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Because we use our feet every day without even thinking about it, it's easy to take them for granted. Often, it's when we notice something unusual about our feet that we really pay attention. Since they're the very basis of movement, doing this isn't doing them any favors.
Maintaining our feet and ensuring they are healthy is important for our mobility. In fact, even before they allow us to move forward, they allow us to stand upright. Without them, it would be very difficult for us to remain stable.
Ensuring our feet are in the best possible condition is essential to provide a solid foundation for our entire body, and for all our movements.
It's all about momentum
The act of walking involves some of our most basic movements. When a baby takes their first steps, we rush to congratulate them, then we usually stop talking about it. No one congratulates them for the steps that follow because, once walking is mastered, unless something goes wrong, we assume it will always be that way. First steps are the ones we celebrate because they mark the beginning of the adventure that is life. It is the moment when we learn a complicated series of movements that allow us to get from point A to point B.
Once we've mastered the basics, we can learn to run, jump, and more, but walking is what keeps us going every day. We use our feet every day. Even for those who feel like they lead a fairly static lifestyle, with little physical exercise, we walk every day, whether it's to go to the bathroom, to the kitchen for food, or simply to get from one place to another.
And the balance in all this?
Walking involves much more than simple movement. It's also, if not more so, about balance. In reality, 80% of the process is simply standing on one foot, over and over again. However, studies have shown that our balance is declining, with dangerous falls becoming more common in all age groups. 1 One reason for this phenomenon could be the increasing sedentary lifestyle, which leads to a lack of movement and therefore fewer opportunities to test our balance in our daily lives. Fortunately, there are some steps we can take to improve our balance and reduce the risk of falls or injuries, including some simple balance exercises that are accessible to all age groups: 2
The side walk : Place your feet together, then slowly move one of them laterally in a controlled manner before placing the other foot against it.
Heel-toe walking : Stand upright and place your right heel just in front of the toes of your left foot. Repeat with your left heel, keeping your gaze straight ahead.
Standing on one leg : For stability, stand in front of a wall. Extend your arms in front of you so that your fingertips touch the wall. Raise one leg while keeping your hips square and slightly bending the opposite leg. Hold this position for a few seconds, then slowly return your foot to the floor. Repeat with the other leg, then repeat.
Strong feet can limit pain in other parts of the body
Many of your body systems are connected. So, when you experience pain in your hips, neck, back, or knees, for example, it could be related to a problem with your feet. Mobilizing your feet could reduce the pain you feel in another area. Studies have shown, for example, that foot pain can be associated with knee pain, whether it's on the same side or bilateral. For example, releasing tension in the plantar fascia (in the heel) can help reduce symptoms generated in the knee. 3
It's essential to remember that all our body systems are connected. However, to better understand them, it can be helpful to separate them into individual parts. There's nothing wrong with that, but it's essential to keep the big picture in mind. Keeping your feet healthy ensures better balance, more efficient walking, and less pain in your hips, knees, and back. This allows you to move more freely and experience more effective workouts. Your feet are truly the foundation of your adventure.