Foot dysfunction refers to the gradual weakening and alteration of our feet over time. Foot dysfunction is extremely common in modern society due to shoes, lifestyle habits, and lack of movement variability. It is the reason why so many people develop foot problems!
Where does foot dysfunction come from?
There are many contributing factors to foot dysfunction, but possibly the most important is footwear. Shoes are simply not designed to be shaped like human feet, or to allow them to move as they were designed to.
The vast majority of shoes available today have narrow, tapered toe boxes, stiff soles, and elevated heels. These features take away from our body’s natural ability to move and function seamlessly.
What else contributes to foot dysfunction?
Another major factor that contributes to foot dysfunction is the amount of time that we spend sitting. Sitting for many hours per day, which is required for most people, is harmful to our bodies because it creates stiff and dysfunctional hips. Our hips control our legs and feet, so when our hips are not working properly, our feet cannot either.
What does foot dysfunction look like?
Foot dysfunction does not necessarily mean foot pain. Many people are suffering from foot dysfunction but do not have any symptoms. However, with dysfunctional feet, it is very common for symptoms to seemingly appear out of nowhere. That is why so many patients present with a new onset of pain that felt like it came out of nowhere.
Foot dysfunction usually involves weakened foot muscles, a loss of the natural mechanisms working within the feet, and changes in the shape and structure of the foot. Many people will notice that their toes appear narrow or pointed, almost like a triangular shape.
Often foot dysfunction will involve limitation of joint ranges of motion, commonly at the great toe or ankle. This leads to compensations during the gait cycle, and ultimately overuse of other structures.
What can we do about it?
The good news is that we can reverse foot dysfunction with exercises, daily habits, and lifestyle modifications.
Human feet are malleable and will change with their environment. Therefore, the first step is to create a healthier environment. This includes switching to natural footwear, spending time barefoot, and incorporating simple exercises to restore muscle strength. Another important factor is to reduce the number of hours per day spent sitting, and to improve hip and pelvic mobility.
How to get started fixing your feet
There are simple steps you can take to begin transforming your own feet! These include spending more time barefoot, restoring your toe alignment with toe spacers, and performing daily exercises like the foot release, short foot, and toe yoga.
To get started on your own foot function, download your free starter kit here! The kit includes daily habits, exercises, and footwear that will help you discover your best feet yet! Ready to dive deeper? Sign up for a virtual consultation today!