Improving Foot Function - Level 1

In this short video, we look at the basic anatomy of the foot. The foot is a complex part of our anatomy, and as practitioners I know you learned all the little bits and pieces. The focus here is not on rehashing the details, but rather a quick overview. Refreshing our knowledge of anatomy is always valuable, so I would always invite you to dig a little deeper.

A quick discussion of the 3 main needs for a functional foot. Of course we could make this more complex, but the purpose of this course is to simplify, find commonalities that allow us to treat effectively with a really great toolbox of strategies to fit many issues.

Let's look at what we will discuss in terms of alterations in foot mechanics.

Flat foot. We look at this condition and some of the misunderstandings surrounding the appearance of the foot. This is the opposite of pet cavus, where the arch would be elevated. While we do not talk about a high arch specifically, it can be treated like a supinated foot.

Wooo this is a common one. People self diagnose, get incorrectly diagnosed. Lots of myths and misunderstandings to discuss here. We will also look at two conditions that can mimic fasciitis, how to distinguish them from each other and how we may need to treat them just a bit differently.

Hallux valgus can happen secondarily to other foot changes, and can also occur because of the footwear we decide to put on our feet.

Ever see the little toe, and maybe even the 4th digit, kinda curl under the foot? This is what we discuss here. It's a bit about footwear and a bit about biomechanics.

So all these conditions have some common patterns. When we treat the foot, we are often treating for manifestations consistent with either a supinated or pronated foot. This chart breaks it down; all the changes that happen at each part and what muscles are concentrically vs eccentrically loaded. Check out the downloadable chart here too.

Now we take a look at static assessments that can help us start to categorize a foot as either pronated or supinated, and/or identify what changes may need to be corrected.

In this section we look at a few of my fave ways to create change. As practitioners, you have a bunch of your own techniques and all of them are great and valuable. Use what you know and, if you like, add these.

The trunk influences the foot and foot influences the trunk. Here are some drills I love to use to improve trunk mobility, and intrinsic core function. Remember that bilateral foot manifestations likely need a little focus on improving intrinsic core function too.

In this section, we look at a handful of ways to get the foot moving better. Foot mobility is at the centre of many foot pain conditions. Getting the foot more mobile is the first step in any plan to improve foot function.

The great thing about this drill is that you pair foot and tibia movement. This means that not only do you improve integrity in the foot but you also are able to address the muscles that influence the position of the tibia in a supinated and pronated foot.

Once mobility has been improved, we can look at creating strength in the foot. Strength in the foot is not rigid, hard, it is dynamic and fluid. A strong foot is a foot that can move, take on different terrain, textures of surfaces.

This is a fun balance/proprioception drill. Here I demo with the toes, but this can absolutely be "heel taps" as well. Change it up. Make it novel, interesting.

Improving foot function is not just about drills and treatment. Lasting improvements are seen when we consider all the factors that lend to poor foot function and change them ALL (or lots of them).

There are a bunch of links here to my fave products and shoes.

If you order Naboso products, you can use this affiliate code to receive 10% off your purchase: FEELIT

After completing the final quiz and assignment, if you need, or would like, a certificate of completion (besides the Udemy issued one) please email me with your full name (as you would like it to appear) and I will send you an electronic, printable, fancy looking certificate.

digiuliormt@gmail.com

I have had the pleasure of learning from some amazingly talented and skilled people, including my patients. I hope that you have taken away a better understanding of foot function, and how to most effectively get results for your patients/clients.

I would like to thank all of my mentors, colleagues and friends who have helped me increase my knowledge and understanding, and all of my students who have challenged me and kept me on my toes.

(lol...see that pun? #intentional)

image credits:

foot-pain-explored.com

now.aapmr.org

footanklekerala.com

phxfootankle.com

eraofknowledge.blogspot.com

Netter

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