your other joints safe
They are master compensators for malalignments throughout the body
If you are curious about the impact your foot health has on your physical function and why you may be experiencing pain, you are in luck! Common foot and ankle conditions that are typically treatable through physical therapy include bunions, plantar fasciopathy, heel pain, flat feet, rigid feet, Achilles Tendinitis, ankle sprains, and so much more. Reach out and you will be one step closer to optimal foot health and foot function!
Have more questions about how physical therapy can help foot pain? We would be happy to chat further about how Loon State Physical Therapy can be your teammate in getting you back to moving and feeling your best! Call us at (612) 405-8503 or book with us online at www.loonstatephysicaltherapy.com for an in-person or virtual appointment.
Take care!
Bailey Van Oosbree
Physical Therapist at Loon State Physical Therapy