Stop Ignoring Your Feet
Did you know your foot health is directly tied to your overall well-being? When your feet are in good shape, you're better equipped to maintain proper form, balance, and stability. Keeping your feet healthy reduces your risk of injuries and lowers your chances of falling!
Throughout my career, I've been passionate about foot health. Every musculoskeletal exam I conduct includes a thorough foot assessment. This focus stems from my time as an army physical therapist during wartime, where I treated countless complex foot injuries.
Interesting Fact: Did you know there are about 200,000 proprioceptors on the soles of your feet? These specialized receptors are crucial for your balance system. They help you sense where your body parts are in relation to each other, enhancing your coordination and stability.
Proprioceptors in Your Feet:
Offer local dynamic support
Sense foot position
Provide postural control (yes, healthy posture begins with our feet!)
Actively maintain balance while standing
Control foot position on uneven terrain
Trigger muscle activation when additional load is applied
When your feet become stiff, it can significantly restrict your movement and increase your fall risk. It's surprising how often we confine our feet in shoes that may not fit properly, limiting our mobility and reducing proprioception.
Keep your feet as pliable as the day you were born
Start Loving Your Feet – How to Avoid Stiff Feet:
Incorporate these simple strategies into your daily routine:
Stretching
Strengthening
Mobilizing
Massaging
Elevating
Tip: Spend time barefoot while sitting. When you're watching TV, take off your shoes and wiggle your toes in all directions. It's a great way to keep your feet flexible!
I even have a habit of wiggling my feet in bed before getting up in the morning—it feels amazing! You might be surprised at how good it feels to give your feet some love before starting your day. Like many healthy habits, this is simple, but our brains often resist change.
I deeply understand the challenge of making changes. Therefore, I strive to be a supportive ally for anyone willing to embrace the process.
Reflect on your relationship with your feet and ask yourself: Am I willing to change that relationship?
Your Feet Might Be Increasing Your Fall Risk. New Course Dates Available To Help You Reduce Your Risk Of Falling!
