Everybody Cut Footloose

As I've covered many times on this blog, many physical ailments have their origin in the feet. ( You know- the whole foot bone is connected to the ankle bone thing.)

People who study the myofascial lines, massage therapists, PTs, and chiropractors are among those who start with the feet even when pain or malfunction may be manifesting itself in the neck, knee or back.

There is a simple maneuver called the Janda short foot that is a simple way to strengthen plantar foot strength. If the plantar (bottom) muscles of your feet are weak, then that can cause dysfunction all the way up the kinetic chain.

The beat way to learn the short foot exercise is to have someone teach it to you. In general, though, the exercise involves "shortening" the foot by by drawing the toes back toward the heel without curling the toes. This exercise is better for strengthening the abductor hallus than toe curls.

The abductor hallus muscle runs from the heel bone along the medial (inner) portion of the arch and connects to the big toe. It is extremely important in helping maintain a proper medial arch and foot function. This muscle absorbs shock and prevents the arch from collapsing.

Weak plantar foot muscles can lead to leg and hip compensations.

Work up to performing four sets of an 8 second hold for each foot. And closed-chain, single leg reps are the best for building this important muscle.



Loose, footloose kick off your Sunday shoes
Please, Louise pull me off a my knees
Jack, get back c'mon before we crack
Lose your blues everybody cut footloose (Kenny Loggins, Footloose, 1984)