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Your Feet
This month and next we'll be doing something a bit different. Posture and alignment are huge issues, these next two months are just one small aspect of the bigger picture. For May, I'm going to put general information below for you to go thru as you can with the bigger goal of just keep focusing on the overall goal of posture and alignment!
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May 2019
The foot is an extremely complex system that without, well - it would be a huge problem! And many, many of the issues people have with chronic pain, endurance, balance, walking, etc. come from not just the foot, but how the foot interacts with the ground below. For a detailed over view, my favorite foot expert is Dr. Emily - if you want to dive in big time, here is her EBFA Fitness You Tube link!
From the beginning if you want all the details!
Now for the shorter version of what is actually going on in the foot here is an overview of the anatomy:
I like this video to really be able to visualize just how complex the foot is as it performs the most critical of functions - our ability to be mobile. It is difficult to have a walk away life and no longer be able to walk. With that said, we all have limitations so the goal here is not perfect athletic function, but the highest level of function that is available to you. As one DR says below tho, it is hard work... just sayin'
Exercises for the Foot
There are several important steps in maintaining good feet. One is releasing the tension and contractions with release work. Another is strength and stability training. And in addition is self care of the feet as in cleaning them, bunions, shoes, nails, etc. Investing time in taking care of your feet now will allow you to reap the benefits as you age. If you don't do prevention with your feet, you can't catch up or fix after certain issues develop.
This is all very basic and introductory presentation of the information and practices you can do with your feet. The most important thing to take away is the feet are meant to engage with the ground and be very pliable and strong.
#1 Aging in Feet Issue: Peripheral Neuropathy
Now, here is why all this is so complicated. The video below is the kind of advice you get from 'professionals' who are speaking from only their area of expertise. And while they are correct, the source of peripheral neuropathy can be from many causes, the main reason is loss of circulation due to inflammation, diabeties, lack of movement, lack of muscles being used, to name a few. ALL of which require MOVEMENT and to engage and get blood flowing again!
If blood flow has been restricted, once it starts up again it will be painful as nerves reawaken and what hasn't been used is resistant to now being told to do work again! I am not advocating ignoring medical advice, but - medical advice doesn't always provide the best answer.
Before we end this section on feet, at some point this month take the time to truly examine your feet up close. If you can't reach your feet, go back to April and start working with your body to get it aligned and stretched so you can. The older you get, the more important foot health is!
The video below is really thorough, but a great guide to do prevention and assessment of any issues regarding your feet. If you find some of the testing reveals concern, please see your doctor!
Foot Reflexology Overview
Here's a link to a good article as an overview of what reflexology is and it's benefits.
