Foot Pain and Plantar Fasciatis: Proper Walking Posture

Asma Excecises

Welcome to our Part 1 of 4 blog posts in the “Foot Pain and Plantar Fasciatis” series – Proper Walking Posture (Gait Cycle)

 

In our experience working with clients for over 10 years, we have found trends in causes and treatment of  many types of foot pain and heel pain. For brevity purposes we won’t list out each condition, but we have seen many, such as bunions, etc.

 

In our 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s, our joints tend to stiffen up (even if we’re active…, we’re human). We can develop certain patterns and muscle imbalances that can lead to the breakdown of one support system and vice versa. 

Unless we take dedicated time to improve our ankle and foot mobility, chances are – the way we walk has also changed in order to adapt to new/less joint mobility. A decrease in ankle mobility leads to various issues such as – knee pain, back pain, ankle tightness, plantar fasciatis, heel pain, loss of balance. In addition, as we age, our ability to move quickly and react diminishes due to the tight fascia (envelopes our muscles), and lack of ankle joint mobility.

This hip and ankle mobility drill is also simple to do, and in addition to stretching the ankle, it stretches the muscles around the pelvis/low back very well. 

Every time someone comes in with any of the above we will at some point look at the gait cycle (the way they walk). 9/10 times we’ll cue people on things to become aware of while walking and help them understand what a healthier pattern would look like for them. The people that have experienced benefits with the treatments age from 25 to 85. The older we get, the harder we need to work on establishing joint laxity, but it is possible. 

We believe what you do outside of our treatment is 100% just as important as what we do with you in session.

Since we want to keep the posts brief yet informative as possible – in a quick minute video – here are 2 simple yet effective things to be aware of when you walk 

 

Hope it helps – and like I say Try it Tuesday, but also try it Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday – make it a habit. 

Reach out if you have questions/need some help evaluating your mechanics

Check out the next posts in our Foot Pain and Plantar Fasciatis series:

(Part 2) Foot Pain and Plantar Fasciatis: Toe and Foot Stretches 

(Part 3) Foot Pain and Plantar Fasciatis: Leg Exercises and Hip Stretches 

(Part 4) Foot Pain and Plantar Fasciatis: Choosing Footwear

 

 We like to keep our blogs and info bits short and to the point. For more like this on health, fitness, & injury rehab, sign up for our monthly newsletter