Foot Pressures

Foot Pressures 

In this is a subjective assessment, you will experience where the majority of pressure rest in your feet by moving the body weight above it. 

In an optimal walking gait, as one foot hits the ground and bears weight, it changes shape in terms of width and length in order to distribute the load/forces generated as you make contact with the ground. This foot shape is called Pronation. It is a process that allows the entire foot (and ankle) to adapt to the ground beneath it as it takes weight from above.

Ideally, as it engages with any surface the foot will distribute the load/forces like a ‘tripod’. Formed by having three points of contact, the tripod shape is the most adaptive structure on any surface. As shown in the image, the ideal foot tripod will distribute contact with the ground at the first & fifth toe knuckles (the balls of the big and little toes, properly named the 1st & 5th metatarsals) and the heel (the Calcaneus).

Research reveals, however, that most people’s feet do not engage with the ground – and therefore distribute weight – along the lines of this ideal ‘tripod’ shape. Instead, many people’s feet use a combination of other contact points that are not optimal for long-term health. We want to learn to use our full walking potential and utilise our foot tripod with every step we take!

Instructions (also demonstrated in the video above)

• Stand tall, with your feet slightly less than shoulder-width apart.
• Think about the pressure in your feet as you stand, then complete the actions below without moving your feet:
  • Slightly move your body forward so that more pressure is felt in the toes, then return back to the start positioning
  • Slightly move your body backwards so that more pressure is felt in the heels, then return back to the start positioning
  • Slightly move your body to the right so that more pressure is felt in the right foot, then return back to the start positioning
  • Slightly move your body to the left so that more pressure is felt in the left foot, then return back to the start positioning
• Re-assess the pressure in your feet - has the pressured changed from the previous assessment.

Record where the pressure sensation has centred in your feet on a piece of paper!