You may not realise it, but your feet play a pivotal role in your overall posture. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to your feet and seek a podiatrist in Essendon if you have a foot condition. Here’s a detailed explanation of the role our feet play in our overall posture and musculoskeletal condition.

The role of our feet

Our feet absorb 2-3 times our body weight with every step - they act like shock absorbers, they help us balance, and they give us mobility. Because our feet are so important, foot problems can lead to problems elsewhere in our bodies – in our knees, hips, back, and even our head and neck.

Shock absorbers

To help absorb all the impact of every step, our feet have 26 bones, 33 joints, 112 ligaments, and 20 muscles.

Balance

Our feet also help us maintain balance by keeping us stable when we stand, walk, or run. When we move, most of the time one foot is on the ground while the other is in the air. That means that our feet need to be able adjust quickly to keep us balanced. To do this, they rely on muscles, tendons and ligaments that work together to make small adjustments with each step we take.

Mobility

Our feet also give us mobility – they allow us to move around freely. This is thanks to two main types of movement: flexion and extension. Flexion occurs when we bend our toes up towards ourselves (think about doing a toe touch) while extension occurs when we point our toes away from ourselves (think about pointing your toes). Together, these two types of movement allow us to walk, run, jump and more.

Consider your footwear

Proper footwear is important for protecting your feet and preventing injuries. Wearing shoes that fit well and offer support can help reduce your risk of developing foot problems like fallen arches, bunions, and plantar fasciitis. It can also help relieve pain if you already have one of these conditions, so make sure you're wearing shoes that fit properly and offer support!

Seek podiatry treatment if you feel that your feet are impacting your overall posture

If you think you would benefit from podiatry treatment, don’t hesitate to book an appointment today. With tailored treatment from an experienced professional, you’ll notice a drastic improvement in the strength and balance of your feet, alleviated back pain, better posture and more.