The Pilates exercises that we give you for your feet might not be exciting, but they are essential to your body’s function. A 2015 journal article article from the British Journal of Sports Medicine explains that the stability of the arch of the foot, where most of these muscles lie, is a key part of your core stability.
Humans are unique in the structure of the foot and its flexibility. The evolutionary development of the arch began as we moved from trees to being ground-dwelling. Once on the ground, demands particularly began to be placed on the foot as humans began to run.
The foot provides our base of support. When we are walking or running, our feet must be stable when striking and pushing off from the ground. As part of this our feet need to be able to maintain an elastic energy that enables us to spring when needed. When we are standing, our feet must be able to keep us balanced and adjust to our loads.
The arch of the foot, controlled by intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscles, gives the flexibility which enables us to accomplish this. And so, the arch could be considered the central ‘core’ of your foot that enables you to keep moving.
Currently, when treating problems with feet, the use of foot orthotic devices for heel pain and plantar fasciitis is the norm and the long-term strengthening of the muscles in the feet are commonly overlooked.
Of course, if you have an acute foot injury you may need temporary support, but this should be replaced as soon as possible with a strengthening programme just as would be carried out for any other part of the body.
Reference:
McKeon PO, Hertel J, Bramble D, et al, The foot core system: a new paradigm for understanding intrinsic foot muscle function,. Br J Sports Med 2015;49:290.
